Percussion ResourceAnnotated Bibliography

Compiled by Bryan HummelLast Edited: 12/4/2013

Table of Contents

Snare Drum2Keyboards8Timpani12Drum set15Accessories19

Snare DrumStone, George Lawrence. Stick ControlLevel: All Format: exercisesFocus: Technical facilityStick Control is truly as classic in percussion literature presenting an in-depth and timeless study of rudimental snare drumming. This text is a comprehensive approach to the rudiments that provides nearly every sticking possibility. The book does not get progressively more difficult but rather just presents all the rudiments in different chapters, this text is therefore more of a resource of exercises to develop specific skills. Includes: 26 original rudiments Spectacular philosophy of practicing in the preface.Perkins, Phil. The Logical Approach to Snare Drum vol. 1Level: BeginnerFormat: progressive methodFocus: Snare drumThe book provides a unique rhythmic alphabet approach to rhythms which lends itself to the teaching of the process of learning rhythms rather than learning specific rhythms themselves. The book covers all of the essentials in terms of musical terms and beginning rhythmic diversity. The lesson on ties is one that I would consider to be the most visually appealing way to discover how to play a tie for any instrument. The book contains an outstanding explanation of dynamics on a drum also.Includes: Drum tuning Playing areas Hand position and movements of both matched and traditional grip

Coffin, James. The Performing Percussionist vol. 1 and 2Book 1:Level: BeginnerFormat: progressive method Focus: ALL concert percussion **including multiple percussion This book covers the same material as The Logical Approach to Snare Drum vol. 1, just not nearly as well. This book provides exercises and etudes on accessory percussion as well as gives in introduction to multiple percussion solos/set-ups. It addresses many of the rudiments throughout the book but the pedagogy is not as present in this book for the snare drum portion as it is in the logical Approach to Snare Drum.Includes: The explanation of accessory playing (triangle, bass drum, crash cymbal, and suspended cymbal.) The use of sticking grids (pg.18) Detailed pictures of students demonstrating

Book 2:Level: BeginnerFormat: exposure methodFocus: Accessories This text as a whole is not very useful. There are sections of this book that are good though, such as accessory, drum set, and multiple percussion chapters. The drum set should wait till competency with hands is achieved. Book one and two of this series can be used together. Includes: different keys (other than C) as well as chromaticism on bells compound/tuple meter studies duets and ensembles polyrhythms swing and rock feels on drum set

Podemski, Benjamin. The Standard Snare Drum Method. New York: Belwin Mills, 1968.Level: intermediateFormat: ReferenceFocus: Rudimental snare drumThe book addresses several topics and then provides exercises to work on them The exercises are not progressive as much as they are scenarios to use the new skill. That being said, there is a section titled advanced exercise studies where the concepts covered earlier are put in much more difficult situations. Little to no time is spent on how to read rhythms, other than those specifically covered, so this is not a desirable starter book. To a degree this book can be used as a progressive method however its purpose is much better utilized as a resource to be consulted. Other than the old school approach to grip the book is still a viable beginning-intermediate percussion method.

