The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

Compiled by Brandon M. Arvay

Snare Drum

*Stick Control for the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone

Often called the bible of drumming. In 1993, Modern Drummer magazine named the book one of the top
25 drum method books of all-time. In the words of the author, it is the ideal book for improving “control,
speed, flexibility, touch, rhythm, lightness, delicacy, power, endurance, preciseness of execution and
muscular coordination,” with extra attention given to the development of the weak hand.
Stick Control is an indispensable book for drummers of all types includes hundreds of basic to advanced-
level rhythms, moving through categories of single-beat combinations, triplets, short roll combinations,
flam beats, flam triplets and dotted notes, and short roll progressions.

*Fundamental Studies for Snare Drum by Garwood Whaley

A beginning method book which covers all of the essential snare drum techniques. Included are many
duets and odd-meter studies designed to prepare the student for performing today's band and orchestral
literature.

Musical Studies for the Intermediate Snare Drummer by Garwood Whaley

A well written collection of 30 etudes for snare drum broken up into two sections. The first section is
devoted to the development and use of dynamics and accents. The second section makes extensive use
of flams, drags, and rolls of varying duration.

*Intermediate Snare Drum Studies by Mitchell Peters

A collection of 43 etudes/studies for snare drum in two parts. Part one emphasizes basic technique; Part
two is a collection of studies with emphasis on dynamics, phrasing and control. Written with the
intermediate player in mind, Peters’ book is of tremendous importance to advanced high school and
college percussion students.

*Portraits in Rhythm by Anthony J. Cirone

This publication presents the reader with challenging and stimulating material for the intermediate and
advanced percussion student. Portraits in Rhythm contains 50 musical solos and brief performance
notes. The included solos explore musicality and expression in ways that will challenge most students. All
of the solos are great for audition material. Anthony Cirone's masterful book is a must-own for the serious
percussionist!

Keyboard Percussion

*Ideokinetics by Gordon Stout

Gordon Stout shares his insight with articles on "kinesthetic touch" (ideo-kinetics), correct practice
technique and how to sightread. Exercises to aid in the development of fast accurate interval changes,
arm rotations, and inner and outer arm swings are also included.

*Music Speed Reading by David R. Hickman

Music Speed Reading composed by David Hickman. All instruments. Published by Wimbledon/Trigram
Music Inc.
The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

*Percussion Keyboard Technique by Thomas McMillan

Provides the perfect setting for beginning mallet percussion players. This method provides material for
beginning students to progress according to their abilities and continues to motivate and sustain interest
with the highest quality music.
Fundamental Studies for Mallets by Garwood Whaley
A collection of progressive studies for the beginning student from percussion master. It is divided into
three sections. The first section examines technique, reading and memorization. The second section
features works by well known composers arranged for mallet instruments. The final section is a technical
study of elementary exercises including basic scales and chords.

*Fundamental Method for Mallets Vol. 1 by Mitchell Peters

The method contains an abundance of essential exercises and etudes for both 2- and 4-mallet technique
in two convenient volumes! Covers the grip, stroke, playing position, reading and technical studies, and
more!

Vibraphone Technique: Dampening and Pedaling by David Friedman

This method book covers the art of contemporary vibraphone playing. Complete with studies as well as in
depth discussions, the practicing percussionist will learn how to develop a technique enabling musical
freedom essential to modern performance.

*Method of Movement for Marimba by Leigh Howard Stevens

Perhaps the most in depth marimba method book on the art of four mallet marimba playing. Method of
Movement contains 15 chapters covering grip, strokes, shifts, tone production, interval changes, efficient
movement around the instrument. 37 photographs, 45 diagrams and 590 graduated exercises. Method of
Movement has already been translated into four languages and is an absolute must-have for any serious
percussionist.

Timpani

*Modern Method for Timpani by Saul Goodman

An indispensable book for all timpanists! Divided into 4 sections: Fundamentals: Exercises for the
Development of Technique on Two Drums, Three and Four Drum Technique,and Repertoire for Tympani.
Extremely musical.

*Concepts for Timpani by John Beck

The material deals with quality sound from the early stages of development to the professional stage. A
book for the beginner, intermediate or advanced student, it contains exercises, etudes and solos of all
difficulties providing the student with ample material to practice. Topics covered include: tuning, warm-
ups, tone production, rolls, muffling, cross sticking, pedaling, intervals exercises and 12 performance
solos.

Exercises, Etudes and Solos for the Timpani by Raynor Carroll

Contains more than 500 exercises, 100 etudes and 17 solos for two, three and four timpani. Also includes
excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire. No other book contains this much material. This book is
a great value and one that is highly recommended by many professors and professional timpanists.

Musical Studies for the Intermediate Timpanist by Garwood Whaley

Written for high school and college level timpanists. The pieces are scored for 2-4 timpani, and are
intended to develop techniques such as the ability to control frequent dynamic changes, glissandi, tuning
changes, meter changes and far more!

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The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

*The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth

A collection of 26 progressive etudes for timpani, complete with instructions from the author. Topics
covered include muffling timpani, glissandi, tips on tuning, odd meter studies and far more. The Solo
Timpanist is one of the most important and most often used books for timpani ever.

MultiPercussion

*The Contemporary Percussionist by Michael Udow and Chris Watts

Requires from 2 to 12 instruments and are ideal for recital or solo festival. The comprehensive
introduction provides essential information for performing today's multi-percussion solos. “…the multiple
percussion solos contained in this text will assist the performer in developing techniques and concepts
necessary to perform music of the past, present, and future. It is our intent that several of these solos
may be selected and performed as a suite for multiple percussion and used as recital repertoire.”

*Music for Multi-Percussion: A World View by James Campbell and Julie Hill
Designed as a progression of complex skills required to play multi-percussion. Ten percussion solos and
two duets are presented with the intention of being performed in recitals, auditions, studio classes and
contests. The collection of solos and duets is organized into four categories which focus on specific skill
sets.

*Multitudes by Andy Bliss

Students can all practice on the same general setup, while all working on different, individualized pieces.
Sharing this equipment allows the setup to remain intact, reducing setup and tear-down time while also
being economical with studio or band room space. This shared approach also reduces stress on the
amount of equipment available; many schools do not have enough gear to facilitate a variety of solos that
all use similar equipment to be setup in different places at the same time. Performance situations such as
studio class, solo & ensemble, or juries are made easier due to the ability to have multiple students
perform on the same general set of equipment.

Accessories

*Complementary Percussion by Keith Aleo

“The use of the term “accessory” to describe a group of percussion instruments diminishes their
importance and role in the concert percussion world. These instruments are more appropriately described
as “complementary percussion instruments.” - Keith
A workbook for developing Tambourine, Triangle, Cymbals and Bass Drum Performance, provides the
percussionist with exercises, etudes and duets specifically written for these instruments. The exercises
are the “stick control” for this group of instruments and provide the necessary foundation to begin
addressing the etudes. The etudes are idiomatic, musically satisfying, and simply “make sense” from a
percussionist’s standpoint. They vary in skill and serve as a launching point to master these instruments.
Having perfected the exercises and mastered all of the etudes, a percussionist will be prepared to tackle
any part for tambourine, triangle, bass drum and cymbals.

*Techniques of Playing Bass Drum, Cymbals and Accessories by Al Payson

This book presents the concert performance techniques of the various instruments mentioned in the title,
discusses the instrument types, sizes, etc., and includes standard symphonic repertory.

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The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

The Art of Tambourine and Triangle Playing by Neil Grover and Garwood Whaley
Provides information on the history, selection and fundamental performance techniques for both
tambourine and triangle. It also provides skill development exercises and duets that cover all essential
techniques for both instruments and, includes a list of selected literature from the band and orchestra
repertoire.

