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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.


The A B C’s of Musical Theatre Percussion: Fool-proofing Your Percussion Set-Up and Score
For the pit orchestra percussionist, sight-reading a new show can feel like a frantic scramble. But whether you see the music for the first time at rehearsal or get it weeks in advance, these six essential tips will help you conquer the challenge. This guide offers crucial strategies for preparing your score and instrument setup, allowing you to move beyond mere survival and confidently make music from the downbeat.
1 day ago


Finding Success in the Music Performance Industry with Joseph Gramley
Success as a professional multi-percussionist in today's demanding classical music world hinges on exceptional versatility and meticulous organization. The inherent challenges of mastering and transporting a wide array of instruments for various solo, orchestral, and chamber engagements require rigorous prioritization of practice time. This means strategically preparing for multiple, concurrent programs.
2 days ago


Professional Percussion Gear: A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Active Musicians
This buying guide walks you through a curated selection of professional percussion gear designed to support your musical goals with durability, versatility, and sonic excellence.
Jun 6


Recommended Gear for the College Percussion Student
As a college percussion student, your gear is an extension of your musicianship. Having dependable instruments with a full palette of sounds gives you freedom to explore repertoire, meet audition requirements, and respond quickly in ensemble settings.
Jun 3


Choose the Best Percussion Gear for Your College Music Program
Outfitting a college percussion studio is a long-term investment—not only in instruments, but in your students’ experience, growth, and preparation for the professional world. Unlike high school programs, college percussion gear often balance ensemble performance, solo study, and chamber music, so your gear should reflect a higher level of flexibility, sound quality, and durability.
Jun 3


Essential Percussion Gear for the High School Educator
Outfitting a high school percussion section can be daunting. Beyond the basic drums and cymbals, lies a world of nuanced instruments and techniques that can elevate your ensemble's musicality. In this guide, we'll explore essential percussion gear for the high school educator, with insights from a professional player on achieving depth and subtlety in performance.
May 8


4 Steps to Create a Successful Product: The Black Swamp Way
After 3 decades, Black Swamp knows what it takes to create a successful, high-quality product that's consistent, inspiring, and built to last.
Apr 11


How To Cultivate Culture: Teaching Strategies for a Successful Percussion Program
What sets successful programs apart isn’t just talent or resources—it’s the culture shaped by effective teaching strategies.
Sep 4, 2024


Practical Tips For Transitioning from College Student to Professional Musician
Transitioning from a college student to a professional percussionist can be a daunting journey, but with the right skills and mindset, it is
Jul 11, 2024


Integrating World Music Into The Percussion Ensemble
In our increasingly interconnected world, music offers a powerful way to understand and connect with different cultures. Through the univers
Jul 5, 2024


Obsession or Necessity: Cultivating an Ear for Sonic Diversity with Percussion Instruments
Norman Weinberg explores the art of selecting percussion instruments, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an ear for sound variety.
Mar 21, 2024


Triangle Buying Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Your Perfect Sound
Black Swamp Percussion makes a variety of triangles & beaters, so we have put together this little guide to help you make the right choice!
Feb 2, 2024


Snare Drum Buying Guide: Which Drum is Right for You?
There is an extensive selection of concert snare drums in the orchestral percussion world, we'll break down the details of what Black...
Apr 26, 2023


Tambourine Buying Guide: Which Tambourine is Right For You?
Black Swamp Percussion makes a lot of different models of tambourines, so we have put together a little guide to help you make the right dec
Oct 15, 2019
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