Includes: Basic drumming/rudiments Extensive collection of musical terminology Rhythmic variations Over 50 exercises from elementary to advanced level A study of rhythmic employment by modern composers Multiple players exercises Famous drum solos from standard repertoire Timpani introductionPeters, Mitchell. Advanced Snare Drum Studies. LA, CA: Mitchell Peters Publishing, 1971.Level: Intermediate-advancedFormat: EtudesFocus: Concert Snare DrumThe Peters book is a study of advanced snare drum practices and techniques. There is absolutely no instruction given in the context of the etudes so this can be a good way for students to make musical and technical decisions on their own. This text should be used when the student is at a point that technical facility can go to the subconscious agenda and attention can be given to the musical, specifically rhythmic, demands. The series of these texts combined can be used as a progressive set of methods. Includes: Complex meters Complex rhythms Metric modulation Wide range of tempos Stylistic opportunities Rudiment employmentDelecluse, Jacques. Methode de Caisse-Claire. Paris: Alphonse Leduc, 1969.Level: intermediateFormat: ProgressiveFocus: Expression on snare drumThe Delecluse Method is a progressive approach to snare drum playing. The text begins with single hand exercises and shortly thereafter progress to alternating. With each subsequent chapter the skills add on rather than shifting focus, by the end of the etudes demand the student must execute all techniques covered. The preface of this book states its true purpose perfectly; the student must have a good knowledge of rhythm and dynamics before even starting to worry about technique. When using this text relentless attention must be given to rhythmic perfection and dynamic consideration. This method is a perfect predecessor to the Doze Etudes by Delecluse.Includes: Brief discussion of the grip Single and alternating discussion and etudes Roll and rebound discussion and etudes Flam and ruff discussion and etudesPratt, John. 14 Modern Contest Solos for Snare Drum. New York: Belwin Mills Pub., 1959.Level: Intermediate (with strong rudimental understanding)Format: Solo CollectionFocus: Rudimental Application and PerformanceThis collection of solos demands a strong rudimental understanding of the snare drum. Not only are the 40 standard rudiments applied but compound (hybrid) rudiments are as well. This book can be good for a contest solo resource or just a medium for applying and refining the skills of a growing rudimental drummer. Includes: Detailed records of the rudiments used in each solo Clear sticking suggestionsMcMillan, Thomas. 20th Century Orchestral Snare Drum Studies. Chicago, IL: Creative Music, 1968.Level: advancedFormat: Etudes Focus: The rhythms of specific 20th century composersThe 20th Century Orchestral Snare Drum Studies is a text for the serious percussionist. The etudes of this book are constructed by the rhythmic tendencies of 20th century orchestral composers. To play the etudes in this book the student will need to study the contexts of many orchestral works in order to appropriately portray the intended style. This text would be good for a student who is hoping to take an orchestral audition or is interested in the music of the compiled composers. Includes: Difficult meters Specific stylistic contexts Wide range of temposCirone, Anthony. Portraits in Rhythm. Miami, FL: Belwin Mills Publishing, 1966.Level: intermediateFormat: etudesFocus: stylistic snare drum interpretationPortraits in Rhythm is a standard snare drum etude collection for any growing percussionist. This text provides the student with a wealth of opportunities to explore the vast personalities of the snare drum in tone, dynamic, and performance capabilities. The book never discusses how to count rhythms, technique, dynamics or tone, or any other logistical aspect of playing so a beginner could not independently use it. This book is an excellent predecessor to the Doze Etudes by Delecluse and can be used symbiotically with the Methode de Caisse-Claire by Delecluse. Includes: Difficult meters Classic rhythmic quotations Stylistic considerations for each etudeAlbright, Fred. Contemporary Studies for the Snare Drum. New York: Belwin Mills Pub., 1966. Level: Advanced Format: Etudes Focus: Rudimental development and Sight-reading The text provides sixty-two rudimental snare drum solos that progressively add more difficult rudiments. The introduction of the book states that it is meant to be used for working sight-reading skills and chops.

Includes: Progressive etudes Specific instructions for each etude Snare and bass etudes Basic meters

Cirone, Anthony. Symphonic Repertoire for Snare Drum. Galesville, MD: Meredith Music Publications, 2006.

Level: AllFormat: Excerpt Compilation (partial parts) and resourceFocus: N/A

This text is a compilation of the major snare drum excerpts in the orchestral repertoire. With each excerpt Cirone offers up his own analysis, tips, and solutions.

