Playing a concert tambourine at a high level of proficiency takes patience, practice and good technique. Like any percussion instrument, it is an accessory that serious percussionists make the time to practice and master! THE FIVE TIPS TO REMEMBER For general playing hold the tambourine at a 45° angle to the floor Always use a headed tambourine for concert work (not a headless model) Don't hold the tambourine shell too tightly (it deadens the sound) When playing with finger tips make sure they are bunched together Don't press too hard when playing finger rolls (now made easier with our NEW ROLL-RING!) Follow these basic rules and you should be off to a good start! CLICK HERE for more great tambourine...
As George Plimpton once discovered, playing triangle in a symphony orchestra is not as easy as it appears. Producing a musical sonority, striking in the right place - at the right time, stricking at just the right velocity and pressure and enduring the ridicule of jealous musicians around you, are all part of a day's work! THE FIVE TIPS TO REMEMBER Triangle must vibrate freely To produce maximum overtones, avoid striking at a 45 degree angle Use a good quality beater with sufficient weight to excite metallic structure Never play mounted to a music stand Identify the trangle's "sweet spot" before you play Follow these basic rules and you should be off to a good start! CLICK HERE for more...
Here's some general percussive advice geared towards my music educator colleagues. This piece, original written for SB&O magazine, serves to provide insight into the task of acquiring proper basic percussion accessory instruments. The percussion instruments covered include: concert tambourine, piatti or hand cymbals, woodblock, temple blocks and more.
Feel free to download and share!
Click the image to download: "How to Purchase Concert Percussion Accessories"
St. Louis Symphony Principal Percussionist Will James recently sent us this informative video with some really useful tips on playing the chimes. Also known as "tubular bells", many players assume that it is easy to play orchestral chimes. Nothing could be farther from the truth!
Please read Grover Pro endorser Andy Harnsberger's excellent article for the July 2011 Percussive Notes, "The Truth About Practice and Performance" (reprinted with permission).
A link to the article can also be found on our Tech-Talk page.
