Focus On

Percussion Method Books

A Bibliography
Don Dregalla, John Papastefan,
and William Jastrow

This annotated bibliography does not highlighted in red for easy reference and intermediate-to-advanced book aimed at
include all method books and texts available emphasis. concert-percussion performance.
for each category of percussion instruments.
Rather an attempt has been made to list Firth, Vie, Snare Drum Methods Book I-II Payson, A1 & Lane, James, Concert Etudes
materials that have gained reasonably wide (Carl Fischer Publishers). Good basic for the Snare Drum (Payson Percussion
usage, have a "track-record; and are easily method books. Book I is standard and very Publishers). Very challenging and musical
obtainable, It is hoped that both students and musical in its approach. Book H contains etudes based on 20th century music. Also
teachers will benefit from this listing. Some rhythmic pattern exercises emphasizing included are several duets and stick control
of the information listed here is reprinted triplets, compound meters, roils, and dotted exercises.
rhythms. There is plenty of potential for
with the permission of William C. Brown Peters, Mitchell, Hard Times (Mitchell
Publishers. musical study.
Peters Publishers). Extremely difficult
Firth, Vie, The Solo Snare Drummer (Carl musical etudes for the advanced drummer.
Fischer Publishers). An advanced book that
contains 24 solo etudes, 6 multiple drum Podemski, Benjamin, Standard Snare Drum
Snare Drum etudes, 6 duets and 2 individual duets. A very Method (Belwin Mills Publishers). Provides
well-written and musical book. many exercises and etudes for the snare
drum; excellent reading material.
Britton, Mervin, Creative Approach to the Goldenberg, Morris, Modern Schoolfor the
Snare Drum (Byron Douglas Publishers). A Snare Drum with a Guide for the Artist Price, Paul, Beginning Snare Method (Morris
fairly rapid-paced book designed for the Percussionist (Chappell and Company Publishers). For use with mature beginning
beginning snare drummer. It begins with Publishers). Considered by many as the students; contains some 250 studies derived
16th notes in 4/4 meter and progresses to outstanding book in its field; snare drum from rudiments. Good illustrations make
whole and half notes. Almost all exercises playing is approached non-rudimentally. In this a good book for individual or class
take the form of duets. The singing of addition to the snare drum, numerous other instruction.
rhythms is encouraged as an aid to rhythmic percussion instruments are covered. Percus- Stone, George, Stick Control (George Stone,
understanding. sion scores from the orchestral literature are Inc., Publishers). A very strong text on
Cirone, Anthony, The Orchestral Snare also included. developing technique and sticking patterns.
Drummer (Belwin Mills Publishers). A I-Iarr, Haskell, Drum Method for Band and Excellent technical supplement for any
non-rudimental approach to the teaching of Orchestra (M.M. Cole Publishers). A basic
drummer. A must have.
snare drum. This is an excellent and very rudimental text helpful in developing a Whaley, Garwood, Primary Handbook for
sensible book that introduces the beginner to foundation of solid snare drum technique. Snare Drum (Meredith Music Publishers). A
simple ensemble playing, flexibility, and
sound musicianship. l..epak, Alexander, Fifty Contemporary Snare comprehensive and musical beginning
Drum Etudes (Windsor Music Publishers). method book that includes rudiments,
Cirone, Anthony, Portraits in Rhythm Excellent advanced-level snare drum studies. reading, duets, repetition exercises, multiple
(Belwin Mills Publishers). Fifty studies for drum studies, and composition assignments.
snare drum with emphasis on dynamics and McMillan, Thomas, 20th Century Orchestral
Whaley, Garwood, Recital Solosfor Snare
musical form. For the advanced snare Snare Drum Studies (Creative Music). An
Drum (Meredith Music Publishers). 30
drummer. excellent collection of representative snare
musical etudes/solos for the advanced
drum rhythmic patterns from the contempo- drummer. Musically very fine writing.
