Down to the Wire, by composer and concert cimbalist Richard Grimes, continues the 19th-century tradition of the Hungarian cimbalom methods Cimbalom-Iskola and Cymbalschule and brings the cimbalom into the 21st century. Richard uses Western classical percussion techniques, in addition to traditional Hungarian cimbalom technique, to address issues of consistency and articulation. The result is a beautiful, full tone with less technical effort.
Down to the Wire is both a collection of 24 cimbalom etudes and a technical method addressing tuning, body position, hammer grip, articulation of tone, body of sound, soundboard coverage, and extended techniques. This comprehensive book covers everything in regards to technique that one needs to play cimbalom. As the repertoire for and necessitating cimbalom continues to expand, Richard's book Down to the Wire is a necessary and revolutionary addition to the world of the contemporary cimbalom.
$40 - # 0683 - Morales-Matos, Rolando: Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas, Timbales, and Bongos (includes book and 2 CD’s)
"Killer book!" - Glen Caruba, Pearl Percussion Product Manager
"Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas Timbales, and Bongos" is exactly what I had been waiting for all these years: a comprehensive approach for those coming into the study of Latin percussion from someone who "gets it". No one better in the world to put out this book than this superb artist who understands how the mind of a classically-trained percussionist really works in relation to these instruments! Congratulations and THANK YOU for this fabulous pedagogical tool!
- Fernando Meza, University of Minnesota
Written by the Hand Drummer and Assistant Conductor for Broadway's THE LION KING. Includes 2 CD's, 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.
Sample 1 (Intro) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 2 (Congas, tumbao) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 3 (Timbales, mambo) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 4 (Bongos, a caballo) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 5 (Bongos, marcha/improv) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 6 (Congas/Bongos/Timbales, mambo) (Click Arrow to Play)
Sample 7 (Congas/Bongos/Timbales, merengue) (Click Arrow to Play)
$15 - # 0650 - Rieppi, Pablo: Snare Drum Technique: Essential Exercises for Daily Practice
"It's a really terrific collection of exercises to warm up and challenge your technique!" - Greg Zuber, The Metropolitan Opera
"I’ve found Pablo’s book very useful. Not overwhelmingly long, just smart, practical and to the point (refreshing in this day of epic method books). I look forward to sharing it with my students." - Eric Charleston, Manhattan School of Music
"It's so much more concise and can easily be integrated into the weekly snare drum lessons without the overkill of a 200 page method book. Bravo!" - Dean Witten, Rowan College
"The polyrhythm exercises alone are worth the price of the book" - Tom Morgan, Washburn University, review in PAS News
$30 - # 0736 - Solomon, Samuel: How to Write for Percussion
"A must for all composers, conductors and instrumentalists. By far the most absorbing and demanding book on percussion writing." -- Jeffrey Milarsky, Percussionist, Conductor, Professor in Music, Columbia University
"A true contribution to the literature of orchestration." -- Samuel Adler, Professor Emeritus, Eastman School of Music, Composition Faculty, Juilliard School, Author, The Study of Orchestration
"It will be required reading in my classes and a fixture on my desk." -- Steven Mackey, Composer, Guitarist, Professor of Music, Princeton University
How to Write for PERCUSSION is a comprehensive text that clearly explains and simplifies all issues that percussionists and composers face with respect to each other. Written from a percussionist's perspective, it examines the behind-the-scenes processes to uncover all the tools the composer needs to comfortably create innovative and skilled percussion composition.
If you are a composer or arranger and have ever had a question about percussion writing, How to Write for PERCUSSION is the definitive source. Whether you have years of percussion writing experience or no idea how to even approach it, this book will give you hundreds of great new ideas and will show you exactly how to realize them in your music.
$10 - # 0765 - Solomon, Samuel: 500 4-Surface Patterns
for 4-mallet and drumset applications
500 4-Surface Patterns is simply that, 500 different patterns of four notes that you can use to develop your technique in any context requiring proficiency on four surfaces. Suggested applications include drumset and 4-mallet keyboard playing.
Variations on the First Three Pages of Stone's Stick Control takes the patterns of Stone's iconic book as a jumping off point for countless new and customized exercises. These variations provide a platform for any kind of snare drum exercise you can dream up. Use it to develop accents, ornaments, dynamics, rolls, doubles, Moeller technique, speed, endurance, and, of course, control. The simple yet extensive format offers endless opportunities for technical improvement. Slip Variations on Stick Control in between the pages of your copy of Stone's book, and use it as an addendum to its first three pages.
Advanced Rhythm Studies is a training ground for percussionists to hone their understanding and execution of poly- and syncopated rhythms. Using marching as reference, these studies develop and drill the basic vocabulary of rhythm, starting with simple and gradually building to very complex material. Although much of this course of study is very challenging, in this format you will find it to be approachable, engaging, highly effective, and even fun to play.
