Joseph A. Arenberg

Abstract

Beginning percussion can be taught with several different pedagogical concepts.
Some of these concepts are structured from a technique and reading perspective of
percussion instruments, while others are structured in a way that the percussionist learns at
almost the same pace as the band. Gary Cook, professor of percussion at University of
Arizona in Tucson, said “It is essential that early percussion training include instruction on
both the drums and the keyboard percussion instruments” (Cook, 1997, p. 12). Most band
directors agree that percussion students need to learn how to play all the percussion
instruments, including mallets, to be well-rounded musicians (Mixon, 2002), but can there be
another supplemental curriculum that works for in favor for percussion students to learn
percussion instruments as an individual instrument that can and will work in a full beginning
concert band educational setting?
The review of literature focused on the beginning curriculum of four complete band
method books, four snare drum books, and four mallet/ percussion method books comparing
the different pedagogical styles. After the comparison, a curriculum guide was created that
band directors could use to supplement most band methods that included beginning snare
drum and mallets.… (mehr)