I have an LP featuring Jim and his Sonor kit from the "Music Minus One" collection. Complete with drum charts! Two cuts of each song, the first with drums and the second without, so that you can play along. Man, did I have fun with this!

Mark

I still teach the Moeller technique to my students as that`s the system i learned from.Guess i`m dating myself here but as they say..."If it ain`t broke don`t fix it" and this system works completely. That`s what Jim Chapin`s approach is all about,passed on from the master to Jim to the rest of us.

Wayne

Man, when those Music Minus One records came out, I bought one and thought it was Fuddy-Duddy music. I was young, I wanted to rock. Now, I can appreciate them for the great learning tools that they are and they don't publish them any more!

As Bela Lugosi would say... "Oh, the irrrrrony!" lol

Wayne - I know you don't mean for guys to use Moeller 'exclusively', right? I've been a huge Bruce Lee fan since the 70's. He was the granddaddy of modern mixed martial arts. Bruce's philosophy was; (basically,) 'Use whatever technique will help you win the fight in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of expended effort.' It's smart! It applies equally well to drumming. If it works, use it! It's all about being able to express yourself musically in any playing situation. Having as many tools at your disposal as you'll ever need.

I just bought the Chapin DVD from Guitar Center! I'll let you guys know if it's a goodie!

John

I'm reviving this one just long enough to post a review of the Chapin DVD I purchased called; 'Speed, Power and Control'.

It has to be stated at the outset that this is a straight-up -Master Class- on the Moeller Technique. I thought it important to mention that this DVD is not, licks & tricks, grooves, or entertainment. This DVD is Chapin passing on just about everything he ever learned at the feet of Moeller himself.

It's all about 'technique' from start to finish. Every detail, every nuance of Moeller technique is covered off in the video. It can get dry and a bit repetitious in places, but over-all, it's all -very useful- material for any drummer interested in improving their drumming skills.

Moeller is not meant to 'replace' whatever techniques you currently employ. (Instead of.) It is meant to be 'added to' whatever you already know, or use. (In addition to.)

Chapin mentions the fact that any time you go for serious speed, you automatically employ Moeller. There is no other more effective way to dramatically increase your speed and control with less physical effort (and damage,) than the Moeller Technique.

If you don't already know it, (and even if you do!) getting it 'directly from the horse's mouth' is always the best way. Chapin provides some exercises to help you incorporate the principles he is teaching and demonstrates them for you so that it's not at all hard to follow.

Again... it's a -pure- set of lessons on a single technique. It's more like being in a demanding physics class at school where you really have to pay attention, (or you'll miss something important,) than it is light fare for 'entertainment' purposes. Grab your sticks & pad and put on your game face. Get ready to learn something when you hit the play button.

Serious, sober and at times a little boring and repetitious, but excellent material presented by the Master himself.

Your call if you want to spend the $. Just know what it is (and what it isn't,) before you buy it.

John

I have been studying moeller since i discovered chapin through the classic independence book. "advanced techniques for the modern drummer". That book has opened so many doors for me for jazz independence. Still trying to master the moeller but the only thing i think i have down with the technique are triplets. I still have trouble playing moeller style singles like chapin does...

> i have down the technique with triplets. I still have trouble playing moeller style singles like chapin does...

You and me both! And probably 10,000 other guys as well. That Moeller single stroke is my, 'White Whale!'

Ahab

No John-the Moeller tech. is just one part of the program but it`s a big one and i`m a big "Bruce Lee" fan too.Get more done with less energy expended and win in the end and this is especially important as we get up there in years.I`ve been pacing myself more these past two decades,lol!

Wayne

Larry - Shawn - Did you guys ever order the DVD? What did you think of it?

(*See my own review of it a few posts back on this page.)

John

I had to hold off on getting it due to my paycheck getting messed up from work. I still plan on ordering it this week. Thanks for the review. I'll let you know my thoughts shortly.

Shawn - It's pretty dry stuff, but if you don't know the Moeller method, or you learned it from somebody else, you will know it much better after you watch Chapin on this DVD. I've been using Moeller forever and I learned a ton of new stuff (stick grips, hand positions, etc.) just watching this lesson.

There is nothing that compares to getting something straight from the horse's mouth!

John