Coffin, James, The Performing Percussionist rary percussion literature - by such compos-
Books I-II (Bamhouse Publishers). A moder- ers as Bartok, Chavez, Copeland, and Whaley, Garwood, Solos and Duets for the
ate to rapidly paced book designed to give the Stravinsky. Snare Drum (Meredith Music Publishers).
student a total percussion experience. The Very challenging collection of solos and
snare part is rudimentally based with greater Payson, AI, Beginning Snare Method (Payson duets for contest or recital. A superior
emphasis on musicality. Information on Percussion Publishers). An excellent method
collection for the intermediate-to-advanced
other percussion instruments is also in- with a recording for playing simple rhythms drurD_iTler.
cluded. with melodic background. A variety of
approaches to reading and technical skills are Wilcoxon, Charles, The All-American
Feldstein, Saul & Weber, Fred, Drum taken in this very musical book.
Student (Belwin Mills Publishers [part of the Drummer (Ludwig Publishers). One of
Elementary Series]). Exercises and solos are Payson, A1, The Snare Drum in the Concert several excellent texts by Wilcoxon. Contains
of high musical quality. New items are Hall (Payson Percussion Publishers). An many different and challenging rudimental

Winter 1988! 17
solos. A good book to supplement other problem of the classical and modem reper- Timpanist (Fred Hinger Publisher). An
methods. toire. excellent method for the advanced, college
player. Contains exercises for technical
Friese, Alfred & Lepak, Alexander, Timpani coordination and well-written etudes for
Method (Henry Adler, Inc. Publishers). A developing musical expression.
Timpani very complete timpani method. Much time is
devoted to tuning exercises. Contains four Itoehrainer, Richard, Etudenfor Timpani
Abel, Alan, 20th Century OrchestraStudies parts: basic theory, technique, intonation, and Book I (Verlag Doblinger Publishers). For the
for Timpani (G. Schirmer Publishers). 69 repertoire. serious high school student, contains seventy
pages of tlmpani excerpts from the works of etudes of varying difiqculty.A good second
twenty-two different 20th century compos- Goldenberg, Morris (compiler), Classic book for the serious student.
ers. This book is a must for the serious and Overturesfor Timpani, ClassicSymphoniesfor
aspiring orchestral timpanist. Timpani, Romantic Symphoniesfor Timpani Whaley, Gaxwood, PrimaryHandbookfor
(Chappell Publishers). Books of excerpts that Timpani (Meredith Music Publishers). A fine,
Begun, Fred, 21 Etudesfor Timpani include full reproductions of works from the comprehensive book for the beginning
(Meredith Music Publishers). Very technical, various periods mentioned in the respective timpanist.
musical, advanced solos for 2,3,4,5 drums. tides. Excellent study material, especially if
used with recordings. Whaley, Garwood, Solos and Duetsfor the
Britton, Mervin, Timpani Tuning (Belwin Timpani (Meredith Music Publishers). A
Mills Publishers). A text for almost every Goodman, Saul, Modern Methodfor Timpani challenging collection of solos and duets for
level that deals with the development of the (Mills Music Publishers). Considered by contest and recital, intended for the inter-
ear and is designed to supplement a technical most to be the bible of timpani books. mediate-to-advanced timpanist.
method. Generally a good book placing total Contains four basic sections: fundamentals,
emphasis on a weak area for most. exercises for the development of technique
on 2 drums, 3-4 drum and pedal technique,
Feldstein, Saul, Timpani Student (Belwin and repertoire. A must for any player.
Mills Publishers). A slow paced book (part of
the Belwin Elementary Series) intended for Goodman, Saul, Modern Methodfor Timpani Mallet Instruments/Marimba
students with little or no percussion back- (Mills Music Publishers). Considered by & General
ground. Good for an elementary student most to be the bible of timpani books.
who has potential. Contains four basic sections: fundamentals, Bona, Pasquale, Rhythmical Articulation
exercises for the development of technique (Carl Fischer Publishers). One of the best
Firth, Vie, The Solo Timpanist (Carl Fischer
on 2 drums, 3-4 drums and pedal technique, musical etude books available. 120 etudes
Publishers). Designed for the advanced and repertoire. A must for any player.
player, this is a fine collection of 26 etudes. encompass a wide variety of meters, rhythms,
Each etude covers a specific technical Itinger, Fred, Techniquesfor the Virtuoso and styles.
