Derrick Pope: Moeller - One Handed Roll - Heel Toe - DrumSet

[Martal]

Thx alot,been waiting!

[Chip]

Great, I've been waiting for these. I'm downloading them now, I'll post my thoughts on them.

k3ng, these techniques applied with practice can give the same results Jojo gets. I'm practicing it right now, I had heel toe mixed up with constant release, I feel more comfortable doing doubles with heel toe. I was looking for other ways to apply these techniques.

[FloEy]

luv the solo man!! thx 4 da ideas

[Class A Drummer]

that was great derrick. especailly the ending, i thought was pretty cool.

I have a suggestion for the next video. i remember near the begining of the vid, during the solo, you did all these stick tricks (different throws, and this one thing i saw buddy rich do where he hits them together in the air and makes it sound cool). i have always been wanting to do those things, and i have never been able to how.

It would be awsome if you added that into your next vid.

[Jivi]

Yeah great video man, got me thinking about my playing and how i should incorporate different techinques and stuff.

[averypoordrummer]

that solo is amazing, and the buddy rich stick trick! man, you have amazing chops and that groove you layed down at one point had me tapping my toes.

i can't imagine the hours of shedding you must have put in to build up your chops.

nice work

[cheen]

Man you're hilarious, send some of that energy my way. Your hands look so loose and do you use heel down a lot or was that just my imagination? I also think you should do a video on an acoustic kit with just a bunch of grooves, I'd be really interested in seeing that. Again, great hands.

[NUTHA JASON]

derrick, you rule.

your excellent drumming aside you are a great teacher with an evident passion and we all thank you for it. i hope your hard work pays off bigger than your dreams.

j

[samthebeat]

All three at the same time, awesome man.

great vid again derrick, especialy the part on the moller around the drum kit, I have never really understood how it was applyed round the toms.

great work. great playing.

[kjsm]

1) thank you for existing

2) your voice reminds me of beavis and butthead's class teacher, the hippy one ... but in a cool way, no doubt. heh.

3) can you make us a video of those buddy rich sticktricks like you do in your video (the stickclicks, the catching sticks flipping while actually playing, etc)

[Wegadrummer]

Thanks Derrick, now i can do one handed rolls and I have learned the moeller with both hands.. :) Once again, thanks..

[Anduin]

Yes, those techniques are great, and you teach them really well, but for me the most inspirational part of the videos are the pictures hanging off your kit. Check the onehandrolls vid around the 11 minute mark.

[skate4flip]

Hi,

Could someone answer theses questions i have about the moeller technique and one hannded roll?

1. Whenever I try the Moeller Technique with my right or left hand (trad. for left), I can not seem to get the the continuous stroke. I just end up going 1e&, pause, 1&e, pause, etc.... No matter what I do there is always a little delay between each stroke/snap. Sometimes its more noticeable than other times. How do I go about fixing this (if there is any other answer beside practice)?

2. Is it possible to do the Moeller Technique with a total of 2 (eigths) or 4 (sixteenths) strokes instead of 3(triplets)?

I also have two questions about the one handed rolls.

1. I can play the Jo-Jo Mayer right hand one handed roll fine at a slow to moderate speed (sixteenths at 84 b.p.m). When I go any faster though (or sometimes even at that speed), the strokes start to sound uneven (instead of 1+2+3+4+ its more like 1 ah2 ah3 ah4....). I also find i can not move my wrist fast enough when going fast enough (maybe I'm doing something wrong technique wise)?

2. For the left hand Buddy Rich one handed rolls, do you apply pressure in the fulcrum to create or help the rebound or is the rebound only made moving the arm/wrist up and down. I find that by only bring my arm/wrist up and down my strokes becoming more off a buzz kind of roll instead an open/close kind of thing.

Thanks

[djp132]

Hi,

Could someone answer theses questions i have about the moeller technique and one hannded roll?

1. Whenever I try the Moeller Technique with my right or left hand (trad. for left), I can not seem to get the the continuous stroke. I just end up going 1e&, pause, 1&e, pause, etc.... No matter what I do there is always a little delay between each stroke/snap. Sometimes its more noticeable than other times. How do I go about fixing this (if there is any other answer beside practice)?
Slow down and make the whip motion smaller. Watch my moeller vid again and go to the part where i completely open up my left hand, practice that for awhile, should help the continuity.


2. Is it possible to do the Moeller Technique with a total of 2 (eigths) or 4 (sixteenths) strokes instead of 3(triplets)?
Absolutely. You can do as many as you want or as many as the music calls for, simply adjust the whip and rebound accordingly.


I also have two questions about the one handed rolls.

1. I can play the Jo-Jo Mayer right hand one handed roll fine at a slow to moderate speed (sixteenths at 84 b.p.m). When I go any faster though (or sometimes even at that speed), the strokes start to sound uneven (instead of 1+2+3+4+ its more like 1 ah2 ah3 ah4....). I also find i can not move my wrist fast enough when going fast enough (maybe I'm doing something wrong technique wise)?
It took me about 3 months to get the jojo-OC even at a faster speed. This is a motion that your hands are not used to doing, and they need to be trained. I would practice it on my steering wheel at red lights (I do not condone playing and driving.), whenever i could. Give it time, it will come.


2. For the left hand Buddy Rich one handed rolls, do you apply pressure in the fulcrum to create or help the rebound or is the rebound only made moving the arm/wrist up and down. I find that by only bring my arm/wrist up and down my strokes becoming more off a buzz kind of roll instead an open/close kind of thing.
There is a small squeeze with the thumb on top, this is the "catch". Try to avoid using any arm on this one.

Hope this helps a bit
Derrick

[djp132]

Hello everyone in Drumland!

