Moeller and Open Close Basic Exercises

Download Moeller Hybrid Ex1 PDF

Download Open/Close Ex1 PDF

I’ve been focusing on stick control with a few dedicated students so I thought why not make a video of some of the exercises? The video above shows two exercises. The first version of the exercise is a Moeller Hybrid because it uses techniques popularized by both Sanford (Gus) Moeller and George Lawrence Stone. The quarter notes are played using a variation of Moeller’s little finger grip. Just grip the stick toward the butt end with your pinky and form a loose fist with your remaining fingers.

Little Finger Grip

Little Finger Grip

The purpose of this practice grip is to make it easier to feel the stick’s rebound as a jolt of electricity–not for playing the kit. I’ve been using this grip with full strokes to help students internalize their stick-rebound timing with forearm rotation.  The rest of the exercise is played with a middle finger fulcrum grip that utilizes the pull out/whip without forearm rotation, which is why I call it a Moeller-Hybrid.

Middle Finger Fulcrum Grip

Middle Finger Fulcrum Grip

The second version is the same exercise but uses open/close technique (also known as push/pull). This technique was popularized by Billy Gladstone and more recently by Gordy Knudtson. Both exercises were played in matched grip with slightly exaggerated movements.

 

 

changing modes in the studio

This was fun.  I had my brother video record a few takes of “White Room” at seaside lounge studios in Brooklyn. I think we did about 10 or 11 takes. We were lucky to get this one on camera.  This is what is sounded like in the studio:

 

And this is what it sounds like after production.  I synced the audio using iMovie: