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Percussion

Concert Percussion Tuning Know-How

Master these tips on how to tune concert snare drums, bass drums and toms.

How to Add Versatility to Your Front Ensemble

Add versatility to your mallet ensemble with a durable field frame system that allows you to mount cymbals, toms, snare drums and more, providing percussionists with an array of sounds within arm’s reach.

All About Vibraphone Bars

Silver or gold bars? Matte or glossy finish? Here’s a quick guide to understanding vibraphone bars.

What Marimba Should I Purchase for My School?

There are many things to consider when selecting a marimba for your program. Read on for our tips!

Start a Beginning Percussion Class

The benefits of a beginning percussion class outweigh any concerns about enrollment, instrumentation or instruments. You will be able to spend more time with your wind players and percussion students.

Bucket Drumming: An Inexpensive, Durable and Portable Option

Enliven your elementary music classroom with cheap and mobile bucket drums — your students will have fun and learn about percussion, marching and more!

Fix It: Tips for Teaching Snare Drum Basics

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors that snare drum students make.

Fix It: Vibraphone Teaching Tips

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors that vibraphone students make.

Fix It: Snare Drum Rolls Teaching Tips

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors students make when performing snare drum rolls.

Enhance Snare Drum Performance with Instrument Selection, Preparation and Tuning

You can improve and enhance your snare drum performances with instrument selection, preparation and tuning.

Fix It: Bass Drum Teaching Tips

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors that bass drum students make.

Fix It: Timpani Teaching Tips

Try these expert tips on fixing common errors that timpani students make.

4 Steps in Caring for Mallet Percussion Instruments

Take proactive steps to protect your marimbas, vibraphones and xylophones.

Pick the Right Drumsticks and Mallets

Percussionists have important factors to consider when choosing which sticks and mallets to include in their arsenal.

10 Tips to Start a Middle School Drumline

Middle school music teachers should consider adding a drumline to give students a challenging and fun musical outlet.

Deconstructing Mallets: Find the Best Mallets for Your Percussion Section

Understanding the different parts of a mallet will help you make the smartest selections for your percussion section.

Setting Up Jazz Figures on the Drum Set

Try GRAMMY-nominated artist Sammy K’s systematic approach to setting up jazz figures.

How to Change Timpani Drum Heads

It’s important for band directors to know the ins and outs of all their instruments. Use this step-by-step guide to change timpani heads — a task that needs to be done every year or two.

How to Choose the Right Mallet

The mallet you need will depend on the instrument, music, repertoire and style. Do your homework before starting your mallet collection.

Teaching Musicality to Percussionists

Try this four-step process to help percussion students communicate expressively through music.

10 Things to Know When Buying Front Ensemble Equipment

Do your research and make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing marimbas, vibraphones and other front ensemble instruments.

Add These 3 Exercises to Your Percussion Practice Sessions

Be a better percussionist by regularly working on your reading, rolls and listening skills.

Off-Season Care and Maintenance for Percussion Instruments

Keep up maintenance and care of your percussion equipment after every season to ensure that it remains in top shape.