Here's a free download of my timpani warm-up exercises. They have been developed over many years for my personal use. The focus is on hand/arm conditioning with an emphasis on stick crossing.
Timpani Calisthenics can be played by timpanists of all levels.
DOWNLOAD TIMPANI CALISTHENICS
I started teaching at the University of North Carolina Wilmington right after finishing my Master’s degree at Indiana University in 2012. While I wasn’t expecting to get back into academia so quick, it was enlightening to get the teacher’s perspective, especially in a smaller school environment. I went to two universities with very large schools of music. It’s difficult not only to see everything that happens within these schools, but even more difficult to interact with everyone on a consistent basis. One nice benefit of being at a smaller school is that I interact with both students I teach and other students that are in the department. In the last year and a half, I’ve seen the many differences between...
Assist your colleagues in striking the stage following a percussion recital -- even it you didn’t play. This is common courtesy and will be greatly appreciated when you are the performer. Arrive far enough in advance of a rehearsal to guarantee that all equipment is set up and you are properly warmed up before the rehearsal begins. This may mean from ten minutes to an hour before a rehearsal depending on the complexity of the set-up. Following a rehearsal, remain long enough to return all equipment to its proper location. Leaving before this task is complete is selfish and inconsiderate to those who remain. Even if you did not play all the instruments, help everyone until the task is complete....
As percussionists we are called on to play countless instruments and their appropriate styles. Here, from Grant Dalton, are six important tips to consider when called on to play a "Broadway" type show: 1. Find out everything that you can about the show that you are going to be playing. This includes things like set-up space and load-in restrictions. 2. Develop the most efficient instrument set-up possible. Start with some paper and a pencil with a good eraser, and begin making an instrument list and sketching out a basic set-up. Once you have a general idea of the instrument setup, begin experimenting with the actual instruments. 3. Be sure that you can play every note of the show perfectly before...
Many young percussionists have trouble executing a tambourine thumb or finger roll. While it is a relatively easy technique to master, students often ignore spending the time necessary to develop good technique. Here are a few tips to expedite the learning process: Keep the thumb (or finger) bent back and stiff. Use light pressure against the head (pushing hard hinders vibration). Make sure the finger travels forward around the circumference (not sideways). Move around the edge slowly. Moisten the finger or use beeswax or a "Roll-Ring" to help execution. While the thumb roll is not too difficult to master, it is a technique that is often called for and execution must be both consistent and accurate. For more info...
