Practice Room Essentials
By James Doyle.
For more great tips and insight visit his blog his blog.
Instrument
Music
Tuner
Pencil
Metronome
Recording Device
Journal or Checklist
Water
and…
Kitchen Timer (more…)
Profile of Percussion Legend Jerry Friedman
By Robert Slack
Rob Slack, principal percussionist of the Pacific Symphony, sat down with percussionist Jerry Friedman to chronicle his life in Vaudeville and the NBC studio orchestra. For more information about Rob, check out his website and snare drum videos on YouTube.
Jerry Friedman is a living historical treasure to the world of percussion. Born in 1912 in Chicago, he still plays the marimba daily at a virtuoso level. His career spanned from Vaudeville in early childhood to live radio broadcasts through the life of television from its beginnings in the early 1950’s with the ABC studio orchestra to the late 1970’s with the NBC studio orchestra. It was a joy and inspiration to meet with him, and his love and enthusiasm for playing percussion are as fresh today as earlier in his career. The following is an interview with Jerry Friedman. (more…)
Percussion Axiom TV: Episode #70 “Is the Accent Tap Exercise Underrated?”
Today we change it up a bit and talk about snare drum… Yes, you heard right. “Is the Accent Tap Exercise Underrated?” What are your thoughts?
For more episodes visit: Percussion Axiom TV
Is the Accent Tap Exercise Underrated?” What are your thoughts? In what context were you taught the accent tap exercise? How do you incorporate this concept in your teaching? Leave a comment.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on September 18, 2010 by Tom Burritt.
Tick Tock – iPhone Metronome Reviews
Everyone knows how important it is to use a metronome as part of your daily practice routine. There are many sizes, shapes and models of metronomes available on the market ranging from $15-$170. I am sure everyone is familiar with the Roland’s Dr. Beat and Tama’s Rhythm Watch. Today, I am going to review 3 metronome applications for the iPhone/iPod Touch. Make sure you leave your recommendations, thoughts and comments below. (more…)
Marimbalogy Episode 8, Part II
For more videos and articles by Charlie, see Marimbalogy.com.
Today’s post is the second half of Charlie’s episode about the Burton grip. He covers single independent strokes, playing runs, and a hybrid version of the grip that helps accommodate playing some of the newer repertoire.
Have you tried the “hybrid Burton grip?” What other variations do you have on the standard technique? Share your ideas with everyone in the comments.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on September 15, 2010 by Shane Griffin.
Marimbalogy Episode 8, Part I
For more videos and articles by Charlie, see Marimbalogy.com.
In today’s video, the first of a two part episode, Charlie gives a great introduction to the Burton Grip. He covers the history of the Burton Grip, the basics of how to hold the mallets, managing interval changes, and Double Vertical strokes. Check back tomorrow for part two, with includes single independent strokes and the “Hybrid Burton Grip.”
Those of you who are new to the Burton Grip, what issues do you have with the grip? Pros, what tips do you have for anyone learning the Burton Grip? Talk about it in the comments.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on September 14, 2010 by Shane Griffin.
Percussion Axiom TV: Episode #56: “My 6 M’s Concept… Part I” (Articulation…)
Todays Axiom: Make A Musical Motion that Matches the Musical Moment. How as percussionists, do we deal with the challenge that is Articulation (attack and length) in performance?
For more episodes visit: Percussion Axiom TV
How do you execute articulation in your own playing? What terminology do you use as a teacher to deal with articulation? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on September 12, 2010 by Tom Burritt.
Ballet Mecanique at the National Gallery of Art
The Ballet Mecanique by George Antheil is considered on of his most famous (or infamous) works. The original score, written in 1924, calls for 16 player pianos playing four separate parts, for four bass drums, three xylophones, a tam-tam, seven electric bells, a siren, and three different-sized airplane propellors (high wood, low wood, and metal), as well as two human-played pianos. It was later revised in 1953 using a very different ensemble of four pianos, four xylophones, two electric bells, two propellors, timpani, glockenspiel, and assorted percussion.
This video features the premiere of an all-robitic version of the piece for 16 player pianos and percussion orchestra. The performance was made possible with robotic instruments from LEMUR: League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots. For more information on Ballet Mecanique, Antheil.org.
Today’s video is courtesy of guest contributor Carlos Johnson.
Have you seen any performances of robotic percussion or have you ever seen a live performance of Ballet Mecanique? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on September 11, 2010.
Dodging the ‘Curve Ball’ at Orchestra Auditions
By Lee Vinson
For more about Lee, more articles, and to see a sweet drum collection, see his website.
I refer to anything unexpected that comes up in an audition as a curve ball. This could be something pertaining to the music you are asked to perform, special requests from the committee, issues with equipment, or conditions in the performance space itself just to name a few. By recognizing some of these possible curve balls ahead of time we can better prepare for them or hopefully avoid them all together. For the purpose of this article we will be focusing only on circumstances that may potentially arise during the actual audition. (more…)
Tips on Being a Freelance Percussionist
Tips on Being a Freelance Percussionist by Chris Wilson
For more by Chris, visit his Blog
Earlier today I listened to Drumchattr.com’s podcast with Adam Sliwinski of So Percussion. I was very pleased with the interview, and thoroughly enjoyed is input on several topics in both the percussion and professional music world.
I wanted to touch on a subject that they spoke about for a few minutes, which was how to begin a career in free-lance percussion. It was interesting to hear is perspective, because, as he mentioned, he hasn’t had to do much on his own thanks to So Percussion. I thought I could give a little insight to some of the things that have helped me along the way. (more…)
SKYPE LESSONS
Skype Lessons with Dr. Gerhart