- Sanford A. Moeller
Sanford A. Moeller (
1886 -1960 ) was an American rudimental drummer (rudimental drumming ), a national champion,educator , andauthor .He is usually associated with the "
Moeller Method " or 'Moeller Technique' (considered by some to be a misnomer), which advocates the use of 'ancient' snare drumming techniques that can be used by drummers when playing adrum set (drum kit ).Moeller's unique point of view was that he considered drum students, who were learning to drum properly, to be students of
eurhythmics (refer to page 69 in Moeller's Book). Moeller based his lessons and instruction around a playing style used by drummers who had served in theAmerican Civil War .This particular field drumming style actually arrived in the United States during the time of the American
Revolutionary War . The 'open style' approach and little finger stick grip are the trademarks regarding this 'ancient' style of drumming. The roots of this approach stem fromEurope , and go back before 1700s.Moeller was also a drum builder. He made several deep marching snares and matching bass drums. Today, Moeller's vintage-style rope drums are still being played by marching organizations, annually.
The Mount Kisco Ancient Fife and Drum Corps [http://www.mountkiscoancients.org/index_files/Page368.htm] has the best known collection of Moeller drums - still being played today.
Moeller's influence on the early jazz drummers, such as,
Gene Krupa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Krupa] is well known. He was also closely associated with American drummerJim Chapin , who studied with Moeller directly.References
In 1925, Moeller compiled and wrote "The Moeller Book: The Art of Snare Drumming". His book was reprinted in June 1950 by Leedy and Ludwig ... followed by - 1956 Copyright assigned to Ludwig Drum Company...followed by - 1982 Copyright assigned to Ludwig Music Publishing Company.
External links
Dave Sabine Library [http://library.davesabine.com/listings.asp?categoryID_list=&categoryID_list=&UserDefinedNumber3Operator=%3D&UserDefinedNumber3=&UserDefinedDoubleNumber1Operator=%3D&UserDefinedDoubleNumber1=&family=&UserDefinedNumber2Operator=%3D&UserDefinedNumber2=&strKeywords=moeller+book]
Article from Drummerworld on Jim Chapin (one of Moeller's best known pupils) [http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Jim_Chapin.html]
An online review of the 'Moeller Book', by Tommy William Hanson, [http://www.digbydoodle.com/Moeller/vintage.htm]
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