Cirone, Anthony, Portraits in Melody
(Belwin Mills Publishers). This is an ad-
vanced book consisting of fifty studies for
Ed Soph o n t h e xylophone and marimba. Tempos and
suggested sticking are included throughout.
Calato D o u b l e Spring Feldstein, Saul, Mallet Student (Belwin Mills
Bass D r u m P e d a l . . . Publishers). A moderately-paced book
designed for the elementary mallet player. It
correlates with the drum student series listed
"In 30 years of drumming, above.
the Calato bass drum pedal is the
smoothest pedal I have ever played. Firth, Vie, Mallet Technique (Carl Fischer
Publishers). This book contains thirty-eight
There is no increased tension as the studies for any of the mallet instruments.
beater moves to the perpendicular - - They are primarily to develop basic technique
tension of the pedal remains at various levels of expertise.
consistent throughout the stroke. Gates, Everett, Odd Meter Etudes (Sam Fox
Publishers). Etudes in odd meters, covering a
The dual-spring adjustment wide range of major, minor, and modal keys.
allows unbelievable versatility in the The collection is good preparation for
adjustment of both downstroke and performing 20th century music. Designed
upstroke, as well as versatility of for any treble clef instrument (not just
percussion).
techniques - from toe to leg -
and dynamic range.'" Goldenberg, Morris, Modern Schoolfor the
Xylophone, Marimba, Vibraphone (Chappell
For more information write: and Company Publishers). A complete
Calato USA 4501 Hyde Park Blvd. method for all of the mallet instruments.
Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (716) 285-3546 Contains graded solos and a good selection
In Canada: Calato Canada ~ ~ of orchestral literature. A must for the serious
mallet student.
8407 Stanley Ave., Unit 1
Niag, Falls, Ont. L2E 6X8 (416) 357-2680

18 / Percussive Notes Education / Percussion Method Books

Green, George Hamilton, Elementary Whaley, Garwood, Musical Studiesfor the
Studiesfor Xylophone and Marimba (Meredith Intermediate Mallet Player (Meredith Music
Drum Set
Music Publishers). An outstanding elemen- Publishers). A complete intermediate method
tary method that provides a comprehensive that is well organized and very musical. Bums, Roy & Malin, Lewis, Practical
approach to mallet playing. Includes sections on technique, reading, Method of Developing Finger Control (Henry
duets, and 4-mallet playing. Adler Publishers). Intended as pre-jazz
Green, George Hamilton, Instruction training, the book contains photos of different
Coursefor Xylophone (Meredith Music Whaley, Cvarwood,Primary Handbookfor handholds for modem jazz drumming. Some
Publishers). A complete course of fifty Mallets (Meredith Music Publishers). A reading material written for four-way coordi-
lessons by the xylophone master. Included graduated book for beginning students. A nation is included. Studies are in the form of
are ragtime, improvisation, blues, and good comprehensive method. short patterns.
exercises for indMdual hand development.
Bums, Roy & Feldstein, Saul, Drum Set
Jolliff, Art, 78 Solosfor Marimba (Belwin Artistry (Alfred Publishers). For the inter-
Mills Publishers). For the intermediate mediate player, this book has eleven junior
player, this book contains 3 and 4 mallet Mallet Instruments: Vibes/Jazz high/high school jazz rock charts in different
studies based on classical melodies. There is styles. A good text for applying (in a lesson
potential for developing expression and Burton, Gary, FourMallet Studies (Creative situation) various techniques to an actual
chordal reading skills. Music Publishers). A study of technical chart.
elements common to four-mallet playing, Chapin, Jim, Advanced Techniquesfor the
Kraus, Phil, Modern Mallet Method (Belwin mostly adaptable for vibes. It deals with grip,
Mills Publishers). Three volumes of techni- Modern Drummer (Jim Chapin Publishers).
hand and mallet independence, and voicing The exercises aid in perfecting the indepen-
cally progressive studies. This is good techniques. All areas contain many examples.
supplemental material for students preparing dent hand and foot coordination characteris-
for jazz and studio work. Burton, Gary, Solo (Creative Music Pub- tic of modem jazz drumming. Most of the
lishers). A collection of six solos for the vibes. studies consist of one or two lines of counter-
Lang, Morris,/4 Contemporary Etudesfor Solos are intermedlate-to-very difficult. rhythms against the basic cymbal jazz beat.
