Building Percussion Technique: Book

This book bridges the gap between isolated rudiments and actual music-making by offering exercises that work equally well as solo studies, snare drum duets, or full percussion ensemble pieces. The dual-use design means you're not abandoning technique work when you bring in multiple players; instead, you're deepening it.

Purposeful and direct. These exercises cut straight to the work: building coordination, control, and confidence on each instrument without extra ornamentation. The flexibility to play them solo or together keeps them from feeling like pure drill work.

Beginning percussionists working through standard method books who need supplemental exercises tailored to snare drum, bass drum, and mallets. Directors seeking material that works for individual lessons and ensemble contexts without requiring separate books.

• Start with the snare drum duets to build independence between hands and parts; the conversation between two players clarifies voice leading that solo work can obscure.
• When combining keyboard parts with snare exercises, assign dedicated players rather than asking one person to manage both; this lets percussionists focus on their individual technical goals while hearing the blend.
• Use the ensemble combinations as informal performance moments in rehearsal to reinforce that technique work leads directly to successful ensemble playing.
• Rotate who plays which part when doing duets; switching between lead and accompaniment roles strengthens adaptability and keeps engagement high.

Assign pages alongside your standard method sequence, using the snare duets in sectionals and the full ensemble arrangements as fun reinforcement in full rehearsal. The 32-page format fits easily into warm-ups or serves as a weekly homework supplement.

• Snare drum coordination and stick control
• Bass drum technique and foot independence
• Mallet control on keyboard percussion
• Reading and performing two-part arrangements
• Listening and responding to ensemble partners during duets