T.P. Blog- Lesson #6- Starting Your Own Private Studio

This summer, I am teaching at The Music School of Roanoke Rapids, in Roanoke Rapids, NC! This lesson is a little different in that the topic is not anything specific to percussion, but rather dealing with starting your own private music studio. I will show you around the Music School and show you what we have created here.

I also got a chance to interview the owner, Katie Ammann. If you have any more questions about opening up your own studio or about what is going on with the Music School, please post in the comments section! The website for the Music School is http://www.themusicschoolofroanokerapids.com

Thanks for tuning in!

T.P. Blog- Lesson 5- Toys in the Orchestral Percussion Section

Today, we discuss some accessories in the orchestral percussion section, specifically: finger cymbals, triangle, and castanets. There are many different techniques to play these instruments, and I am going to detail the ones that work for me.

I would love to hear your comments about the lesson, and if you have any suggestions about what you would like me to cover next! Thanks for tuning in!

(I apologize for some of the sound distorting in a few places!)

T.P. Blog- Lesson #4- Crash Cymbal Basics

Today I discuss my crash philosophy and detail the "Coda" from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on the lesson.

I also would love to hear if you have experienced any situations where the conductor has asked you to do something "out-of-the-ordinary" or requested you to play a part differently than you had prepared? I would love to hear your thoughts about these situations, because they happen all too often! What was requested of you? How did you react? Was this a valid musical suggestion, or was it outlandishly CRAZY??

I think in the end, we are just the performers. The "big picture" is larger than, say you or me as individuals. It is our job as performers to do what we are told, especially on the spot. Then, I believe you have the right to question the maestro in private, and/or make a different suggestion. Nothing should be questioned during a rehearsal, especially in front of the ensemble! You need to find a happy medium of being professional, yet not being pushed around.

As always, thank you for watching! And I encourage you to leave comments here or at http://totalpercussionblog.blogspot.com.

Have a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday!

T.P. Blog- Lesson #3- Keyboard Technique In The Front Ensemble

So, as marching bands begin to pick up their rehearsals, I decided to spend a little bit of time with mallet technique and how that relates to the front ensemble.

I mention Tom Burritt, and his Percussion Axiom TV. Here is the link to PATV. Check it out! He has some great stuff going on there! His latest episode, #66, details some great stuff on Steven's Grip.

I welcome your comments and suggestions! Please leave them at totalpercussionblog.blogspot.com.

And don't forget to subscribe to the Podcast, via iTunes! Search Podcasts for "Total Percussion Blog."

Thank you for watching!

Lesson #2 (Part 2)

We now get into the nitty-gritty of playing these two instruments, the klong yaw and bombo legüero. These are some basic techniques that I use to produce consistent sounds out of the drums.

As always, please leave your comments! I appreciate them very much! And if you have any suggestions for future topics, please let me know!

Lesson #2 (Part 1)

Finally! I have gotten a chance to put out another lesson! Today, in multiple parts, I am discussing "Non-Traditional" techniques on two instruments that have recently made their way into my life: the Klong Yaw, and Bombo Legüero.

Sorry for the multiple parts, but this ended up being a long lesson, but I hope it's worth it!!!! Please, leave me your comments and thoughts! I love hearing from everyone who watches!!!

Specifically, I want to know this... Do topics like this interest you, and why?

Thanks!!!

New Roll-In!

Ok, I've been busy trying to make the videos look a little more professional, and here is what I cam up with!!!

I start my last semester of undergrad study in a few days, so I might not be able to continue with another lesson on Two Mallet Technique for a few days... I will try my best. Please let me know what you think... (and I did not mean to use the same music as the Vic Firth Podcasts... mine is slightly different, but I can see now that Vic Firth does their podcasts in iMovie too!!!) :)

Enjoy!