The videos I have made and put online have been met with a staggering response and it's still a bit overwhelming. However, the videos do take a LOT of time to stage, record, convert, and post online. I'm not going to require anyone to pay me anything, I made that promise to myself when I started this, but a DONATION would be greatly greatly appreciated! It will be put to good use in future videos and for my DVD. Any amount is greatly appreciated and I thank you ahead of time for any donation you can make.

Make a paypal (http://www.paypal.com) donation to djp132@gmail.com
THANKS!!!
Derrick

[Big_Philly]

I think I have the moeller working pretty well now, but it's hard to implement that in my playing. Are there any exercises or tips on that?

[gazzdw]

these vids have been a big influence to me, please Derrick could you make a vid on how to do that Buddy Rich stick trick with the clicking of the sticks, Buddy is my idol and its one of the things i havnt been able to work out.
Thanks aload your one of the best things to hit drummerworld,so informative
thanks again
gazz

[djp132]

Got WAY too many responses and requests for this one to pass it up. It's a short video, bout 4 and a half minutes.

Feedback is appreciated.

www.derrickpope.net/buddyrichsticktrick.wmv

Had a hard time converting this one to quicktime. Anyone want to take a shot at it?

Thanks
Derrick

[Big_Philly]

I think I have the moeller working pretty well now, but it's hard to implement that in my playing. Are there any exercises or tips on that?

Should have watched the #4 video before posting that... my apologies. Great stuff!!

[kaptainsteve]

JoJo's heel to toe method is great in theory, but not always in practice....

see, jojo looks to have about size 6 feet... i'm size 13 and it's IMPOSSIBLE to slide
my big old dogs up the pedal enough to have my heal anywhere near the part of the
pedal needed to pull it off.

My feets are just too big, and i suspect, most drummers feets are too (to pull off the
heal to toe method).

and about those having problems with the moeller/one handed roll... what cracked it open for me was when derrick said "push-pull" method.
see, if you do a "saw" motion with the stick,,, you'll get this motion/feel you need to cop the moeller and do a continuous one handed roll.


Balloon-Knot

[Muckster]

Derrick,

I was one of those who asked if you could explain the Buddy Stick Trick. I checked out your video and then went to the park for lunch to practice. You cleared everything up and i had the trick going at a speed i could not believe. Amazing!!!

I am currently in a back to basic mode with my technique, i have been playing for over 28 years now. Your stuff is very refreshing and i wish it was around back when i started out.
I don't know if you teach or anything but those students are incredibly lucky as we are here at the forums. Keep up the great work!!!!!!!

[Mr.Echo]

Derrick,
You have the "Best Videos" by far that explains the three techniques and how
to apply it in a "practical drum playing" without showboating(I know how to play
drums and you don't, ha-ha).

Cant wait to see the DVD

[Kenneth Nishimoto]

Derrick, as a new drummer, these videos are possibly some of the greatest things I've found on the internet, they just completely demystify all of these percussion "secrets" that people have been arguig about for decades. Truly remarkable~! That's no overstatement, neither~ I can sense you truly have a passion music, not for elitist douchebaggery and stuff like that, very down to earth. Dig it~!

[NUTHA JASON]

another winner vid from the pope of drumming.
i actually invented my own matched grip version of the stick trick out of fustration with the fact that it seemed to me that onlt trad players would be able to the the BRST...but i reckon with a bit of practice i could combine them in weird combos. maybe i will make a vid and add it to my twirling stuff later.

nice on D

j

[djp132]

You are all way too kind.

I'm going through a very difficult and painful situation at the present time, but I look no further to my friends, and all my new drum buddies here, and I remember that if I keep my head on straight and keep doing what I do best, I'll be ok.

Pope of drumming, that rules. :)

Vid 5 and mini-vid 2 are coming soon to a drum forum near you.

When it hurts, make the skins sing.
Derrick

[swisscheeses]

Hey Derrick,

First of all I'd like to say it's good to see the 412 representing on boards and websites like these (412 reffering the area code for the Pittsburgh area). I think it's is really important to note that there are many great teachers and performers in this area representing all realms of percussion that often are not seen or overlooked when they are because they are from Pittsburgh, not NY or LA. I think it's great that there are outlets for these people such as the web to be noticed and appreciated.

I've always been a fan of being a "real" person in educational settings, and I feel that you have accomplished this with you video series. I think that is the main reason for the overwhelming response you are getting. It is great to see so many people notice that aspect of your videos in addition to some great information. I'm sure that many people are also pleased with you approach to actually taking the time to break these techniques and practices down. As we all know there are two main types of clinics and videos: Ones that you watch to see the performer, and ones that you watch to learn something. I think many people are sometimes alientated by the amount of "showing off" in opposition to actually breaking down what the performer is doing that sometimes happens in clinic and video situations, which in turn make these videos really fun to watch.

Having known you for awhile also, I think it's important to mention some background in marching percussion. I know that this background has probably inspired you to approach things in a certain way. I also know that many primarily drumset players and concert percussionist place a certain stigma on the world of marching percussion (i.e. drumcorps, marchin gband, and indoor) of not being musical or valid technique wise as an approach capable of being applied to other areas of percussion. I think that your foundations in an educational philosphy which really looks at technique and musicality from the micro up really brings a lot to the table in a drumset application. So many times and you see it all over the web in artist videos, you see the ends of playing a solo and not the means by which the player got there. Which isn't alway a bad thing. I mean seeing people play great solos and grooving with a band is very inspirational, but on the other hand alot of time leaves people with a lot of questions. I commend you on your quest to demystify many of these things and bring a "down-to-earth" approach to them.

