Jim Chapin: Speed, Power, Control, Endurance

Next to hearing from Moeller himself, Jim Chapin is the next best to share the Moeller technique.I wouldn't say this is a super structured "how to" video, though there is structure to it, and it is absolutely worth it!First, the guy has great hands ( let alone for someone in their late 80's) and shares very helpful instruction for you to do the same.I found it helpful to also watch videos on the topic from JoJo Mayer and Russ Miller which reinforced what Chapin is covering and clarified some gaps for me that I missed while watching it.I'm glad I bought it!

You may not know of Jim, but all the best drummers do, and this DVD is why. The title says it all. Digest these lessons and amaze yourself.

This video is Jim wailing on a practice pad and telling you about how you can play faster. It's not particularly well organized but if you really listen to what he says and shows you and then apply it, work on it, suddenly you find you're playing A LOT faster and smoother. I really enjoyed his style, it's like a friend telling you some fantastic techniques (that is if you're into drumming :-)This old man can really fly with the sticks, definitely worth the bucks to me, kids or young players probably won't get it.Good music to all

This instructor is right on! He's got good advice and proves his point. It's good stuff! The only way we get to study with him now is by video. That's why he made the recording. It's like playing along with Jimi Hendrix: eternally true music! God Bless You Jim Chapin!

5. Stars!!!

This dvd is timeless! If there was one drummer I wish I could have met, it's Jim Chapin! Just to be able to hang out and pick his brain for technique and knowledge about the history of drumming... What a lesson that would have been! Get this dvd for the bonus master class footage alone! 5 stars plus!!

This is the most comprehensive discussion of drumming techniques regarding stick grips and hand and arm movements. Jim Chapin, himself a student of Sanford Moeller, demonstrates the Moeller techniques and clarifies several points that previously have been difficult to understand. Added material from masterclasses and interviews make this an even better reference to the Moeller techniques and drum techniques in general than did the VHS edition from year 2000. Highly recommended!

More than advertised: This is actually the foundation of drumming: How to hold the stick , how to move the stick, & how to hit the drum, all which -lead- to the "speed, power, control, & endurance". Chapin has g r e a t generosity, flexibility, clarity, charm, & open-mindedness as a teacher, & g r e a t technique as a drummer.

The DVD case states "Level: Beginner to Pro" and I guess that's true. Let's face it, how you hold the sticks and get them to do what you want them to do is the basis of your techniue that allows you to express your musical ideas on the drums. Good technique allows the expression to happen while bad technique hinders it, gets in the way, or limits it. In that sense, any drummer, from beginner to pro could revisit this DVD often to learn, relearn, and check his hand technique.Personally, I think Chapin demonstrates and explains the Moeller and other techniques better than anyone else. Don't expect any fancy or high gloss production, like many other drum DVD's on the market with more famous names. It's basically a 1 camera view of Chapin sitting in front of a drum pad and giving the viewer lessons. He covers it all, from various grips (Moeller, German, French, matched, traditional) and the advantages of each and explains that there is NOT only one way to hold a stick, but many, depending on what you need to do.The picture is clear, the sound is good, Chapin's wisdom and demonstration is priceless. A worthwhile investment IMO. I'd also recommend his books (for less advanced players) and his For Drummers Only CD/book package (part of the Music Minus One series) for Intermediate to advanced jazz players. These would be among your best drum learning investments.

Met Jim in person after practicing this video for 6 months. He used this in his training / teaching moller. He's the real deal, a fantastic person and instructor, I miss him greatly. My speed and endurance went to zero to hero because of this video. Went from pain and strain to being able to shred throwing accents when I wanted. Old school style of teaching, deserving a drummers respect. Practice this for an hour a day for six months and you will be flying around the kit.

Die DVD enthält das komplette Material der von Anfang der 90er Jahre stammenden Videokassette und darüber hinaus Bonusmaterial. Von letzterem sollte man sich nicht zu viel versprechen, weil es sich um Amateur-Mitschnitte von äußerst bescheidener Qualität handelt. Auch wiederholt Jim gebetsmühlenartig seine Grundideen, so dass der Erkenntnisgewinn - in Relation zum Hauptvideo - recht gering ist. I. E. handelt es sich leider nur um eine Dokumentation des körperlichen Verfalls des vor kurzem verstorbenen Altmeisters. RIP.Dennoch ist die DVD für alle, die sich aus erster Hand über die Grundprinzipien der Moeller-Technik informieren möchten, sehr zu empfehlen. Man muss lediglich damit klarkommen, dass Jim nicht gerade systematisch vorgeht, sondern eher spontan daherredet und trommelt. Aber so nach und nach kommt man dahinter, was sich hinter den Begriffen "Little-Finger-Hold" und natürlich der unvermeidlichen "Whip" verbirgt. Wer von Jojo Mayer überfordert ist, könnte hier vielleicht einen Fuß in die Tür kriegen.Warum man allerdings darauf verzichtet hat, die Notationen, die noch dem Video beilagen, nicht auch der DVD zumindest in Form eines PDF-Dokuments mit auf den Weg zu geben, wird wohl ein Geheimnis der Herausgeber bleiben.Fazit: Die DVD gehört in jede ernstzunehmende Materialsammlung.

A great dvd by one of the all time great teachers. The only downside is that this dvd was obviously taken from a previous video. In some parts Chapin will refer to the written notation in the enclosed booklet.......but there is no booklet with this dvd.......however, you can determine what he does just by watching, so it is not so detrimental.

This DVD is King.Even if this not the best example of demystifying the Moeller technique it's certainly the most entertaining. Jim Chapin' contribution to the world of drumming is well documented and I won't bother to add to that except to say that his enthusiasm is infectious and an inspiration. If you're serious about music and technique in drumming, get this DVD.