Percussion Education Hub

Today, we're diving into a powerful, often overlooked style of practice: the slow, excruciatingly repetitive kind—a method that builds deep physical and mental endurance, much like a weightlifter builds muscle mass. This approach is universally applicable across all your percussion instruments. It's time to learn how to make thoughtful musical decisions by mastering your fundamental connection to the instrument.

Master musical counting with pro percussionist Jonny Allen. Learn his expert process for building an unshakeable internal pulse and playing complex rhythms with confidence.

Simply put, a polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two or more contrasting rhythms that are not easily divisible by each other. This creates a complex, layered, and often tension-filled rhythmic texture.

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.

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.

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.

Ever wonder why your snare sounds out of place in orchestra rehearsal? It might not be your playing—it could be your drum. In this guide, we'll show you how to upgrade a basic snare into a refined orchestral snare drum. With insights from the shop floor to the concert stage, we’ll walk through component swaps, sonic considerations, and how to shape your sound with intention—not just gear.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After 3 decades, Black Swamp knows what it takes to create a successful, high-quality product that's consistent, inspiring, and built to last.

What sets successful programs apart isn’t just talent or resources—it’s the culture shaped by effective teaching strategies.

Transitioning from a college student to a professional percussionist can be a daunting journey, but with the right skills and mindset, it is

In our increasingly interconnected world, music offers a powerful way to understand and connect with different cultures. Through the univers

Norman Weinberg explores the art of selecting percussion instruments, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an ear for sound variety.

Black Swamp Percussion makes a variety of triangles & beaters, so we have put together this little guide to help you make the right choice!

There is an extensive selection of concert snare drums in the orchestral percussion world, we'll break down the details of what Black...