Concert Castanets 101: A Guide To Technique, Tension, and Musicality
- Nathan Coles
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Learn how to move beyond merely "clicking" and start playing the castanet machine with musical intention and professional technique.
The castanet machine is often viewed as a simple utility in the percussion section—a way to get the job done when you don't have the time or technique to master traditional handled castanets. While it is a convenient tool, many students make the mistake of treating it mechanically. To get a truly authentic Spanish or dance sound in a concert setting, you need to approach the machine with the same thoughtful technique you would apply to a snare drum or marimba.
In this post, we are joined by professional percussionist Trevor Barroero to explore the fundamentals of playing the castanet machine. We will cover setup, clear articulate techniques, how to manage tension, and most importantly, how to make musical decisions that will enhance your ensemble's performance.
Table of Contents
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Meet Your Instructor: Dr. Trevor Barroero
Dr. Trevor Barroero is an award-winning percussionist and dedicated educator. Currently serving as the Principal Percussionist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Trevor has performed as a soloist across the globe, including appearances with the Moscow Symphony and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." His diverse performance career includes sharing the stage with Andrea Bocelli and appearing on ABC Primetime Specials.
A founding member of the history-making trio Lineage Percussion, Dr. Barroero is passionate about empowering musicians. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Georgia and maintains a private studio of over 40 students. He is proudly endorsed by Black Swamp, Pearl/Adams, Remo, Vic Firth, and Zildjian.
Gear Tour: The Overture Castanets
For developing percussionists and band directors looking for a dependable setup, the equipment matters. In this series, Trevor is using the Overture Castanet Machine by Black Swamp Percussion.
The Overture series is designed specifically as a line of entry-level instruments conceived by professional concert percussionists. The goal is to provide a sound intended specifically for band and orchestral performance at an accessible price point. The Overture Machine features fiber castanet cups mounted to a frame.
A standout feature for schools is the elastic-free system. Traditional elastic wears out and breaks over time; this system allows for easy tension adjustments without that wear and tear. Furthermore, the base is threaded, allowing you to mount it directly onto a cymbal stand. This is incredibly helpful for quick changes in multi-percussion setups or tight theater pits. It provides an authentic sound without requiring the mastery of traditional handled castanets first.
Setting the Stage for Success (Setup)
Before you play a note, your setup dictates your success. A castanet machine requires a solid, stable surface. If the surface wobbles, your rhythms will suffer.
Trevor’s first choice is always a sturdy trap table. If necessary, you can use a very solid music stand, but you must place a thick black towel underneath the machine to prevent rattles and ensure it doesn't slide off.
However, the Overture model's threaded base offers a superior option: mounting it on a cymbal stand. By eliminating the point of contact with a table, the instrument resonates more freely. It also allows you to position the machine at the exact height and angle necessary for ergonomic playing, keeping your wrists relaxed and natural.
Developing Your Technique
Once setup is complete, how do you actually approach the instrument? The most crucial concept Trevor imparts is this: Think of the castanet machine as a small drum.
Just like a bongo or a snare drum, you need a wrist-driven technique. You want your hands to move naturally.
General Playing: Use your index fingers to strike the top cup of the castanet. This provides a clear, articulated contact point.
Soft Dynamics: For quieter passages, minimize velocity. Make a small "beak" shape with your hand (similar to playing a tambourine) and play on the very edge of the castanets.
Loud Dynamics: When you need extreme volume, use two, three, or all four fingers together. Focus on "lifting off" the castanets rapidly to generate maximum motion and velocity.
Making Musical Decisions: Pitch and Texture
This is where an average performance transforms into a professional one. You must recognize that the two castanets on a machine usually have slightly different pitches.
If you strictly alternate strokes (Right-Left-Right-Left) as you might on a snare drum, you will hear a "high-low-high-low" pattern. Trevor describes this as a "weird lopsided effect." While perhaps interesting for a contemporary solo, this is rarely desirable in a standard orchestral context.
To create a unified, rich orchestral sound, you need to make a conscious musical decision about which castanet to use and when.
Musical Application Guide
Technique | How to Execute | Musical Effect/Application |
Single Strokes | Play repeated rhythms on only one side of the machine. | Ensures consistent pitch for rhythmic passages. |
Double Stops | Strike both cups simultaneously. | A fuller, louder sound with more presence. |
Flams | Strike one cup slightly before the other. | Thickens the sound and adds depth without necessarily adding significant volume. |
Trevor prefers using double stops or flams, especially on downbeats in famous excerpts like Tchaikovsky's "Chocolate Dance" from The Nutcracker, to fill out the sound and provide a richer texture.
The Art of Tension and Articulation
The tension adjustment on a castanet machine is not just a mechanical setting; it is a major factor in how the instrument responds and feels.
Looser Tension: The castanets respond easily, which is useful for soft dynamics. However, if too loose, the sound becomes "sloppy," which can be used for a sustained roll sound.
Tighter (Open) Tension: Requires more velocity to get the cups to strike together. The resulting sound is much more articulate and dry.
For most general band and orchestral playing, Trevor recommends a medium tension. It is responsive enough for younger students to easily produce a sound, but tight enough that the strokes remain crisp and rhythmic.
A note on rolls: Unlike handled castanets where you can use pressure against your knee to create a roll, machine castanet rolls are limited by the single-stroke speed of your hands, similar to a mallet instrument or timpani.
Student Action Plan
Ready to improve your castanet playing? Take these concepts to the practice room.
Analyze Your Setup: Is your machine on a wobbly music stand? Try moving it to a secure trap table with a towel, or if possible, mount it on a cymbal stand to hear the difference in resonance.
Find Your Dynamics: Practice playing four quarter notes at a pianissimo using the "beak hands" on the edge of the cups. Then, play four quarter notes at fortissimo using multiple fingers and a high lift.
The Pitch Test: Play alternating eighth notes (R-L-R-L). Listen closely to the pitch difference. Now, play the same rhythm using only the right side. Notice how much more consistent the second version sounds.
Implement Textures: Take a standard castanet excerpt. Try adding flams or double stops to the accented downbeats to thicken the texture, rather than just playing a single louder stroke.
Final Thoughts
The castanet machine is a staple in concert percussion, but it shouldn't sound like a compromise. By securing your setup, using thoughtful wrist-driven technique, and making conscious musical choices about pitch and tension, you can produce a convincing, authentic castanet sound. Remember Trevor's advice: treat it with the same respect you would any other instrument, and your performance will immediately improve.
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