top of page
Percussion Education Hub
Where percussionists learn, grow, and get inspired.
percussion Lessons
Lessons for students and professionals for snare drum, tambourine, triangle, and more.
Buying guides
Detailed guides to selecting the perfect percussion instrument for your needs and budget.
instrument
deep dives
In depth looks at a selection of Black Swamp instruments outlining their features and benefits.
educator resources
Lesson plans, PDF downloads, inspiring interviews and more for percussion educators.
A Deep Dive into the SoundArt Snare Drum Series
The SoundArt snare system encourages a deeper relationship with your instrument, transforming technical adjustments into musical choices. It allows you to approach every piece with confidence, knowing you have a reliable, beautifully voiced instrument ready to respond to your every artistic command.
18 hours ago
Shostakovich's 15th Symphony: Mastering the Multi-Percussion "Clock" with Kyle Acuncius
https://www.blackswamp.com/post/shostakovich-s-15th-symphony-mastering-the-multi-percussion-clock-with-kyle-acuncius
Oct 3
Mastering the Whisper: Achieving Expressive Soft Triangle Playing with Tim Adams
Have you ever wondered how professional percussionists achieve those ethereal, barely-there triangle notes that perfectly cap off a musical phrase or an entire movement? It’s more than just playing quietly; it’s about making a thoughtful musical decision that serves the piece. Today, we're diving deep into the art of soft triangle playing.
Oct 2
The Pro10 Studio Snare Drum Deep Dive: Features, Hardware, and Signature Sound
Choosing the right concert snare drum is a critical decision. You need an instrument with a sophisticated voice, reliable hardware, and the versatility to handle any musical demand. The Black Swamp Pro10 Studio snare drum was engineered to be that instrument—a dependable, professional-quality drum for ensembles, studios, and educational programs.
Sep 29
Hear the Difference: A Sonic Guide to Choosing the Right Snare Drum with Gerardo Capaldo
For the dedicated percussionist, the journey from playing notes to making music involves a series of thoughtful choices. Perhaps the most important one is selecting the right instrument for the job. Why does the snare drum in a Shostakovich symphony sound so different from the one in an opera by Verdi? In this guide, we’ll move beyond gear lists and dive into the world of sound, using popular orchestral excerpts to show how a professional player chooses the right tool for the
Sep 26
From Constraint to Creativity: Composition Lessons with Von Hansen
For many aspiring composers, the blank page (or the empty staff) can feel like an overwhelming frontier. The sheer endlessness of musical possibilities, while exciting, can often lead to creative paralysis. But what if we told you that some of the most profound compositional breakthroughs come not from limitless freedom, but from thoughtful, self-imposed boundaries? Join us as we delve into this powerful concept with insights from a seasoned professional.
Sep 15
The Voices of Black Swamp: How Artists and Educators Shape Our Sound
At Black Swamp Percussion, our journey is deeply intertwined with the vibrant community of artists and educators who not only use our instruments but actively contribute to their evolution. Tim Church, our VP of Sales and Marketing, shares insights into how these crucial relationships have shaped Black Swamp Percussion over the past 30 years, transforming it from a small operation into a global presence in the percussion world.
Aug 29
Mastering The Metronome: Practice Tips to Improve Your Timing
Metronome practice is not about becoming a machine. It’s about training your inner sense of time so you can make musical choices with freedom. Whether you’re holding a delicate roll or locking into a funky backbeat, these practice tips from John Parks help you hear—and feel—time in a deeper way.
Aug 25
Introducing the Brand New Overture Steel Triangles!
Developed by our very own team of expert percussionists, the Overture Steel Triangles are specifically designed for band and orchestral settings, providing an accessible yet high-quality instrument perfect for students and educators alike.
Aug 25
From Grip to Expression: Getting Back To Snare Drum Basics
Snare drum basics aren’t just about sticking patterns, rudiments, and hand positions—they’re about the why behind your playing. Bella Scotti, a member of the Black Swamp Percussion Educator Network, reminds us that even seasoned players benefit from returning to fundamentals. Their approach blends physical technique with musical storytelling, encouraging students to think of the drum not as an object to hit, but as an extension of their voice. In this post, we’ll unpack Bella
Aug 18
How To Use the Multisonic Snare Drum: A Snare System Tutorial
The Multisonic snare drum empowers you to match your drum’s voice to the room, repertoire, and conductor’s vision. This isn’t about showing off a fancy piece of hardware, it’s about unlocking the right sound at the right time.
Aug 15
Snare Drum Practice Tips: Balancing the Physical, Mental, and Emotional
When most percussion students think about “snare drum practice tips,” they focus on the obvious: stick control, tempo accuracy, and clean technique. But as Josh Jones explains, focusing only on the physical side of practice leaves two equally important elements underdeveloped: the mental and emotional.
Aug 15
bottom of page