Your All-Encompassing Guide to Stevens Grip on Marimba
Home Your All-Encompassing Guide to Stevens Grip on Marimba August 5, 2025 Method of Movement for Marimba by Leigh Howard Stevens So you want to learn more about how to play Stevens grip for marimba. You’ve come to the right place! I’ve compiled these articles from Stevens’ very own book “Method of Movement for Marimba,” […]
Six Differences between Xylophone & Marimba
Let’s be honest, does every keyboard in the percussion section look like a xylophone to you?
Not anymore! Today I’ve got a list of six differences between a xylophone and a marimba so that you never second-guess yourself again. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Play Staccato & Marcato on Timpani
Home How to Play Staccato & Marcato on Timpani July 22, 2025 3 min read Me playing timpani for Schwob Choral Union concert featuring tenor Albert R. Lee The timpani is an extremely resonant, pitched percussive instrument. While typically striking the drum with legato strokes, when staccato or marcato is called for, we must adjust […]
Choosing the Perfect Mallet for your Keyboard Instrument
Home Choosing the Perfect Mallet for your Keyboard Instrument July 15, 2025 8 min read Schwob Percussion Ensemble and Saxophone Studio joint performance of an arrangement of Cuong’s piece “Re(new)al” Choosing which mallet to use on your keyboard instrument is much more important than you might think! Your mallet choice affects the articulation (hard/soft, light/heavy), […]
How to Play Xylophone
Home How to Play Xylophone July 1, 2025 5 min read Today, we will be discussing how to play xylophone, though this technique is transferrable to ANY keyboard instrument, including metals (vibraphone, glockenspiel (otherwise known as bells, orchestra bells, or bell set), chimes and crotales) or woods (marimba and xylophone). We’re gonna discuss: how to hold the […]
What IS Percussion?
So, you’re a beginner who just got assigned to the percussion section. How fun! Quick question… what exactly is percussion?
Keep reading to find out!
How to Play Snare Drum
Today, we’ll be taking a look at how to play the snare drum, including holding the sticks, some rudiments (scary!), and where to strike the drum. Let’s get started!