Art of Percussion Accessory Playing by Anthony Cirone and Garwood Whaley

A unique text providing information on the background, selection and fundamental performance
techniques for 17 accessory instruments including wood block, claves, antique cymbals. temple blocks,
cabasa, castanets and more. It also provides skill development exercises that cover the essential
techniques for each instrument and, includes a list of selected literature from the band and orchestra
repertoire. Each musical exercise includes a description of the technique being taught as well as a clear,
instructional diagram.

Drumset

*Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed

One of the most versatile and practical works ever written for drums. Created exclusively to address
syncopation, it has earned its place as a standard tool for teaching beginning drummers syncopation and
strengthening reading skills. This book includes many accented eighths, dotted eighths and sixteenths,
eighth-note triplets and sixteenth notes for extended solos. In addition, teachers can develop many of
their own examples from it.

*The Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley

the definitive book on bop drumming—a style that is both the turning point and the cornerstone of
contemporary music’s development. This comprehensive book and audio presentation covers time
playing, comping, soloing, brushes, more jazz essentials, and charts in an entertaining mix of text, music,
and pertinent quotes.

*The Jazz Drummer's Reading Workbook by Tom Morgan

Provides written sequential exercises that gradually add new figures and longer summary etudes, all
contained on 2 play-along CDs. Without a rhythm section and ensemble to play with, it is easy for a
drummer to make errors without knowing it. The goal with this book is to give drummers a chance to play
musical examples similar to what they will encounter in the "real world.”

New Breed (w /CD) by Gary Chester

This is not just another drum book, but rather a system that will help you develop the skills needed to
master today's studio requirements. By working with this book, you'll improve your reading, concentraton,
coordination, right and left-hand lead, and awareness of the click.

*Essential Styles, Books 1 and 2 by Steve Houghton

Two innovative book and play-along CD packages that teach 50 essential grooves from today's jazz and
popular styles. The books include written-out charts of each selection and performance tips for both
drums and bass. All of the grooves have been recorded with a rhythm section and woodwinds, with drums
mixed on the left channel and bass on the right, so either instrument may be dialed out. In addition, many
of the tracks contain open choruses of comping so any instrument can practice playing solos! Essential
Styles emphasizes the most important aspects of solid group playing—locking-in between the drummer
and bassist— providing a strong rhythmic foundation and creating an authentic feel for whatever the style
demands.

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The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

*The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion & Drum Set by Ed Uribe

Provides an in-depth study (324 pages) of all the percussion instruments, rhythms and song styles of
Afro-Cuban music, along with their applications to the drum set. Detailed technical studies of each
instrument are presented along with notations of many rhythm styles. The entire rhythm section (parts for
bass, piano, horn section, string section, tres, and guitar) is also studied in detail. The book comes with
two CDs that include performances of each percussion instrument, drum set, all rhythm section
instruments, as well as examples of all musical styles with full instrumentation in score form.

*Ultimate Drumset Reading Anthology by Steve Houghton

a diverse collection of drum charts that comes with a CD of accompaniments recorded both with drums
for demonstration and without drums for playing along, and includes analyses and performance
suggestions. Performance settings like big band, small group, live shows, Broadway, studio work, dance
jobs and cruise ships are discussed in terms of responsibilities, challenges, expectations, awareness and
problem areas. 72 pages.

Jazz Drummer's Workshop by John Riley

Conceptual topics (time playing, comping, soloing), artist style and analysis (Elvin Jones, Tony Williams
and others) and technique (warm-ups, Moeller, etc.) all come together in a fresh, educational and
inspiring way. Destined to become an important addition to curriculum. The CD features Riley performing
several of the examples.

Marching Percussion

*Up Front by Jim Casella and Jim Ancona

explores the numerous details of a successful front ensemble. Topics included are: equipment, instrument
ranges, transporting, instrument care, technique, exercises, teaching techniques, arranging, and much,
much more. At a whopping 225 pages thick, this resource is sure to provide years of insight. It is meant to
be an all-encompassing guide for pit members and educators of all experience levels.