I also appriectiate the fact that you disclaim often that these are the ways you approach them and are not neccessarily the right way, not that there is a "right" way at all. I'd like to amend this a bit by giving my own little disclaimer in terms of these teachniques. Having taught for some time now, I get a lot of elementary students (4th-6th grade of so) who have studied with other teachers before me and come in to their first lessons trying to play these approaches. I think it's important to note for other teachers out there that many times these approaches aren't as applicable to the skills that an elementary student may need to be succesful at that age in their music programs at school and even on drumset. Let's face the facts that young players who are into playing drums and percussion shouldn't be turned off to other forms of percussion because they have learned a specific technique that in most instances have seen only applied to drumset. I think when teaching students at an early age it's important to instill a more general approach to technique that has multiple applications. I'm sorry if sounds like I'm ranting, but I've seen far too many 5th graders come to lessons trying to play some bastardized version of Moeller very badly I mind you without any sort of premise for which to do so.

I'm not saying that these teachniques shouldn't be taught. They have a level appropriateness that I think you have a done a great job in illustrating in your videos and posts. I use websites a lot in my teaching to help suppliment lessons. I think they are great tool for motivation and allow younger students to really experience the world of percussion.

Derrick, thanks for the videos, keep up the good work. I've known this guy for a while and I'm glad to see that you have found an outlet to share your talents and knowledge base. By the way, it's been a long time man, we should hang out sometime.

-Alan Fear

[dasilvs]

D-Train:

We got nothing but love for ya in this forum. Hang in there, things will work themselves out...keep up the good work and great videos!

LONG LIVE THE POPE OF DRUMMING!

lol

[staind_1603]

hi derrick! before i say anything i just want to thank you so much for your videos they really are the best i have found by a drum teacher! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I was just wondering if you would like to make a double stroke video, I find your teaching the easiest to follow and understand and i think it would be great for the beginners here at dw and myself, its totally up to you mate if you can't do it thats fine, was just a thought!

YOUR AN AMAZING DRUMMER, THANK YOU!

[wolfp]

I'm going through a very difficult and painful situation at the present time, but I look no further to my friends, and all my new drum buddies here, and I remember that if I keep my head on straight and keep doing what I do best, I'll be ok.

I hope that everything works out fine for you!

Best regards,
Wolf

[BeatDigger]

My good friend, tank you very mutch to show me how this very good and exciting technique functions. tank you soo mutch, now I´m hooked to study hard and try to incorporate this technique in to my playing.

cheers and all the luck in the world.


keep the groove burning ;)

[Vic_Rattledeth]

I didnt think I would ever be doing JoJo mayers push and pull technique anytime soon, or any of the stuff you taught in your videos, thanks so much. You kick ass...i'm extremely jealous. :D

[torben]

i actually had the same problem for a while. i'm also right handed.

I'm actually a lefty, will this reult in the opposite effect, by the way, great video...

[djp132]

Hey everyone, just wanted to tell you that I'm going to the hospital to get myself checked out by a doctor. My situation has not improved and has been going straight downhill. I'll let you know how it goes.

Derrick

[Kenneth Nishimoto]

Hey everyone, just wanted to tell you that I'm going to the hospital to get myself checked out by a doctor. My situation has not improved and has been going straight downhill. I'll let you know how it goes.

Derrick

Oh man, that's a bummer~ Good luck with that, though~! Hope you feel better~! You're my hero~!

[Class A Drummer]

Hey everyone, just wanted to tell you that I'm going to the hospital to get myself checked out by a doctor. My situation has not improved and has been going straight downhill. I'll let you know how it goes.

Derrick
man that sucks. btw... what did you do to yourself? i have no idea!

[Mike Newland]

Me explaining and demonstrating the moeller technique. Give it a watch and let me know what you think. Its a home DIY job so the quality isnt dvd. Feedback is always welcome

www.derrickpope.net/moellertechnique.wmv

Derrick Pope
djp132@gmail.com>

Really excellent! In fact I could not get the picture to work but that made no difference since the sound track was all that was needed to grasp how it's done. A video that does not need the picture. You can't do better than that....

Now what I'm not so clear on is application if I might very gratefully ask?

By way of example, playing 16th triplets round the toms top down with six on each tom and at a fair speed. Do the top players all play this using Moeller with two strokes on each drum L and R each producing three notes? Or do some drummers play hand to hand LRLRLRLR and so on with each stroke producing one note? You just can't see on videos.

It occurs that rock players are more physically basic in their approach than jazzers. Could it be that rockers tend to play superfast single stroke rolls round the kit while jazzers economise on effort playing one-third of the hand movements? Trying both it seems to my amateur ear that the sound of the single stroke roll fits rock better while the Moeller sound is more jazzy.

Also, is not the double stroke roll Moeller by nature but with each hand using the rebound to get one further note out of each stroke rather than two? Never seen it mentioned but could not one say that learning the double stroke roll is the gateway to Moeller?

Finally, on the Vic Forth video of Jim Chapin demonstrating Moeller for Famularo he mutters something at the end about it not being to do with rebounds unless I misheard. This has me very confused!

Respects

Mike

London, England

[Raymond Bloom]

Finally, on the Vic Forth video of Jim Chapin demonstrating Moeller for Famularo he mutters something at the end about it not being to do with rebounds unless I misheard. This has me very confused!

Moeller technique is basically the way how to play on surfaces with poor rebound, so it's a single whipping motion in order to produce multiple strokes (2, 3, 4, or 5, doesn't matter how much)
With Gladstone technique involved the rebound comes in and the Moeller technique becomes more of an accent and rebounds, the way Derrick showed that and the way Moelelr technique is usually showed

[Kernel Panic]

Any news on Derrick??? His last post was a week ago. Hope everything is alright... :(

[Jared_Falk]

Derrick,

I know there are hundreds of people saying it but I just want to tell you how cool and informative your videos are. I have reviewed them all and think their fantastic! You teach it in a very clear and easy to follow way. Keep us posted as to where you are playing. If your ever on tour out near me I'd love to come and here you play a live show.

