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Who we are
thePlanetDrum was established in 1996 by founding partners, Mirko Schmitt and Alain Maurel. Located in London in an old warehouse on the banks of the river Thames, our goal was to pass on our techniques and love of playing to beginners and advanced players.
From left to right: Eric Thomas, Alain Maurel, Andy,
Mirko Schmitt, Marco Minnemann, Norbert.
Mirko Schmitt, Marco Minnemann, Norbert.
In the process, we were able to create an atmosphere that set us apart from conventional music schools. Learning goes a lot faster if you’re having fun and the atmosphere is free and relaxed.
Mirko Schmitt: “I studied at the Musicians Institute of Technology at the P.I.T. in Los Angeles with Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa) and Joe Pocarro (father of session legend Jeff Pocarro from Toto). There I learnt how important it is to take inspiration from different kinds of teachers, and to learn various techniques and lots of little tricks. The campus had a great atmosphere. We had the chance to talk to lots of other musicians, make contacts and share job opportunities with each other. That spirit is incorporated into thePlanetDrum on a day-to-day basis.”
Mirko Schmitt: “I studied at the Musicians Institute of Technology at the P.I.T. in Los Angeles with Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa) and Joe Pocarro (father of session legend Jeff Pocarro from Toto). There I learnt how important it is to take inspiration from different kinds of teachers, and to learn various techniques and lots of little tricks. The campus had a great atmosphere. We had the chance to talk to lots of other musicians, make contacts and share job opportunities with each other. That spirit is incorporated into thePlanetDrum on a day-to-day basis.”