Solo Expressions for the Beginning Percussionist is a sequential introduction of skills, techniques and knowledge through the performance of 40 solos for the percussionist. It begins at a novice level and gradually progresses through each solo to develop individual and ensemble skills. The play-along CD includes all solos and an introduction track for each that allows the player to experience the meter, volume, tempo and style before they begin to play.

This book has become a classic in all musicians' libraries for rhythmic analysis and study. Designed to teach syncopation within 4/4 time, the exercises also develop speed and accuracy in sight-reading with uncommon rhythmic figures. A must for all musicians, especially percussionists interested in syncopation.

Now a standard in music education literature, this in-depth study takes the fear out of playing in time signatures other than 4/4. In a methodical manner, this book aids in rounding out any player's rhythmic and reading vocabulary. Perfect for all musicians wanting to play odd times with ease.

The Book of Percussion Audition Music for the 21st Century is designed for multiple purposes. The book is ideal for evaluating local, regional, and all-state percussion auditions. High-caliber musical examples also serve as material for tracking student progress. Use this book in tandem with recommended supplementary material to develop percussionists' skills for today's challenging musical world. Since demonstrating above-average performance skills on all basic percussion instruments is important for young players, the authors developed an ideal audition scenario illustrated in the Evaluation Form. The audition scenario requires skills on basic percussion instruments while allowing for specialization. Use this unique book to enhance the type of musical intelligence expected from today's percussionist.

The Accompaniment CD is intended as a musical aid for learning the solos. The accompaniments are designed to enhance players' musical development by placing the solos in a broader musical context.

Reflex focuses on developing the skills for a rarely-discussed genre of percussion: the Multi-Percussion Solo. The ability to move easily between multiple instruments is required not only for these solos, but also for the constantly advancing percussion writing found in modern band, orchestra, and percussion ensemble music. This book is a collection of progressively difficult multi-percussion etudes, starting with a simple solo for tom, hi hat, and wood block. Besides the standard musical issues, students will have to face certain percussion challenges:

• Memorizing the percussion map
• Mounting instruments
• Creating an effective, sensible setup
• Budgeting time to schlep all the equipment

Reflex is a great precursor to any student wanting to take on advanced percussion literature.

From the author: Composers throughout the 20th century demanded more from percussionists. Pieces such as Igor Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat (1918) and Darius Milhaud’s La Creation du Monde (1922-1923) require skill on a wide array of instruments and the ability to move seamlessly from one instrument to the next. These compositions, along with many others, created a new repertoire for percussionists. Solo multi-percussion pieces, such as William Kraft’s French Suite (1962) and Rick Tagawa’s Inspirations Diabolique (1964), quickly became well-known solo works for percussionists. Today, composers write percussion parts and solos that are increasingly challenging.

As the multi-percussion repertoire increases, it becomes necessary for modern students to increase their skills in this genre. Reflex is a collection of 15 studies for the multi-percussionist. The pieces are short and designed to improve percussionists’ ability to move fluently among different playing surfaces. The studies are written at the intermediate level and require a small number of instruments. They become more difficult as the book progresses and can be used for both study and performance. A picture of each study’s set-up and an instrument key are provided to help the performer. The pieces are named after skeletal-muscular motions of the human body.

Method Book 20th Century Orchestral Studies-Percussion

Method Book More Basic in Rhythm

By Garwood Whaley. 48 pages. Published by Meredith Music.

Includes eight units dealing with metric modulation, mixed meter, artificial rhythmic groups, dotted rhythms, poly rhythms and more. Each unit concludes with a rhythm duet.

Method Book Basics in Rhythm with CD

By Garwood Whaley. 48 pages. Published by Meredith Music.

A collection of short, graduated studies for teaching or learning to read rhythms. Exercises cover all fundamental rhythms, meters, and mixed meters. Ideal as a supplement or primary reading method. Now even better with the addition of a demonstration CD showcasing the exercises featured in the book. Useful for any instrument or voice.

Method Book Essential Elements 2000 with CD and DVD

Book & CD Package. 144 pages. Published by Hal Leonard Corporation.

Now the best-selling band method is even better! The same great method that directors have come to trust now includes a CD.

Features include:
* BOOK: Same great Essential Elements 2000 method!
* CD/CD-ROM FEATURES: Play-Along Tracks 1-58 (with a professional player for every instrument)
*

* CD FEATURES:
SmartMusic! Software (practice, record, and e-mail a performance, plus on-screen assessment - includes Ex. 1-99 with special offer to continue); Finale! NotePad! Software; Tempo Adjustment Software (for Play-Along Tracks)

Method Book Simple Steps to Successful Beginning Percussion

Finally, a complete book that covers it all for the beginning percussionist. This comprehensive percussion curriculum will provide the beginning student with a basic foundation for becoming a well rounded percussionist. This book is a combination of both Simple Steps books, which provide the most innovative approaches to help the beginning percussionist develop technique, rhythm, and ensemble awareness in a simultaneous manner. It includes many photos, descriptions, and musical exercises which can be played together simultaneously.

Method Book 5 Minute Theory
By Mark Wessels

Percussion Discussion
Dennis DeLucia's Percussion Discussion.
Published by Row-Loff Publications.

Method Book The Drummer's Daily Drill

By Dennis Delucia. Arizona State Solo & Ensemble List. Published by Row-Loff Publications.

Just when you thought it was safe to roam the streets again... Here's an exciting grab bag of 16 easy and intermediate solos for all of you super-heroes out there!

Sink your teeth into this diverse solo collection for snare drum, timpani, keyboard and multi-percussion. Great for auditions and contest festivals.

...Flex your muscles on this one... you're gonna love "Shazam!

By John Pollard. Texas State Solo & Ensemble List. Published by Row-Loff Publications.