All Mallet Instruments (Belwin Mills Pub- Snare drum technique and some set work are
lishers). An introduction to some of the many Burton, Gary, Introduction toJazz (Creative prerequisites. Book II is also available.
compositional styles of 20th century music Music Publishers). For the intermediate-to-
and includes avant-garde notation. Exercises advanced player, this work contains technical Dahlgren, Marvin & Fine, Elliott, 4-Way
cover 12 tone, modal, jazz, etc. An excellent exercises on scale and arpeggio patterns with Coordination (Henry Adler Inc., Publishers).
text. chord symbols. Written discussions are As the title indicates, this book is devoted to
included on muffling, grace notes, and developing complete 4-way independence.
Payson, AI, Elementary Marimba and melodic analysis. The exercises are very difficult.
Xylophone Method (Payson Percussion
Publishers). An excellent beginning method Davis, Thomas, Improvise,Vibe-wiseand Davis, Thomas, A PracticalAnalysis of
book based on a large collection of songs by Otheruqse (Phantom Music Publishers). A Independence (Creative Music Publishers). An
classical composers. Reading skills and rapidly-paced book to serve as an introduc- excellently paced book for the starting set
musicality are emphasized in scale and tion to improvisation. This text requires a player. This is a basic text developing inde-
arpeggio studies. strong theory background or supplemental pendence of hands and feet in swing styles.
teaching. Each section includes separate patterns and a
Payson, A1, ProgressiveStudies in Double review exercise incorporating all patterns.
Stopsfor Mallet Instruments (Music for Delp, Ron, Vibraphone Technique (Berldee Studies are notated three ways: as music
Percussion Publishers). A good book to Press Publishers). Method for jazz vib- would appear in a chart, a 12/8 translation of
precede four-mallet study. raphone including 4-mallet chord voicing, swing style, and combined sticking of ride
chord progressions, and analysis, basic pattern and steady rhythm.
Peterson, I-Ioward, Rubank Elementary theory, comping techniques, and sample
Method-Marimba, Xylophone, (Rubank charts. A good book for the serious jazz I--Iouliff,Murray, Today's Soundsfor Drumset
Publishers). A good beginning book for player. (Kendor Music Publishers). Good source
young students. material containing written-out rock, jazz
Friedman, David, Vibraphone Technique and Latin beats.
Peterson, Howard, Fundamentalsof Holding (Berklee Press Publishers). Good book of
2,3,4 Hammersin One Hand (H. Adler intermediate studies dealing with musical Ludwig, William F. Jr., Modem Jazz Drum-
Publishers). A collection of studies dealing, as sensitivity. ming (Ludwig Drum Company; Publishers).
the title suggests, with development of hand Attempts the difficult task of conveying skills
muscles and technique along with reading Green, George Hamilton, Modern Improvis- ofjazz drumming via the printed page. Great
skills. ing and Application of Ideas to Melody photos and diagrams of various jazz drum-
(Meredith Music Publishers). A conceptual ming concepts. A good book for beginning
Stevens, l..eigh Howard, Method of Move- approach to the xylophone through Green's students.
mentfor Marimba (Marimba Productions system of improvising.
Publishers). Based on the author's rotary Morello, Joe, New Directions in Rhythm
stroke method of playing the marimba, there Kraus, Phil, Vibesfor Beginners (Adler (Jomor Publications). A good text on learning
are 590 exercises devoted to developing this Publishers). Good beginning vibe method. the Morello styles, especially in the 3/4 and
technique. For the serious 4-mallet player. 5/4 meters.
Stone, George, Mallet Control (George Stone Morello, Joe, RudimentalJazz (Jomor
Inc., Publishers). Supplemental studies to be Publications). This is a modem adaption of
memorized and transposed. Designed to the 26 rudiments for drumset. This is a good
build solid technique. book for those with a rudimental back-
ground.