*Championship Technique for Marching Percussion by James Campbell

Designed to provide the essential skills for developing a championship drum line. It is both an effective
step-by-step method for technique development and a musical resource for providing warm-ups and
cadences the help build performance excellence in your marching percussion section.

*The Next Level by Jeff Queen

A comprehensive method for any player who desires to take his or her drumming beyond their current
abilities. Starting with the fundamental techniques, Jeff Queen describes in detail all aspects of
approaching the drum: from how to properly grip the sticks to applying the Moeller and Velocity Strokes to
achieve maximum sound quality and endurance. Drawing from his vast drum corps, solo performance
and teaching experience, Jeff details the basic techniques that comprise current rudimental styles: TWO
HEIGHT CONTROL / TIMING CONTROL / DIDDLE CONTROL / BUZZ CONTROL / FLAM CONTROL

World Percussion

*The Conga Drummer's Guidebook by Michael Spiro

The only method book specifically designed for intermediate to advanced conga drummers---packed with
exercises on every aspect of the craft! Spiro goes behind the superficial licks and shows you how to

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The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

approach any Afro-Latin rhythm with the right feel, i.e. he explains the concepts of HOW to play correctly,
not just WHAT to play.

*Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas, Timbales, and Bongos by Rolando Morale-Matos
This book includes download instructions for mp3s, complete with sound examples and instruction by
Rolando himself. Equal to a full year's course and private lessons on each world instrument, this book will
help you prepare for the world of Latin Percussion and how it relates to Latin Music. Once you master the
techniques of playing the instruments and the basic rhythm patterns, you will be able to learn more
advanced patterns and create your own. The possibilities are endless. Have fun practicing the exercises
and rhythm patterns. Remember that even though they are exercises, they are the key to making real
music.

Riq: Basics of the Middle Eastern Tambourine (w/ DVD) by Yousif Sheronick
From the basics of holding the Riq all the way through playing and embellishing traditional Middle Eastern
Rhythms in both Cabaret and Soft positions. Included are technique exercises to develop your tones and
build your strength, as well as two spectacular solos played by Sheronick on this amazingly versatile
instrument. The accompanying book includes a comprehensive collection of over 50 Middle Eastern
Rhythms (many with multiple embellishments) and a scene layout of the DVD.

*All About Hand Percussion (w/ CD) by Kalani

Contains in-depth coverage of popular percussion instruments, including history, tuning, maintenance,
techniques, exercises, ensembles, and more, from a world-renowned educator and performer, Kalani.
Each book comes with an enhanced CD featuring additional multimedia content, including
demonstrations of all rhythms and techniques and tuning instructions. All About Hand Percussion
contains information on a wide range of instruments including: cowbells, agogos, finger cymbals, kalimba
(mbira), wood block, claves, log drums, maracas, cabasa, guiro, vibraslap, udu, berimbau, and more!

West African Drums & Dance Teacher's Guide (w/ CD and DVD) by Kalani/Camara
This ground-breaking multimedia collection, West African Drums & Dance from award-winning author
Kalani and noted world percussionist Ryan M. Camara! More than just a drumming book, this easy-to-use
method immerses teachers and students in traditional West African music, dance and culture through a
step-by-step curriculum that maintains cultural authenticity. The World Rhythms! Arts Program (WRAP) is
a multiple-discipline curriculum that incorporates drumming, singing, dance, and culture. Rooted in
traditional West African music and dance, WRAP helps develop essential arts and life skills through a
holistic approach to music and movement education. A must for your classroom!

Hand Drumming Essentials by C.A. Grosso

Unlike any book you've seen! This innovative new approach provides all the information you need to
begin and maintain your own hand drumming ensemble. The book includes an introduction to hand
drumming; instruments of the hand drumming ensemble (including conga, bongos and timbales, and
exotic world percussion instruments such as agogo, axatse, caxixi and toke); performance techniques;
rehearsal techniques; the development of hand drumming technique; and compositions for performance.

*Beginning Steel Drum by Othello Molineaux

A complete method for learning to play lead steel drum. World-renowned steel drum artist Othello
Molineaux has developed a concise method for the novice or experienced musician. Perfect for individual
study or classroom use, this method comes complete with an accompaniment CD and a full-size practice
poster.

