Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Brothers Pub.
• VHS Release Date: October 20, 2000
• Run Time: 70 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302531713
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #297,071 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An in-depth lesson from a master teacher, April 16, 2001

By 

Ed Pierce (Canby, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jim Chapin Speed Power Control Endurance [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video contains a detailed lesson by Jim Chapin on the "Moeller Method", which is an approach to drumming that was developed by Sanford A. Moeller around the 1920's. Moeller was interested in studying the techniques used by Civil War era drummers, who during the War had to play very loudly for long periods of time on badly tensioned rope drums. In order to survive such playing conditions without suffering fatigue or injury, Moeller found that there was a particular way these drummers held their sticks and hit the drum. He codified these techniques into a system, and became well known as a teacher in the 1930's, with two of his students from that era being Gene Krupa and Jim Chapin.

Chapin discusses at length the mechanics of the Moeller system, which consists of making accents via a "whipping motion." He also details Moeller's concept of "pull-out" accents, which is a very effective way of developing the double stroke roll and single stroke ruffs. He gives numerous exercises for developing these techniques. He also spends some time discussing various ways of holding the sticks, and various "hand holds" that can be used.

One of the things that I like best about this video is that Chapin advocates being open-minded about learning drum technique. He himself has learned a very effective way of playing with astonishing speed and power (as is evidenced several times throughout the video by his displays on a Real Feel practice pad), but he acknowledges that there are several ways of achieving good technique, and he advises the viewer to be aware of this.

This video is not meant to be an overall snare drum method. It's purpose is to focus on a particular way of playing with (as the title promises) speed, power, control, and endurance. Because of it's specific focus, Chapin is able to go into more detail about the method than if he were doing a more broad-based instructional video.

A word of warning, to those who want to see drum set solos: Chapin's playing on this video is strictly confined to a practice pad. He doesn't do any demonstrations on a snare drum or a drum set. But the educational value of the video is extremely high, and just watching Chapin play licks on a practice pad is awe-inspiring.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vince from Drums,PA, April 18, 2004

By 

Vincent Louis Schuman (Drums, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jim Chapin Speed Power Control Endurance [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Jim Chapin has long been a Moeller icon. The video tape gives you a good front shot of Jim demonstrating various techniques and how they relate to Moeller. So, not knowing Jim personally, my opinion is formed from the videotape. He is a person that really wants the student to learn and grow. Briefly, two of the many things I carried away from the tape were: 1. Triplets are the easiest hand-to-hand stroke, and 2. Jim encourages us to try new techniques out and decide for ourselves what is good for us.

3.0 out of 5 stars Moeller basics, November 12, 2009

By 

Seasoned investor (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jim Chapin Speed Power Control Endurance [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The late Jim Chapin is probably the best proponent of advanced drumming techniques in the past 60 years. Originally known for his ground-breaking study of coordinated independence during the bop era, he has, in this video, brought to light an old technique that has been shrouded in secrecy and/or ignorance for so many years. Today, many teachers are disciples of Moeller, learning from Chapin the mysteries of the early master, Sanford Moeller, who taught Chapin. The Moeller method of using multiple bounce strokes with each wrist snap is a logical way to achieve speed and endurance, but getting there is the hard part. Jim does a good job conceptualizing the technique to make it understandable, but his introduction discussing the various methods of holding the drumsticks is overdone. It matters not whether one uses a German style or French style of matched grip, the technique is still the same. In addition, once one gets beyond doing the bounce with triplets, Jim fast forwards rapidly with multiple strokes, but without a clear demonstration of how the individual hands should come together in coordination. A recent dvd by Jo Jo Mayer also describes the Moeller technique along with others such as finger control drumming. In a short space, Jo Jo does a thorough job describing the method in both slow motion and real-time. He presents a novel analogy, using a chain to demonstrate the transfer of energy. I would recommend Mayer for a clearer and more direct perspective. One of the interesting facets of drumming techniques is that there is no one "method." All drummers utilize various methods from Moeller to finger control drumming depending on the speed and power required in the performance setting. It is good to know them all and integrate them in one's playing. That is another benefit of Jo Jo's offering.