The Mallet Player's Toolbox by John R. Hearnes

Following the great success of the Snare Drummer's Toolbox, the Mallet Player's Toolbox takes beginning percussionists all the way through the initial learning process - from setting the keyboards up to reading and playing chromatic , syncopated etudes. With plenty of pictures to keep young minds engaged, each of the 10 lessons (each long enough for a week of classes) focuses on several major musical concepts - note names and locations, rhythmic values, note recognition, playing in groups, and more. Each lesson also includes several theory lessons camouflaged as games. At the end of the book, a special 8-page timpani toolbox has been included to fully round out young percussionists.

The Data CD included with every book features 'Play-Along Trax', 'Stick Clix', Groove Trax', and over 80 PDF pages of additional practice material.

• Play-Along Trax are MP3 audio tracks that are meant to be played with specific solos and duets throughout the book, adding greatly to the musical experience for the student.
• Stick Clix are a collection of 26 MP3 audio tracks that are each one minute in length, each one with a 'click' or pulse at different tempi - the first is at 60 bpm, and they go up by four beat increments all the way up to 160 bpm. No more need for a metronome!
• Groove Trax are similar to Stick Clix, but rather than a simple click, the time is held with drum line and beat box grooves, giving the student much more interesting accompaniment. Description written by Michael Dooley