Bodhran: The Basics by Bill Woods

Using photographs, text, and audio examples, it takes you in easy steps from holding the bodhrán and
stick through playing along with traditional Irish dance tunes. It shows you the basic accompaniment
patterns for reels and jigs and demonstrates ways to make these patterns more interesting using rests,
accents, and rolls. In addition to the audio examples, the CD has traditional Irish dance tunes recorded at

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The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

different tempos so you can start playing along almost immediately and increase your speed as your skill
improves.

Steelpan Method by Liam Teague

designed for anyone just learning to play the steelpan. This easy-to-use beginner's guide takes you
through the basics of the instrument and its technique. The accompanying audio includes demonstration
tracks for all the examples in the book. It covers: stance, holding the mallets, types of strokes, tone
production and volume control, stickings, rolls, scales, calypsos, many songs and exercises, basic music
reading, steelpan anatomy and maintenance, steelpan history, and more. The price of this book includes
access to audio tracks online for download or streaming, using the unique code inside the book.

*The Steel Band Game Plan: Strategies for Starting, Building, and Maintaining Your Pan Program
by Chris Tanner
the first comprehensive resource devoted to steel band pedagogy, is a must-have for anyone involved in
the steel band idiom today. Written primarily for educators, The Steel Band Game Plan addresses a wide
variety of topics, including instrumentation, personnel, basic pan technique, repertoire, and rehearsal
strategies. This informative text addresses a sore need among the community of pan: the need for a
thorough treatment of topics regarding the successful implementation and development of a steel band
program. The style is user-friendly, and anyone who desires to start a steel band program, or who is
currently directing one, will find it accessible and enlightening. It's a one-stop resource for a wide variety
of information—from guidelines on major decisions such as what instruments to purchase, to helpful tips
for getting the most out of your rehearsals.

Orchestral Excerpts

*Symphonic Repertoire Guide for Timpani and Percussion by Raynor Carroll

Details the requirements and assignments of timpani and percussion in more than 3,000 works from the
symphonic literature. Also includes a glossary of percussion instruments from the repertoire section of the
book. Each entry is given a brief definition/translation along with a representative composition if which the
instruments is used. The most comprehensive and detailed reference guide available for the timpanist,
percussionist, conductor, librarian, artistic administrator, personnel manager, stage manager, orchestra
manager, etc.

*The Working Timpanist's Survival Guide by John Tafoya

Includes the most commonly asked orchestral timpani excerpts at auditions today. This invaluable
resource contains carefully illustrated excerpts, insightful photos, and a CD-ROM with timpani parts
included. Each excerpt is explained with meticulous care. For the timpanist who might be learning
orchestral repertoire for the first time, or revisiting it, the 'recommended recordings' list is also very helpful.
The professional timpanist will also enjoy the variety of musical and technical options presented in this
book.

A collection of excerpts for xylophone compiled by Raynor Carroll, principal percussionist with the Los
Angeles Philharmonic. Raynor Carroll's collections of standard percussion orchestral repertoire excerpts
have become some of the most sought after books for percussionists preparing for orchestra auditions:
Orchestral Repertoire for Xylophone Volume 1
Orchestral Repertoire for Xylophone Volume 2
Orchestral Repertoire for Snare Drum
Orchestral Repertoire for Glockenspiel Volume 1
Orchestral Repertoire for Glockenspiel Volume 2
Orchestral Repertoire for Tambourine, Triangle, and Castanets
Orchestral Repertoire for Bass Drum and Cymbals

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The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

Reference

*Creative Music Making (book w/ CD) by Bill Cahn

Most musicians focus on learning technique (learning how to play an instrument), rather than on
developing an individual, unique voice. Creative Music Making focuses on the creative development of
musicians from all levels of experience and in all style of music. Based on the the author's experience
leading workshops for performers are the world, the easy-to-follow exercises in this text will enable any
musician- from beginning to professional- to improve creativity and self expression. The book comes with
a sample CD with examples if how these techniques have been applied. Creative Music Making will open
the ears of all musicians, vocalists or instrumentalists, in classical, popular, or jazz styles, to a world of
new possibilities.