Education / Percussion Method Books Winter 1988/ 19

Morello, Joe, Master Studies (Modem
Drummer Publishers). A fine text on develop-
ing drumset technique. It will help with
accenting and controlling different pressures

mi
used in single strokes, double strokes, and
closed rolls. An edition for the serious
drumset student.
Moses, Bob, Drum Wisdom (Modem Drum- CYMBAL SOURCES
mer Publishers). Presents the author's
thoughts on musicality, internal hearing, CALIFORNIA NEVADA
MUSICIAN'S TRADING POST RHYTHM SECTION
playing offmelodies and vamps, the 8/8 1014 Ocean St., 3869 Spring Mtn. Road
concept, understanding resolution points, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Las Vegas, NV 89102
drumming and movement. (408) 429-8015 (702) 876-0997
THE SOUND STAGE THE DRUM SHOP
1615 N. Black.stone, 608 S. Maryland Parkway
Reed, Ted, Progressive Steps to Syncopation Fresno, CA 93703 Las Vegas, NV 89101
for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed Pub- (209) 233-6531 (702) 870-2911
lishers). Study material for "double drums: CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY
CASPAR PERCUSSION DI BELLA MUSIC COMPANY
Exercises vary in length, with many full-page 218 Hartford Rd., 456 S. Washington Ave.,
solos. Syncopation, ties, and accents are Manchester, CT 06040 Bergenfield, NJ 07621
(203) 643-1372 (201) 385-5800
stressed. A practical book for the ambitious
FLORIDA NEW YORK
student learning drum set. DRUM WORLD ALEX MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
1296 N. Military Trail 164 W. 481hSt.,
Rothman, Joel, The Complete Rock Drummer West Palm Beach, FL 33409 New York, NY 10036
OR Publications). A virtual encyclopedia (305) 471-8266 (212) 765-7738
RESURRECTION DRUMS ART SHELL MUSIC/GUITAR WORKS INC.
(200 pages) of rock drumming, with count- 2920 S.W. 30th Ave., 232 South Main St., New City, NY 10956
less exercises for the cymbal, bass, and high Pembroke Park, FL 33009 (914) 634-7700
hat. Rock beats in different meters are also (305) 457-9020 MANNY'S MUSIC
GEORGIA 156 W. 48th St., New York, NY 10036
explored as well as double bass drum playing. ATLANTA DISCOUNT MUSIC (212) 819-0576
3701 Clairmont Rd., N.E., SAM ASH MUSIC
Rothman, Joel, The CompleteJazz Drummer Atlanta, GA 30341 124 Fulton Avenue
(JR Publications). A companion to Rothrnan's (404) 457-3400 Hempstead, NY 11550
ILLINOIS (516) 485-2122
rock drumming book, this text consists of CHUCK'S DRUM SHOP U-CREST MUSIC CENTER
several hundred pages of exercises in many Weinberg Arcade Rm. 17 1268 George Urban Blvd.,
facets of jazz drumming. Galesburg, IL 61401 Cheektowaga, NY 14225
(309) 342-9233 (716) 684-5143
Rothrnan,Joel, The CompleteShow Drummer KANSAS OHIO
E.M. SHORTZ GUITARS ACADEMY MUSIC
(JR Publications). Intended to help players 2525 E. Douglas, 1443 Warrensville Ctr. Road
handle show charts with smoothness and Wichita, KS 67211 Cleveland, OH 44221
(316) 684-6252 (216) 381-8460
care. This text is simple to follow and MARYLAND ACADEMY MUSIC CO.
progresses from easy to quite difficult show GORDON MILLER MUSIC 33619 Aurora Rd., Solon, OH 44139
arrangements. 8805 Orchard Tree Lane (216) 248-1745
Towson, MD 21204 MID PARK MUSIC
(301) 825-2558 13397 Smith Road Cleveland, OH 44130
Sheppard, George, Primary Handbookfor WASHINGTON MUSIC (216) 884-8111
Drum Set (Meredith Music Publishers). An 11151Viers Mill Rd., PENNSYLVANIA
outstanding new and simplified approach to Wheaton, MD 20902 DENNY'S SOUND REINFORCEMENT
(301) 946-2300 SYSTEMS
the drum set for all styles. MASSACHUSETTS 1408 Graham Avenue Windber, PA 15963
JACK'S DRUM SHOP (814) 467-6863
Soph, Ed, Essential Techniquesfor Drum Set, 1096 Boylston, MARS DRUM OUTLET
Book I (Meredith Music Publishers). A Boston, MA 02215 907 Merchant St., Ambridge, PA 15003
(817) 247-9117 (412) 266-6651
complete system for drum set with excellent
MICHIGAN PROGRESSIVE MUSIC INC.
