Sound Percussion: An Intermediate Method for Individual or Group Instruction: Accessory Percussion Book & Online Media

The Accessory Percussion Book stands out for treating non-pitched percussion instruments with the same methodical rigor that most teachers reserve for mallets. Rather than treating accessory work as supplementary, this book front-loads fundamental technique and sound production, giving students the tools to play cymbals, tambourines, triangles, and effects with intention and control. The backward-by-design approach means every exercise teaches toward a specific outcome, eliminating busywork and keeping students focused on mastery.

Working through this book feels like building a foundation from the ground up. The early sections emphasize instrument setup and basic sound production, creating a tangible sense of control before rhythm and meter arrive. As exercises progress, students experience the satisfying shift from mechanical exercise to musical expression, particularly in the Sound Performance section where technique becomes ensemble voice.

Percussion students at the intermediate level working toward ensemble participation, whether in beginning band or specialized percussion instruction. The flexible structure works equally well in group lessons covering multiple students or one-on-one private study. Directors and percussion specialists will find this especially valuable for students who need focused work on technique before (or alongside) mallet instrument study.

• Establish consistent mallet grip and posture before moving into rhythm exercises; many students compensate with arm tension when hand position falters under tempo.
• Use the online media to hear how each instrument should sound in isolation and in ensemble context; accessory percussion gains clarity and purpose when students understand their sonic role.
• Schedule regular check-ins on sound quality, not just accuracy; students often rush through accessory parts and miss the musical voice they're contributing.
• Layer accessory instruments gradually into ensemble work; introducing all seven sections at once can overwhelm. Build ensemble texture section by section so each player hears their part clearly.

Use this book to establish accessory percussion technique in early fall, ensuring students who handle cymbals, triangles, and auxiliary percussion in your concert band pieces do so with intentionality and control. The modular structure allows you to work through sections in any order, so you can isolate specific skills (rolls, effects, ensemble placement) whenever your rehearsal schedule demands them. This pairs naturally with concurrent mallet or snare drum study, building well-rounded percussionists rather than specialists in single instruments.

• Proper grip, posture, and mallet selection for accessory percussion
• Sound production and tone quality on cymbals, triangles, tambourines, and auxiliary percussion
• Reading and executing rhythmic patterns across simple and compound meters
• Executing percussion effects (chokes, rolls, dampening techniques)
• Coordinating accessory percussion parts within ensemble texture
• Instrument care and maintenance fundamentals
• Listening and blending accessory voices within percussion section