Thanks again for your contribution!

[JWM]

Moeller technique is basically the way how to play on surfaces with poor rebound, so it's a single whipping motion in order to produce multiple strokes (2, 3, 4, or 5, doesn't matter how much)
With Gladstone technique involved the rebound comes in and the Moeller technique becomes more of an accent and rebounds, the way Derrick showed that and the way Moelelr technique is usually showed
Gosh... there should probably be a thread to cover all hand techniques/grips!

I've never exclusively studied anyone technique per se, but rather principals. Certainly if I were to want to play jungle or fast jazz, I'd practice Moeller to be able to play fast strokes of 3 or more (notice that JoJo seems to adopt a French grip for the right hand when using Moeller on ride). I've begun to think of Gladstone as "principals" rather than a set technique... the chief principal being to play without tension.

If I were to currently define my own hand technique, it might be "American matched grip," which is considered to be a combo of German grip (wrist) and French grip (fingers). In this configuration, the palms are facing down parallel to the floor, but the principals of finger control are in affect. However, I've definitely observed that the way I make accented strokes followed by non-accented would fall under Moeller... that is, the whipping motion down and then up (I've primarily gotten this just from watching great drummers). But then I find myself using Gladstone for "full strokes" such as when doing straight blasts of single strokes. I find for me that this is the most well-rounded and practical approach as it allows for both power and speed... and the alternating of the two within a unified grip. I also see it as a three part system: forearm to wrist to fingers as speed increases.

As for the particulars of the grip itself, I seem to apply a bit of forward pressure from the thumb and forefinger, wrap the middle around the stick quite snugly for absolute control of the stick, and then the ring and pinky provide a supporting role to the fulcrum and entire system by "resting" on the stick. I also hold the stick so that about 1.5 inches of the butt end is visible.

To be honest, my foundation for hands is my own modification of a grip that my drum teacher Rick Steed in Riverside, CA. taught me. He studied with Murray Spivac, who had a concept of actually curling the pinky up just near the stick. I now place it on the stick for more power.

[detour123]

hey derrick! your videos are really helpful...all i need to explain is 1 word..... MORE!!!! The videos are awesome..they really help me understand new techniques like the moeller and things...im a big fan of buddy rich and i always wondered how he did the 1 handed roll......now that i know how its done...i can play with more speed and articulation (thats the right word isnt it?)....anyways thanks alot for the video and i cant wait for the new videos coming out!!!!!!!!

[djp132]

Hey everyone! I managed to convince some of the hospital staff to let me use a laptop today provided I did it in an area where it wouldn't screw with machines (which is just about everywhere); I was getting way too antsy not being able to keep updated on the goings on of DW.

Slowly getting better, I won't go into details of the problems at hand but lets just say its been a rough couple of weeks. I can't wait to get out of here and start working on getting myself back to 100%

Thank you all so much for all the support and emails I've gotten lately, it's an awesome feeling and I honestly believe that it is speeding up my recovery time greatly.

When I get out of here, keep an eye out for some new videos. It's been way too long!

Again, thanks a million to everyone, you guys rule!
Derrick

[Kenneth Nishimoto]

That's such great news~~!! I'm so glad you're back with us~~ ^_^ I was sort of getting worried~~XP

[centralzeke]

Yeah Derrick, glad you are recovering.. and good luck! I can't wait for another one of your videos!!! haha.

[JWM]

Derrick--

Glad to hear you're doing alright. I think everyone was getting a bit nervous! I know you have some great things to teach and share with us, and everything has been clear and concise thus far.

You're a great member of the drumming community... hope you get well soon bud.

[djp132]

Hey folks,

Had an opportunity to make a video for you! It's a couple of stick tricks that I've used in the past in drumcorps and whatnot. Stick tapping a la Steve Smith and stick juggling that I did on the drumset video. It's all improvised and was done in one take so I apologize in advance for the screw-ups.

www.derrickpope.net/djptapjuggle.wmv

Hope you enjoy!
Derrick

[rkettner]

Hey folks,

Had an opportunity to make a video for you! It's a couple of stick tricks that I've used in the past in drumcorps and whatnot. Stick tapping a la Steve Smith and stick juggling that I did on the drumset video. It's all improvised and was done in one take so I apologize in advance for the screw-ups.

www.derrickpope.net/djptapjuggle.wmv

Hope you enjoy!
Derrick

Cool stuff Derrick. Good job.

[fanagel]

over the past couple of weeks I've turned some of my drummer friends on to your vids...you are extremely loved and respected here in Montana. Our prayers and best wishes for speedy recovery are with you.

[djp132]

Thanks for the compliments Rick, I've enjoyed your Drummer Essentials series as well!

Much appreciated Fanagel. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, that means a lot to me.

[AvengedDrummer]

Another good video! This should tie me over for a week or so..... ;-)

[Vic_Rattledeth]

Derrick, you are my idol. Awesome vid....even better then thomas langs stick tricks I must say.

[XAkitAX]

yea you did a great job explaining that, im still having a little trouble connecting them non stop in fact, i think im gonna go practice right now, and ill remember - REBOUND :D

[dizkneelande]

i second every good ting previously posted. your a natural teacher thanks for posting this

[raymond90]

I don't want to start a new thread only for this question. I'm going to learn the moeller technique better now. I know that it is many ways to learn the moeller. But I want a sort of a overview. The way Derrick learns is one whip with to rebounds. Is that the same method that Jim Chapin learns? Because when I looked at one Tony Royster video here at drummerworld he described the moeller. And it didn't seemed that he did rebounds at all. Which one of those methods are most used? Which one is the easiest? Which one do you use? I'm just curious, because I want to do a some research before I decide which one I want to learn.

