Modern Classic Solos for Snare Drum: Snare Drum Book

These solos represent serious concert music written by someone who understood the snare drum's full expressive range. Goodman composed with genuine musicianship in mind rather than technical showmanship alone, which means students develop artistry alongside facility. The archive rescue and careful editing by Anthony J. Cirone ensures the collection meets modern standards while honoring the composer's original voice.

These solos strike a balance between discipline and expressiveness. Each piece demands technical accuracy while creating genuine musical moments, whether through rhythmic sophistication, dynamic shape, or clear melodic intent. The collection captures the sophistication of mid-century percussion writing, offering players room to discover their own voice within carefully crafted frameworks.

Snare drum students preparing for auditions, recitals, juries, and solo recitals will find material across a range of difficulty levels within this collection. Teachers building a balanced solo repertoire for advancing students will appreciate the variety of musical styles and technical demands. Percussionists looking to deepen their musicianship beyond technique-focused studies will connect with Goodman's compositional voice.

• Approach dynamics as musical statements, not just volume changes. Goodman's phrasing relies on subtle shifts in weight and intensity to shape the line.
• Listen for the implied melodic contour in rhythmic passages. Even passages built on technical figures should sing, not merely execute.
• Balance precision with resonance. The snare's character changes dramatically based on head tension and stick height; experiment to find the right voice for each solo.
• Use the full range of the drum's responsiveness. These solos reward players who vary touch and control rather than settling into one default approach.

Feature one of these solos as a concert opener or as part of a chamber program pairing the snare drum with other instruments. They work equally well in a solo recital context or as evidence of serious musicianship in a jury or audition setting. Select pieces across the collection to build a student's solo repertoire across an entire season or school year.

• Reading and executing complex rhythmic patterns with musical phrasing
• Dynamic control and sensitivity to weight distribution
• Interpreting articulation and sticking notation with stylistic awareness
• Sustaining musical lines across extended passages
• Building stamina and consistency at varying tempos
• Understanding snare drum as a melodic instrument with expressive depth