photographs and unique exercises in coordi- CREATIVE TREASURES 811 Walnut Street McKeasport, PA 15132
nation. 3689 Metro Place Mall (412) 672-6923
Wayne, M148184 TEXAS
(313) 721-0414
Thigpen, F_.d,The Sound of Brushes (Ed MARSHALL MUSIC
DANNY'S MUSIC BOX
9417 Montana,
Thigpen, Action/Reaction Publishers). 6500 Alien Rd., El Paso, "IX 79925
Everything you wanted to know about Alan Park, M148101 (915) 593-1035
(313) 383-5580 HERMES MUSIC
brushes from the master. WATERMELON SUGAR 409 S. Broadway, McA[len, TX 78501
312 S. Hamilton Street (512) 682-4321
Wilcoxon, Charley, Drum Method (Wilco- Saginaw, M148502 IMPACT PERCUSSION
xon Publishers). A book that integrates the (517) 793-7600 4404 San Pedro Ave.,
26 mdiments into a swing solo concept. MUSIC QUARTERS San Antonio, TX 78212
18314 East Nine Mile Road (512) 732-7157
Designed for the drumset student just East Detroit, M148021 PERKIN'S MUSIC CO.
starting out. (313) 777-2333 2424 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401
MONTANA (806) 763-1614
NICHOLLS MUSIC CENTRE VERMONT
(The Combo Dept.) ADVANCE MUSIC CENTRE
514 Central Avenue 44 Church Street
Miscellaneous Percussion Great Falls, MT 59401
(406) 727-0919 Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-8652
Instruments NEW MEXICO WISCONSIN
GINSBURG MUSIC DARYL STUERMER MUSIC
201 N. Main 10228 W. Greenfield Ave.,
Cirone, Anthony, OrchestralTechniques of Roswell, NM 88201 West Allis, W153214
the Standard PercussionInstruments (Cirone (505) 622-5630 (414) 257-1955
Publications). A basic outline of percussion

20 / Percussive Notes Education / Percussion Method Books

techniques presented in article form. Em- Udow, Michael & Watts, Chris, The Contem- percussion articles from The Instrumentalist
phasizes snare drum, timpani, mallets, and porary Percussionist (Meredith Music Pub- magazine. Many aspects of percussion
primary accessories. Good for the high lishers). A new collection of twenty multiple performance are covered in this large volume.
school player. percussion solos for a variety of instruments. A good reference book for the school librar~
Solos are definitely in the contemporary
Denov, Sam, The Art of Playing Cymbals style. This is a must for the serious student. Payson, A1 & MeKenzie, Jack, Music
(Adler/Belwin Publishers). This is an excel- Educator's Guide to Percussion (Belwin Mills
lent reference and method book on all facets Publishers). A comprehensive text dealing
of cymbal playing. Percussion References and with equipment, playing techniques, and
pedagogy for each major area of percussion.
Goldenberg, Morris, Studies in Solo Percus- Miscellaneous Texts
sion (Chappell and Company, Publishers). A Payson, A1, & Me_Kenzie,Jack, Percussion in
.great deal of useful information for perform- Bartlett, Harry, Percussion Ensemble Method the School Music Program (Payson Percussion
mg the multiple percussion solo literature is for Teacher Education (William C. Brown Publishers). The purpose of this book is to
given. Exercises for 2,3,4 drums, as well as Publishers). This text is intended for a acquaint music educators with basic per-
other instruments and works by some fine semester course in college percussion music forming and organizational techniques. Very
composers of percussion are included. education classes. Studies on a variety of good and up-to-date.