Includes:Bela BartokConcerto for Orchestra, mvt IIClaude DebussyNocturnes FetesSerge ProkofievLieutenant Kiji, mvt ISymphony No. 5, mvts. II and IVMaurice RavelBoleroRimsky KorsakowCapriccio EspagnolSchererazade, mvts. III and IVGioacchino RossiniLa Gazza LadraDmitri ShostakovichSymphony Nos. 10 and 11William SchumanSymphony No. 3

Keyboards

Green, George Hamilton. Instruction Course for Xylophone. Meredith Music Pub., 1984

Level: allFormat: ExercisesFocus: keyboard development

The advantage of this text is that ach lesson is in a new key to facilitate gaining a competence in a single key at a time; also there is a ragtime exercise in every lesson. Use this book for shedding scale exercises.

Includes: Guide to practicing Scales in almost every key Chord and chord progression studies Double stops Grace notes 4 mallets Improvisation Rhythmic variety

Firth, Vic. Mallet Technique: 38 studies for xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone. New York: Carl Fischer.

Level: AllFormat: EtudesFocus: Technique

This book is a collection of exercises intend to enhance a students mallet technique. Similar to the George Hamilton Green book, Instruction Course for Xylophone, this book covers scales and arpeggios. There are no double stops or melodic studies in this text, but it does have more advanced scale and arpeggio studies.

Includes: Specific instructions before each exercise Major/minor scales Major/minor arpeggios Whole tone scales Dominant and diminished arpeggios Benchmark tempo markings specific to each exercise

Cirone, Anthony. Portraits in Melody. New York: Belwin Mills.

Level: AdvancedFormat: EtudesFocus: mature rhythmic and melodic contour

This book is written to parallel all of rhythmic etudes found in Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. A fantastic idea, but the result is a mallet book that resides on a much higher difficulty level than its counterpart. The etudes vary in key and difficulty. Students should learn the corresponding etude out of the Portraits in Rhythm thoroughly and then move to this text and learn it. The idea is that the rhythm needs to be correct first.

Includes: 50 Etudes

Goldenberg, Morris. The Modern School for xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone. Chappell & co., Inc., 1950.

Level: All Format: referenceFocus: Keyboard developmentThe text addresses almost all the surface problems a player is faced with when playing a mallet instrument as a beginner. This method is not student-walk-through, a teacher is needed. After covering the basics, thirty-nine etudes are presented that provide a contextual platform to hone the skills earlier discussed. Lastly, the text had orchestral excerpts, two violin concertos, and index.

Includes: Exercises, melodies, and techniques in all keys 39 etudes in various keys and meters Orchestral Excerpts Chordal Studies Old keyboard terminology

McMillan, Thomas. Masterpieces for Marimba. Miami, Fl: Bellwin Mills.

Level: Beginner intermediateFormat: etudesFocus: musicality on marimba

This text is a collection of some of the finest musical literature transposed and arranged to meet the needs of a growing keyboardist. Works mostly from the classical period. Downside of this text is that the author adds suggestive dynamic markings that can skew performance practices.

Stevens, Leigh Howard. Method of Movement for Marimba. L. H. Stevens, 1997.

Level: allFormat: referenceFocus: four-mallet technique description and development

Book is organized into two sections. The first section is an in-depth description of the four-mallet grip. It covers how to hold the mallets and every stroke type. In the second section there are 590 exercises for every stroke type. For each stroke type there is a progressive set of exercises that make the book super versatile.

Includes: Analysis of stroke types Exercises for each stroke type Routine construction guide based on level Anthology of excises that are useful for popular four-mallet marimba rep

Davila, Julie. Impressions on Wood. Julie Davila, 2006.

Level: IntermediateFormat: progressive, lesson-to-soloFocus: technique building through musical solos

This book provides meaningful lessons before each solo that builds the necessary skills to play them. The solos contain easily accessible musical topics for a teacher and student to discuss. The lessons provide clear exercises on specific four-mallet stroke types which provide students the opportunity to focus their efforts.

Includes: 10 lessons and etudes Glossary of musical terms, signs, and definitions of stroke types. CD of all solo being performed

Bach, Johannes Sebastian. Thee Sonatas and Three Partitas for Solo Violin (urtext). London: Barenreiter, 2001.