Beyond Basic Percussion by Eric Rath and Ralph Hicks

“…help the young percussionists in your ensemble become musically independent so you can spend
more time making music and less time worrying about their logistics.” This practical and fun collection is
designed by Eric Rath and Ralph Hicks, both of whom are accomplished band directors AND professional
percussionists. Inside, you'll find ten beginning-level percussion ensemble pieces that address the most
common obstacles young percussionists and their teachers face in class.

*Encyclopedia of Percussion by John Beck

A comprehensive guide to all things percussive. John Beck offers in depth descriptions as well as
historical background on a wide range of topics. This new Second Edition is available in hard cover only.

*The Percussionists Art: Same Bed, Different Dreams by Steven Schick

A book about solo percussion music. Not long ago the very notion of a percussion soloist would have
seemed ludicrous. Imagine a soloist taking the stage. However instead of tuning a Stradivarius or dusting
off the keyboard of a Steinway, a percussionist takes a bow and sits amid a junk heap of instruments
often bought at auto salvage yards, kitchen supply and hardware stores, garden shops, and specialty
percussion stores. Includes a recording of Steve Schick performing standard solo percussion repertoire.

The Percussionist's Dictionary by Joseph Adato and George Judy

Contains translations, descriptions, and photographs of percussion instruments from around the world.
Includes foreign terms in 26 languages.

The Pocket Dictionary of Foreign Musical Terms by Anthony Cirone

More than 4,000 foreign musical terms; terms in Italian, French and German; more than 160 musical
examples; and comprehensive sections for percussion and strings. The Pocket Dictionary of Foreign
Musical Terms is the perfect addition to every musician's collection.

*Practical Guide to Percussion Terminology by Russ Girsberger

Provides both definitions and an artistic interpretation of how each term is applied to the literature. A great
source for conductors, composers, performers and students.

*A Percussionist Handbook by Peter Saleh

Not a method book, but a hands-on, no-nonsense, practical resource for teachers and performers serious
about their craft. This 100+ page text is a result of years of experience in the trenches of student and
professional situations and favors a direct conversational tone.

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The Percussion Library: An Essential Collection

Pedagogy Collections

*Teaching Percussion (Book w/ 2 DVDs - THIRD EDITION) by Gary Cook

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to every aspect of percussion education, technique, and
performance, this text helps students develop musical understanding and performance skills. The text's
consistent and detailed philosophy introduces students to a refined teaching methodology, as well as a
greater understanding of the learning process, by integrating contemporary concepts about experiential
awareness learning.

The Complete Percussionist (SECOND EDITION) by Bob Breithaupt

Despite the tremendous advances in percussion pedagogy in recent years, many of today's directors
continue to consider the area of percussion to be the "weak link" in their teaching background. The
evolution of percussion instruments and their teaching methods are advancing at an astonishing rate,
making concise, fundamental information critical to understanding the medium. The new edition of The
Complete Percussionist provides an updated view of the performance, maintenance and literature of
percussion instruments in the school setting. It is written to help you, the band director, to be in touch with
information that will allow you to effectively communicate with today's percussionists. This new edition is
spiral bound for ease of use while the user performs the exercises within this outstanding text.

The Book of Percussion Pedagogy by Cort McClaren

The only true method for teaching percussion based on the Common Elements Approach. Absolutely
essential information for all teachers. A new day of teaching percussion has just begun. Perfect for your
college percussion methods class. Already adopted by colleges and universities across the nation.

*Percussion: A Course of Study for the Future Band and Orchestra Director: 2nd Edition (Student
and Instructor Manuals available) by Tom Siwe
Offers many more photographic examples of performance technique that will prompt your memory years
after you've taken the course. Contains all the information you'll need for training your future students, yet
costs less than half of the competition.

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