- Raymond

[Mr.Echo]

Thanks for the compliments Rick, I've enjoyed your Drummer Essentials series as well!

Much appreciated Fanagel. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, that means a lot to me.

You are a wizard at breaking down techniques once kept secrete by only a few(and unwilling to share), now we can all have the opportunity to learn it from you. Keep dispelling all those myths and techniques from those elite drummers.
Viva Derrick, our new drum Robin Hood,
I have to go push the button now, it's been 119 minutes....

[Anders Baarts]

Just viewed the vids - man, what a great job. I have seen lots and lots and lots of so called explainings of the Moeller/one handed roll, and I must say that these vids completely was a huge benefit for my playing.

You are a gifted drum teacher, and really do understand what it means to "tear it all down to the very basic" and I would love to see a DVD in the future - the answers speaks for them selves regarding topics to be covered.

It's thumbs up to you, that so many of us "get it", when so many pros can't "teach" it properly on a DVD about technique in 1 ½ hour!!

I think it's OK to debate whether the technique is Moeller or not (which in some wired way that my wife doesn't understand, is very interesting reading!), but I got the "Pope" almost immediately right away, where other's explaning has failed.
It's not about the RIGHT way, but A way to learn a method on "how to get the most out of your sticks".

Thanks a lot, Derrick - your vids have been a true contributing to the drummer's world (and Drummer World).

Hope your are going to be all right.

Sincerely,
Baarts, Denmark

[Jonny the Drummer]

those are so helpful. But I noticed that foot pedals are too small for the heel/toe and I have to take out that toe stopper if I'm wearing shoes. I only wear a size 8 but im 13. Even if I take out the toe stopper it still doesnt work. Anyways, It works great when I have no shoes on like you had in the video.. but do you do that during live performances? Also I really like that practice pad is t hat a pro-mark x pad?

[Raymond Bloom]

those are so helpful. But I noticed that foot pedals are too small for the heel/toe and I have to take out that toe stopper if I'm wearing shoes. I only wear a size 8 but im 13. Even if I take out the toe stopper it still doesnt work. Anyways, It works great when I have no shoes on like you had in the video..
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14867

[darkcherryfade]

I'm also very thankful for these videos and I give both Derrick and Tim Waterson props for being cool enough to share such great technique explanations with us without the slightest hint of selfishness involved.

[djp132]

I'm also very thankful for these videos and I give both Derrick and Tim Waterson props for being cool enough to share such great technique explanations with us without the slightest hint of selfishness involved.

Thanks bro, I appreciate the compliments (and I'm sure Tim does as well). I just watched your new push pull vid, killer stuff. You got that technique down to a T. Good job.


Derrick

[Doc]

Hey Derrick. I saw your solo on that "applying the methods to the drumset video", and I think you're great.

I'm just curious, do you know anything about the JoJo Mayer style break beat grooves? He says he uses Moeller technique, but the strokes he uses within his break beats in his left hand are in fours. If you knew anything about this, it'd be cool if you could make a video for it, or even shed some insight on it in just a posted explanation, because I am clueless on as how to play break beats, even with just the structure of them, and I'd really like to learn how, then I could make some Nerve backing tracks and play along with them!

Oh! BTW, why don't you plug your V-drums into your computer's sound card instead of recording them? The sound quality will be way better. If you don't have a 1/8th inch input on your sound card (PCI?) just get a 1/8 to 1/16 adapter that fits on any standard guitar/misc cable, you can get them at radio shack cheap. Or was there some reason you used a mic? The only reason I'm saying this is because the sound quality on that video was kinda bad, and I don't see any reason why you didn't just plug it in! Or was there another reason for using the mic?

[bigfatbobby]

Hi Derrick! I'm a 14 year old boy from Norway, I just want to say something you'vw heard a thousand times before, your videos are awesome! I was hust wondering if you could post a video of how to twirl a stick because I don't know anybody that are able to that. I have searched the internet for people twirling a stick in slowmotion, but without success. Maybe you'll think that this is a completely irrelevant question to drumming, and I understand if you do. But I know that there are drummers all around the world that would appreciate if you could make such a video. I also know that since it's you that would be going to demonstrate different kind of twirls everybody would get the idea of how to do it. Because you are explaining things with such great depth and you are expressing yourself so amazing that any person would be able to learn what you are teaching. I'm sorry if my English is bad. If you have time (which I do understand if you don't have) you could mail me an answer at felixh@broadpark.no. Thanks for your help!

Felix

[bigfatbobby]

Hi Derrick! I'm a 14 year old boy from Norway, I just want to say something you've heard a thousand times before, your videos are awesome! I was just wondering if you could post a video of how to twirl a stick because I don't know anybody that are able to that properly. I have searched the internet for people twirling a stick in slowmotion, but without success. Maybe you'll think that this is a completely irrelevant question to drumming, and I understand if you do. But I know that there are several drummers all around the world that would appreciate if you could make such a video. I also know that since it's you that would be going to demonstrate different kind of twirls, everybody would get the idea of how to do it. Because you are explaining things with such great depth and you are expressing yourself so amazing that any person would be able to learn what you are teaching. I'm sorry if my English is bad. If you have time (which I do understand if you don't have) you could mail me an answer at felixh@broadpark.no. Thanks for your help!

Felix

[vedran]

Perfect! I mean your videos. I think you are better teacher than lot of guys on drummerworld! Just keep on making movies, I am looking forward to new one!

[vedran]

perfect videos there! you are better teacher than lot of guys on drummerworld... I am looking forward to the next movie!

[Gethin]

Hi Derrick,

Hope you are feeling better..
great vids! you certainly have a great way of explaining things.

I do have a question though, with the heel toe, are you doing R heel, L heel, R toe, L toe, or R heel, R toe, L heel, L toe?