Level: AdvancedFormat: SolosFocus: N/A

Includes:Sonata I in G minor, BWV 1001Sonata II in A minor, BWV 1003Sonata III in C major, BWV 1005Partita I in B minor, BWV 1002Partita II in D minor, BWV 1004Partita III in E major, BWV 1006

Bach, Johannes Sebastian. Six Suites for Solo Cello (urtext). London: Barenreiter, 1950.

Level: AdvancedFormat: SolosFocus: N/A

Includes:Suite no. 1, BWV 1007Suite no. 2, BWV 1008Suite no. 3, BWV 1009Suite no. 4, BWV 1010Suite no. 5, BWV 1011Suite no. 6, BWV 1012

Geem, Jack Van. Symphonic Repertoire for Keyboard Percussion. Galesville, MD: Meredith Music Publications, 2008.

Level: AllFormat: Orchestral Excerpts (Partial Parts) and referenceFocus: n/a

This compilations includes excerpts for Orchestra Bells, Xylophone, and Vibraphone. Some parts are full duplicates of the original score and other are just partial clips. This collection includes the compilers analysis, sticking solutions, and tempo suggestions; all of which make this text and all others in its series a codifying tool for students.

Includes:Wolfgang MozartThe Magic FluteBellsRichard StraussDon JuanBellsPaul DukasSorcerers ApprenticeBellsGustav MahlerSymphony No. 5BellsClaude DebussyLa MerBellsOttorino RespighiPines of RomeBellsGeorge GershwinPorgy and BessxyloBela BartokMusic for strings, perc, and celestexyloColas BreugnonColas BreugnonxyloAaron CoplandAppalachian SpringxyloZoltan KodalyHary JanosxyloWilliam SchumanSymphony No. 3xyloIgor StravinskyFirebird Suite Les NocesxyloDmitri ShostakovichPolka from the Golden AgexyloOlivier MessiaenOiseaux ExotiquesxyloLeonard BernsteinWest Side StoryVibesTimpani

Peters, Mitchell. Fundamental Method of Timpani. Alfred Music Pub., 1993.

Level: AllFormat: referenceFocus: All aspects of Timpani (maintenance technique)

The text is primarily set-up as an encyclopedia to be referenced. This book isnt meant for a student to study front to back. The first section concerns maintenance, second includes technique, the third is etudes for two drums, and the fourth is etudes and exercises for three and four drums. This book is good supplemental material for a teacher and acts as an excellent resource for all percussionists.

Includes: Detailed maintenance information Specific technical discussions Etudes for two drums Etudes for three and four drums Appendix containing: Terminology, special effects, and more details

Firth, Vic. The Solo Timpanist. New York: Carl Fischer, 1963.

Level: intermediateFormat: EtudesFocus: Timpani Facility

Twenty-six etudes are provided in the text that take students from navigating the drums and changing pitches to glissandi, mixed meter, and complex rhythms. The etudes force students to confront problems like muting and clarity when dealing with the many difficulties, most of which are often found in both historical and popular literature. Prior to each etude, the author provides a focus skill which makes apparent the problems that will be addressed in the piece to following, this allows the teacher to direct the student better as well as lets the student know what theyre looking for.

Includes: 26 etudes Muffling/muting descriptions Glissandi/pitch changing Articulation considerationsHochrainer, Richard. Etuden fur Timpani. Verlag Doblinger.

Level: intermediateFormat: etudesFocus: Developing Timpani fundamentals

Etuden fur Timpani is an older text that is printed in German, familiarity with the language is therefore necessary. The beginning of the book gives the authors ideas about timpani; this is where he establishes philosophies on muffling, technique, stroke type, and much more. The etudes are all for two drums except for a few that are for three. On every etude there are style markings which demand the player to consider style.

Includes: Two and three drum etudes German style markings Explanations of technique, characteristic sound, muting, and more.

Carter, Elliot. Eight Pieces for Four Timpani (one player). Milwaukee, WI: Associated Music Publishers, Inc., 1995.

