Learn to Play Keyboard Percussion! Book 1: Mallet Instrument Book

Feldstein and Gilbert's approach treats mallet percussion as a serious instrument from day one, not an afterthought for band students. The emphasis on tone production and rhythmic foundation gives students real skills they'll use whether they're playing mallets in band, pursuing percussion as a primary instrument, or developing musicianship across multiple percussion instruments.

Methodical and rewarding. The graded progression builds confidence as students master each concept, and the focus on producing a genuine sound gives the work musical weight from the first page.

This book is designed for beginning mallet percussion students, whether they're in a school band program, private study, or percussion ensemble. It works equally well for students picking up mallets as a secondary percussion instrument and those focusing on keyboard percussion as their primary study.

• Spend time on mallet grip and hand position before moving through the exercises; solid mechanics early prevent bad habits from forming.
• Listen carefully to the quality of sound each student produces on each instrument. Tone production isn't automatic for beginners on mallets, and deliberate attention to this from the start builds discernment.
• Have students practice exercises on multiple instruments (xylophone, marimba, bells) when available. Different instruments teach the same concepts in different ways and reinforce learning.

Use this as the core text for a percussion fundamentals class or for sectional instruction with percussionists in band. The 48 pages move slowly enough to support sustained, careful learning across a full school year, giving students time to develop proper technique without rushing.

• Mallet grip and hand position on keyboard percussion instruments
• Tone production and control on xylophone, marimba, and bells
• Reading standard notation on single-line and grand staff
• Rhythmic accuracy and steady pulse
• Basic coordination between both hands
• Understanding of dynamics and articulation on mallet instruments