I also got confused with the jump from moeller, to triplets with moeller, but i'll work on the basics first anyway heheh..

great work, i also look forward to your next vid =)

[djp132]

Hi Derrick,

Hope you are feeling better..
great vids! you certainly have a great way of explaining things.

I do have a question though, with the heel toe, are you doing R heel, L heel, R toe, L toe, or R heel, R toe, L heel, L toe?

I also got confused with the jump from moeller, to triplets with moeller, but i'll work on the basics first anyway heheh..

great work, i also look forward to your next vid =)

Thanks for the kind words!

When I do the heel toe I use double strokes ie R heel R toe L heel L toe. But theres nothing wrong with doing it the other way too. Practice both and find the way that works best for you and your playing.

With the moeller, take it slow and don't get frustrated. Pretty soon your hands will click and the motions will happen. You can do it!

Thanks again
Derrick

[Gethin]

cheers Derrick ..
you've inspired me and given me the practice bug again, so many thanks =)

[Mike Newland]

What's always mystified me was what sticking pattern drummers of the more jazz soul end use to play fast fills and solos. Singles doubles what? You can't easily see unless you are two feet away. I was watching Martin Drew the other night from near the stage, from example, and could not figger it.

Having experimented following listening to Derrick's really excellent video a few weeks ago I suggest the following as a common practical use for Moeller. Maybe I'm the only person in the world not to have worked this out so if so please forgive my stupidity.

Say you want to play a passage on the snare with a mixture of 16ths followed by 16th triplets. Da da da da diddly diddly diddly crash sort of thing. Then you can play the 16ths hand to hand LR LR but when you want to move to the triplets your hands now move at HALF THE SPEED playing downward eighths LR LR with three beats produced from each downward movement by Moeller thus getting 16th triplets. Thus the faster notes require less effort than the slower ones! Your hands are moving at half the speed. It's very satisfying that it gets easier when you go faster. As Derrick says, the top players seem to get more relaxed the faster they go.

This also gives, it seems to me, the right sort of feel for jazzy souly pieces.

[djp132]

What's always mystified me was what sticking pattern drummers of the more jazz soul end use to play fast fills and solos. Singles doubles what? You can't easily see unless you are two feet away. I was watching Martin Drew the other night from near the stage, from example, and could not figger it.

Having experimented following listening to Derrick's really excellent video a few weeks ago I suggest the following as a common practical use for Moeller. Maybe I'm the only person in the world not to have worked this out so if so please forgive my stupidity.

Say you want to play a passage on the snare with a mixture of 16ths followed by 16th triplets. Da da da da diddly diddly diddly crash sort of thing. Then you can play the 16ths hand to hand LR LR but when you want to move to the triplets your hands now move at HALF THE SPEED playing downward eighths LR LR with three beats produced from each downward movement by Moeller thus getting 16th triplets. Thus the faster notes require less effort than the slower ones! Your hands are moving at half the speed. It's very satisfying that it gets easier when you go faster. As Derrick says, the top players seem to get more relaxed the faster they go.

This also gives, it seems to me, the right sort of feel for jazzy souly pieces.

Great example Mike! That is EXACTLY what the Moeller was designed to do. More speed, less effort.

[Mike Newland]

Thanks Derrick!

I've been puzzling for a while over fast notes and your video just popped up at me. "When the pupil is ready the teacher will appear".So I'm reassured I'm on the right track. To get the triplets you arrive naturally at a particular slow movement of the elbows I find which immediately reminds one of military drummers.

It's so easy to get nowhere at all kinds of things because of a lack of some vital bit of information.

Many years ago there was a remarkable lack of information on the drum kit. Videos and the web have transformed the situation. I think that lots of really good players who have been around for a long time never learnt Moeller and have learnt to manage on more effort with single strokes. But so far as I can see the fluency of, say, Joe Morello, is unattainable without the technique.

Mike

[Bernhard]

Just added the two new videos to the clinic section.

Buddy Rich stick trick ....and tapping & juggling

http://www.drummerworld.com/wishlistdrummers/Derrick_Pope.html

Great stuff!!! Check it out!!

Bernhard

[xrossingsouth]

Thanks,

Super video, In all my years of playing, this has been the best explination that I have seen concerning the Moeller technique. Well done!

[Beat Spector]

*i've posted this one to in the other thread, but i just wanne make sure you guys all read it and also bring it under Derrick P's attention - mods if you gonna delete it, plz delete the Other post thx*

Derrick, first of all a big fat thank you for the video's.
Don't worry, i won't begin to tell you how much I admire you, your playing and your willingness to put those video's FOR FREE on the net.
the world needs more Derrick.Pope's :-)
But i got a problem... if you will please take your time, it's concerning the Heel/toe method
ok,
I'm being busy behind the drumkid for 9 years. yet only last month started to learn the heel-toe method.
Man I'm having a hard time.
In my "calm" bands I always played heel down, in metalbands iI did the heel up.
(not one teacher told me about heel/toe, i mentioned in my previous posts that belgium is NOT a great drumming nation, i found out about the heel/toe only here, because of your video's)

So, i'm having kinda extreme difficulties "unlearning" what i've learned, and getting used to H/T method.
For a few weeks most of my everyday practice is the H/T method
Yet i experience very very little (read : almost no) progress in my playing.
even if I speed up just a tiny little, i catch myself just playing heel up automatically.
I'm kinda becomming a bit desperate cuz it doesn't seem to work out for me.
Feels like I can't overcome the "burden" of playing 9 years heel up....