Morales, I-'Iumberto & Adler, Henry, Latin instruments are appended. Peinkofer,Karl & Tannigel, Frite, Handbook
American Instruments and How to Play Them Bartlett, I-tarry & I"Iolloway,William, for Percussion Instruments (Balwin Mills
(Adier/Belwin Publishers). A variety of Latin Guide to Teaching Percussion, 4th edition Publishers). This manual on percussion
percussion instruments are discussed. (William C. Brown Publishers). An impor- instrumants includes pictures, musical
Helpful techniques and stickings are tant text for serious music educators dealing examples, likely mallet selections, an excel-
explained in great detail. with most aspects ofpercusslon. lent list of foreign music terms, and an
instrument range chart. Some modem
Payson, AI, Techniques of Playing Bass Drum, Blades, James, Percussion Instruments and percussion symbols are also given.
Cymbals and Accessories (Payson Percussion Their History (Praeger Publishers). The
Publishers). An excellent reference book for history of percussion instruments is traced in Press, Arthur, Mallet Repair (Belwin Mills
any age player. Each chapter contains great detail. With its hundreds of musical Publishers). 100 photos and drawings
descriptive information, techniques, etudes, examples and rare illustrations, this book has illustrate techniques for making and re-cover-
and selected excerpts. become a classic. ing timpani and yam-covered mallets. Tips
concerning chime mallets, bass drum and
Price, Paul, Triangle, Tambourine, and Brindle, Reginald, Contemporary Percussion, tam tam beaters, brushes and felt tipped
Castanets (Music for Percussion Publishers). (Oxford University Press). This text deals snare drum sticks are also included.
An advanced book with excerpts primarily with modem percussion instruments and
from contemporary literature. techniques as used in 20th century music. Reed, H. Owen & Leach, Joel, Scoringfor
Chapters include: classifications of instru- Percussion (Prentice Hall, Inc.). The ranges
ments, notational practices, percussion and sound characteristics of commonly used
writing, and foreign nomenclature. There are instruments are discussed. Also included is a
a large number of musical examples. A small listing of lesser known instruments, descrip-
record illustrates various sound possibilities. tion of modem instrument sizes, suggestions
on mallet usage, and examples of standard
Cirone, Anthony, & Sinai, Joe, The Logic of notational practices. This text is highly useful
It All (Belwin Mills Publishers). Subtitled for the music educator and a must for the
"Professional Secrets Applying Imagination arranger.
to Percussion Techniques,~this text provides
insights into a variety of orchestral percussion
techniques, including snare drum, cymbals, Donald Dregalla is conductor of the orchestra
~Developing New Standards" triangle, tambourine, bass drum, castanets, and wind ensemble at Milton Academy in
® tam tam, and keyboards. Excellent photos of Milton, MA, where he also serves as head of
instruments, mallets, and playing techniques instrumental music. William Jastrow/s
are on every page. A closing section of chairman of the music department and director
orchestral excerpts contains detailed observa-
VALSE tions and interpretations of the authors. This
of instrumental music at Glenbard South High
School in Glen Ellyn, IL. John J. Papastefan/s
is an invaluable source for the aspiring associate professor of music at the University of
BRILLANTE orchestral percussionist. South Alabama and serves as principal percus-
Combs, E Michael, Percussion Education sionistfor the Mobile Opera.All are members of
Class Method (Advance Music Publishers). A the PAS Education Committee and have
Xylophone Solo
good high school or college text. Material is previously written articlesfor this column.
with piano acc. presented in a lecture style with some
by musical examples. It is perhaps best used as a
G.H. Green/Bob Becker reference book.
Firth, Vie, Percussion Symposium (Carl
$8.0o Fischer Publishers). A fine manual on the
completepercussionsectionwith illustra-
Meredith Music Publications tions. Provides good practical reference for
anyone interested in percussion. //
170 NE. 33rd Street G a r w o o d ~Zhaley
The Instrumentalist, PercussionAnthology
Ft. Lauderdale, F[ 33334 (The Instrumentalist). A collection of editor
Focus on Education

22 / Percussive Notes Education / Percussion Method Books