Level: AdvancedFormat: SolosFocus: Contemporary use and performance on timpani

Eight Pieces for Four Timpani represents a new thinking for the timpani as a solo instrument. These are some of the most contemporary solos written for the instrument because they employ many techniques that were not thought of before this. Those most prominent technique asked for is different playing positions on the head which, before this, used to be a wrong. Aside from the technical advances in the percussion world, these pieces are a compositional wonder and a masterful collection of intricately constructed works.

Includes: 8 solos Detailed performance notes describing all extended techniques Clear nomenclature Specific program structural considerationsGoldenberg, Morris. Romantic Symphonies for Timpani. Theodore Presser Company, 1964.

Level: ProfessionalFormat: Excerpt Compilation (full parts)Focus: N/A

Includes:Franz SchubertSymphony Nos. 7 and 8 (unfinished)Felix MendelssohnSymphony Nos. 3, 4, and 5Robert SchumannSymphony Nos. 2, 3, and 4Johannes BrahmsSymphony Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4Anton DvorakSymphony Nos. 2, 4, and 5Peter Tchaikovsky Symphony Nos. 4, 5, and 6

Goldenberg, Morris. Classic Symphonies for Timpani. New York: Chappell Music Co., 1963.

Level: ProfessionalFormat: Excerpt Compilation (full parts)Focus: N/A

Includes:Joseph HaydnSymphony Nos. 94, 100, and 101Wolfgang Amadeus MozartSymphony Nos. 31, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, and 41Ludwig Van BeethovenSymphony Nos. 1 9

Carlyss, Gerald. Symphonic Repertoire for Timpani: Beethoven Symphonies. Galesville, MD: Meredith Music Publications, 2005.

Level: ProfessionalFormat: Excerpt compilation (Full Parts) and referenceFocus: N/A

This compilation offers the authors analysis, solutions, and musical considerations for all nine Beethoven Symphonies.

Includes:Ludwig Van BeethovenSymphony nos. 1 9

Carlyss, Gerald. Symphonic Repertoire for Timpani: Brahms and Tchaikovsky. Galesville, MD: Meredith Music Publications, 2006.

Level: ProfessionalFormat: Excerpt compilation (Full Parts) and referenceFocus: N/A

This compilation offers the authors analysis, solutions, and musical considerations for all four symphonies by Brahms as well as all six symphonies by Brahms.

Includes:Johannes Brahms Symphony nos. 1 4 Pyotr Ilych TchaikovskySymphony nos. 1 6

Drum set

Uribe, Ed. The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion and Drum set. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.

Level: AllFormat: referenceFocus: The history, role, and authentic style of percussion in the Afro-Cuban genre

The book is meant to be a reference for any drum set player to go to when they need to play an Afro-Cuban role in any ensemble. Every topic is laid out first with an introduction, a history lesson that examples and exercises of what a player could do. There are also technique discussions concerning atypical instruments such as congas. The detailed descriptions of all percussion instruments involved, their roles, and what they should play in which situation makes this the ultimate reference for this genre.

Includes: History Instrument descriptions, techniques, and beats to play Rhythm section considerations Specific drum set section Rhythm section Parts 2 CDs Rothman, Joel. Mini-Monster Book of Rock Drumming. New Jersey: Joel Rothman Pub., 1981.

Level: BeginnerFormat: exercise gridsFocus: rock drumming

This book is a written set of grids based on a few basic ideas on drum set. This construction similar to the Pickering Drummers Cookbook series but tops it with mixed meter studies, two-over-three and three-over-four studies, as well as brief rudimental incorporation studies. Rather than a vocabulary of beats this is a vocabulary of beat ideas to get the student started.

Includes: Basic beats Variations on basic beats Mixed metered beats Four way coordination variants Various rock styles Rudimental incorporation Basic polyrhythms

Davis, Steve. Style and Analysis. New Albany, IN: Jamey Aebersold Jazz, INC., 1992.

