Larry
"Uncle Larry"
Larry: I am glad to hear that you don't restrict your arm movement when you play. However, I do believe we should practice how we play, and I guess that is why I am having this discussion with you.
First off, if you are happy with your technique, and it gets done what you want on the gig, then fine. Don't fix what ain't broke. However, the point I have been trying to make is that drumming is a motion-based, not a strength-based instrument. (See picture of skinny drummer attached.) If it really were about muscular development, there would be all sorts of weightlifting routines we could do to become better drummers.
The whole point about Moeller is to use a big motion to expend LESS energy, and to reap the rewards (volume & rebound) when this big stroke hits the drums. It is interesting to me that you are willing to put in the work to do this strenuous, tension-filled exercise, even to the point of saying "No pain no gain", but you don't want to lift your upper arms up when playing!
From what you've wrote, it seems you are trying to compensate for the lack of motion in your playing by substituting it with muscular power. Again, if this works for you, fine. But there is an easier way.
Regards,
Alex
I'd like to address a few points. I'm enjoying this debate, thanks for taking the interest Alex
I agree that you should practice how you play, however, this isn't practice, it's hand development only
Drumming is a motion based, not strength based instrument. That sounds like an statement condoning the Adler System. The Adler system is practically the definition of economy of motion.
If it really were about muscular development, there would be all sorts of weightlifting routines we could do to become better drummers....
That's exactly what the video demonstrates. The sticks are just the right weight to develop the finger muscles
The whole point about Moeller is to use a big motion to expend LESS energy...
Doesn't this run counter to basic physics?
...but you don't want to lift your upper arms up when playing!
Not if I don't have to. Economy of motion. I use my upper arms only to extend my reach to the floors and crashes etc.
If I have to play really really really loud, I automatically use the elbow, but for 95% of my playing, the hands have more than enough volume for what I need.
From what you've wrote, it seems you are trying to compensate for the lack of motion in your playing by substituting it with muscular power
Not at all, I'm just sharing what I was taught. I'm thrilled with my lack of motion!
It makes sense to me.
If I could make an analogy here using the SUV vs motorcycle, I feel as if you are trying to convince me that driving 10 miles in an SUV will be cheaper than using a motorcycle. They both get you there, except you use more energy with the SUV. Yes you have more power and can run over things, but if you don't need all that, in my mind it doesn't justify the expenditure of energy.
That's why I (respectfully) can't agree with what you are saying here. I guess to crystallize it...I would bet that if we both played the same song and delivered the same net amount of force to the drum heads, I will have used a fraction of the calories in doing so.
Keep it coming!