I know the techinique, i've seen all the video's, believe me, i can explain H/T method from beginning to end. that's not the problem.
What i desperetaly like to hear from you guys is: are there any tips and/or tricks to "unlearn" my bad habbits (automatically go heel up) faster?

thx a bunch

[MagnZ]

Hey derrick...
Loved the videos.. They helped me alot. Spes the moeller video.. And after watching it I started thinking about all the videos I have seen of people explaining the technique, but how the majority of them never explains how to put them together in a single stroke roll.
So it was wonderfull to finally see a true spot explaination of it:)
Thanks
Magnus

[djp132]

HEY EVERYONE!! It's been awhile since my last video. Things have been crazy hectic. Health problems, working a lot, stuff stuff stuff.

And not only that but my camcorder broke! grrrrr. I found that a part needed replaced, so I took it to radio shack. They ordered the part for me, and showed me how to fix it. I was geeked to start on the next video, but then I found out that something is wrong with the audio capture. GRRR, stupid electronics. So now i have to figure that out. Once I do, video 7 will be on its way. I still have no idea what it will be on... Gimme some ideas!
And sorry for being blunt on this, but please, no requests for things like single/double stroke rolls and whatnot. I want my videos to be technique based tools used to enhance what you already can do, not be an instruction manual for playing exact things (if that makes any sense). So with that said, let the good ideas fly!

Also, thanks everyone for all the emails. I get so many every day and I love reading each one. I do my best to answer as many as possible, but there are SO many I cant get to them all, so if I dont get to respond to yours right away please be patient!

Thanks, you all rule!

Derrick

[Slipknotfan485]

Hey man i've been drumming for about 8 months, just watched your videos and feel like i've learned books upon books of information in like. an hour. I cant wait to try it all tomorrow. Personally, I think Derrick is one of the best teacher's ever for drums. He's so laid back about it and doesn't stray from topic, he focuses on one thing and nails the fundamental aspects of it. He expresses himself very well and shows more than one method at nailing a technique. Personally, I learned a lot of things from this guy and I think he's amazing at teaching drum techniques, I think he'd be great for any typical topic discussion here. :) Thanks Derrick!

[centralzeke]

In depth video on rebound and finger technique. Come on you know you want to.

Please?

[djp132]

This thread is getting some cobwebs on it so I thought I'd brush it off with some news.

DVD filming is going nicely. I ran into some snags with my health but I'm doing my best to work around them. If I'm not well enough to film theres always something else I could be doing like editing or graphics or anything like that. So the schedule for filming is pretty much on target.

In a few weeks I'll be making a teaser trailer to get all you salivating. Keep your eyes open for that.

As always, be useful and be happy.
Derrick

[tess]

Hey Derrick....sorry to hear about your bad health...hope all is well with you soon...wanted to let you know how you're helping me out. Have been practising moeller all night...kinda gottit..hands are hurting...but can't stop..don't wanna go to work tomorrow!! One thing that's really helped me is that I'm having a go at trad grip..since getting my drums couple of weeks ago I've been on the vic firth site and getting right into the rudiments...couldn't get the trad grip together tho, and wanted to, cos it looks so nice and..well..trad...wanna be able to do both. Watching your moeller vid with the open hand and the buddy stick trick with the one hand clap gave me the confidence to play around with my left hand, and suddenly I felt like i had some control instead of this little stick having a wobbler with a mind of its own. Been having a go at double stroke rolls with it, which I've only just learned with match grip...and find i can now do it both grips...TIDEE!...as we say here in Wales. Next is an attempt at paradiddles with trad grip...so inadvertantly you have assisted me with some real basic stuff at the same time as showing me that these crazy things these guys on this site do aren't out of my reach. You're an absolute inspiration and I'm glad I found you this early in my drum learning..cheers mister... :-)

Tess x

[itc41]

What kind of pratice pad is derrick using, and sticks.
I play bass, but want to learn more about drums.
His stick responce is a lot better than I can get on m pad.

[djp132]

What kind of pratice pad is derrick using, and sticks.
I play bass, but want to learn more about drums.
His stick responce is a lot better than I can get on m pad.

I use either a vic firth rubber pad or a pro mark x-pad (thats the one with the snare sound)

The stick response is not all about the pad, its more about how you hit the pad. Check out some of the videos. :)

[Class A Drummer]

What kind of pratice pad is derrick using, and sticks.
I play bass, but want to learn more about drums.
His stick responce is a lot better than I can get on m pad.
yeah its not about the pad its how you hit them. Learn the free stroke, that will get you started in a good direction.

[itc41]

I use either a vic firth rubber pad or a pro mark x-pad (thats the one with the snare sound)

The stick response is not all about the pad, its more about how you hit the pad. Check out some of the videos. :)


Great, Thanks.
The pad I have just seams dead.
I'll study all your videos closer. These would have ben great twenty years ago,
when I was in the school band.

What sticks do you use.
I picked up a set of 747 Promark. I like rush, at the time I did not know Neil Peart used them upside down :-)

mark

mark

[RudimentalDrummer]

NOTE: - This month "Modern Drummer" November Issue 2006....CHECK IT OUT !
There is a very good writeout on Joe Morello (The Hands Of A Master ).Page 64 to 81.

But...not on one-hand-roll

FYI


Regards


Eric

[Steve M]

Hi Derrick - hope you are keeping well. Just a wee note to say thanks for the videos. I got round to trying the heel toe again last night. I have size 13 feet and my yamaha professional direct drive pedals are quite short - so after a couple of previous attempts i had given up thinking i needed longer pedals.......but last night i copied your video and did it in my bare feet and bingo there it was, no problem at all - heel toe technique on both feet - straight away was doing double stroke rolls. Thanks (nipped my toes a few times though : )

[drumkid]

Thanks for the enableing videos! I'm 15 and can now do a real one handed roll. (without cheating) You use trad grip so you must know jazz and what-not. Post a new drumkit video of you playing a couple of grooves and stuff.