Level: BeginnerFormat: EtudeFocus: Playing appropriate style within tunes

This book is arranged so that a student could navigate it with ease on their own. Before each chapter a description of the tune is given as well as a things to listen for section which provides prompts for the student to consider when they are playing. Lastly, the book gives a suggested listening list for each etude so that students can expand their repertoire based on what theyve just learned.

Includes: Play-along CD Glossary and Key for notation Suggested listening lists Stylistic considerations for each tune

Pickering, John. Mel Bays Studio/Jazz Drum Cookbook. Pacific, Mo: Mel Bay Pub, Inc., 1979.

Level: intermediate Format: exercises and short solosFocus: Independence in the style swing

This text is a vocabulary collection. Its chapters are grids of all the permutations of the focus skill. Then following every section there are short solos to apply several of the exercises in context. Excellent book to introduce independence and have easy low stress application opportunities as well just a work out for those already able to play.

Includes: 4 way coordination chapters Combinations of 4 way coordination Many exercises to apply them CD

Rogers, Dennis. Solo Studies for Drum set, book 2. San Antonio, Texas: Southern Music Company.

Level: IntermediateFormat: EtudesFocus: Rudiments

This is book two of a three book series intended to bridge the gap between a beginning snare drummer, with a foundational knowledge in the forty rudiments, and the drum set. The book is set up as a collection of solo etudes that are based on a single rudiment. The solos are constructed to show the player all the ways a single rudimental idea can be applied on the drum set. Student must have a competence at drum set and music reading before playing this text.

Includes: Solo etudes Nomenclature guide Specific stickings

Riley, John. The Art of Bop Drumming. Manhattan Music, INC., 1994.

Level: Intermediate Format: instruction and exercisesFocus: Characteristic Bop drumming

This text is the current standard in learning jazz drum set both independently and with a teacher. The text includes style consideration historically relevant to the players who made the genre famous. It starts with an initial chapter on the basic elements of a swing pattern, including voicing and phrasing. Then it launches into comping, soloing, and more genres. Truly a standard in the drum set repertoire.

Includes: Comping patterns Brush patterns In-depth discussion of soloing Bop, samba, and other genres Listening list Discography of players Charts to play along with CD

Chapin, Jim. Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, vol. 1. SAG Harbor, NY: Jim Chapin, 1948.

Level: AdvancedFormat: Exercises and Solos Focus: complex rhythm combinations

This text is quite difficult to navigate. The notation switches between dotted 8th-16ths and triplets which can make it hard to distinguish which style is being asked for. The subtitle says as applied to jazz and Be-Bop but the notation flip flops. Put this in the hands of an already comfortable drummer to expand their rhythmic and coordination abilities.

Includes: A historical, multicultural, and practical justification for the text Melodic exercises Solos Fills CD

Latham, Rick. Advanced Funk Studies. Los Angelas, CA: Rick Latham Pub. Co., 1980.

Level: Intermediate advancedFormat: exercises, transcriptions, and solosFocus: funk combinations

The book is organized into three sections. The first involves some of the different kinds of combinations found in funk drumming, most of these concern hi-hat variations. The second section are historical grooves from iconic funk drummers, like Steve Gadd and David Garibaldi, transcribed. The last section is full of solos that culminate all of the previous material.

Includes: Transcriptions Solos Notation explication CD

Moore, Stanton. Groove Alchemy. Hudson Music, 2010.

Level: AdvancedFormat: ReferenceFocus: Creating a historically influenced

Stanton Moore has develop a professional reputation of being a historically informed drummer. In this book he shows historical figures, their beats, and what he does with them. This book is best used as a tool for developing a deeper understanding of the funk/new Orleans style. Additionally, this book is nearly codification of accumulating many influences into one beat.

Includes: Historical contexts Many transcribed beats Iconic images of historical drummers Several genres Interviews with famous figures CDs

Accessory Percussion

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