[Ivan]

Derrick

What's your opinion (if you have any) on Ralph Humphrey's and the Los Angeles Music Academy's approach to the Moeller technique?

[ashes]

Hey Derrick.

First off, just wanna say (nothing you haven't heard yet), but you have an absolute brilliant way of teaching. After watching your video, I thought I was gonna be able to jus pick up m sticks & play the Moeller. It wasn't that easy, but, your video makes me believe that I will get it right, and it's just a case of practice.

Anyway... I wanna second an earlier post:
"In depth video on rebound and finger technique."

If it's not in your DVD already. BTW - will def be buying that (even with our crappy Rand / Dollar exchange rate!)

Cheers

[ashes]

OK - just went to Derrick's site and got the Doublestroke roll video.

So just thought I'd let other's know.
Also got a teaser to his dvd there.

[DrumMasterDave]

Yah man Very cool video. you should release a DVD on it!

[stargazer81]

do you know that? you're my online teacher..

i've been interested in moeller method since i heard that at Jojo mayer's clinic.

but in S.Korea where i've been living in....

it's not easy for me to get some information about moeller technic. and so many people

have no clue about it.

so your pictures are very useful for me. your ones(about moeller, double, one handed

roll...) are better than any others i believe.

thanks again.

[mouldhill]

Derrick, thanks for making it simple .

[Panos_from_greece!]

derrick what sticks do you play with?it's a very interesting question!!

[Filthy]

That is the single most useful thing I have ever seen on the internet regarding drums and technique. I really dig the casual style offset by excellent technique. Very cool.

[The Stig]

I found Derek's vids very heartening, especially as they are free of charge to view. For someone to impart such knowledge for free goes to show their true love of what they do.

Well done Derek and hope you get well soon.

[Mangwisto]

Hey. Awesome videos.
Although I'm having trouble with the basics. I can do the whipping motion and get the 1e+ hit and two bounce but I just cant seem to string it together so that I get:

1 e + 2 e + 3 e + 4 e +

what I get is more:

(1 e +) (2 e +) (3 e +)... etc

I hope I convey myself clearly enough for everyone to understand.
I've been trying to acheive this for months and I'm starting to feel like I'll never get it.
Can anyone help??

[thebrza]

Me explaining and demonstrating the moeller technique. Give it a watch and let me know what you think. Its a home DIY job so the quality isnt dvd. Feedback is always welcome

www.derrickpope.net/moellertechnique.wmv

Derrick Pope
djp132@gmail.com

THIS VIDEO SUCKS!!!!!


(im kidding!)

[Alex Luce]

Hey. Awesome videos.
Although I'm having trouble with the basics. I can do the whipping motion and get the 1e+ hit and two bounce but I just cant seem to string it together so that I get:

1 e + 2 e + 3 e + 4 e +

what I get is more:

(1 e +) (2 e +) (3 e +)... etc

I hope I convey myself clearly enough for everyone to understand.
I've been trying to acheive this for months and I'm starting to feel like I'll never get it.
Can anyone help??

Hi Mangwisto: If I understand this right it sounds like you are having trouble performing the Moeller stroke in a continuous motion. The rebound notes in the grip should take place in the return stroke, so by the time you execute the last note, you are immediately able to perform the next stroke.

Nevertheless, although Derrick's technique is undeniably excellent, most drummers will have trouble learning the Moeller technique as shown his video. This is because it is a complicated combination of motion in the grip and the movement of the stroke (the movement of the upper arm, forearm and hand).

To explain further, if we break the Moeller stroke down as shown in Derrick's video to its component parts, there is the (1) initial stroke involving the arm and wrist that strikes the drum, (2) the rebound notes that occur between the hand and the fingers, and (3) the return arm and wrist stroke that occurs immediately after the initial stroke and during the rebound notes that occur between the hands and the fingers.

What is not shown is that there is an underlying motion to the Moeller stroke that does not involve rebound, or notes between the hand and the fingers. Imagine if we played the Moeller stroke and kept our fingers firmly around the stick. What would happen? Well there wouldn’t be any rebound, because a firm grip on the stick does not allow it to bounce. But we would still have an initial arm and wrist stroke that strikes the drum, and a return arm and wrist stroke. This would result in us playing just one note. What I just described is actually the fundamental movement of the Moeller stroke.

If you take a look at this video of Dom Famularo asking Jim Chapin to play the Moeller stroke, notice Jim only initially plays single strokes! http://www.vicfirth.com/education/drumset/domfamularo/dom6HQ.html

We need to separate the motion in the grip from the motion of the stroke in order to learn Moeller, that is the key. Try practicing the Moeller motion by playing single strokes while keeping a firm grip on the stick. If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Best of luck,

Alex

[Late Bloomer]

Where is Derrick these days?

[jamest]

www.derrickpope.net/moellertechnique.wmv

Really great video, glad I found it on here. Thanks.
__________________

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

http://www.excellent-offers.com/gravy1.jpg

[DarrenMcMaster-Smith]

Best wishes to you Derrick.
I really hope you are well.

I'm sitiing up here at 2am in the morning(Melbourne,Australia time) learning the Moellor Technique because you're the only person out of many I've seen on you tube who explain it properly.

Hi all.

A 40 ish drummer who gave up for 5 years and getting back into it again.

Falling in love with drumming again and drummers expecially jazz.
I've been a rocker ,mostly 70's prog and metal all my life now just love listening to jazz especially bebop.

[haredrums]

Hey Guys/Derrick,

I am also a fan of Derrick's video explaining the Moeller. I think he does a great job explaining it in a clear and functional way. I have a new post up on my blog about one way to apply the Moeller stroke around the set for those of you interested in applying this technique. Here is is:

http://haredrums.blogspot.com/2011/11/moeller-stroke-jeff-hamilton-style.html#more

Let me know what you think!