Practicing auxiliary percussion instruments like tambourine and triangle often takes a backseat to more central percussion instruments like snare drum and marimba. However, with a thoughtful and creative approach, these instruments can be mastered in a way that is both efficient and fulfilling. In this post, we’ll explore how using simple materials, such as snare drum method books, can transform your practice routine for auxiliary percussion, allowing for greater precision, control, and musicality.
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TL;DR
Practice Auxiliary Percussion Regularly: Treat instruments like tambourine and triangle with the same attention as snare drum practice.
Use Snare Drum Books: Adapt simple snare drum exercises to build skills on auxiliary percussion instruments.
Focus on Sound and Control: Work on consistency, dynamics, and articulation for better tone and precision.
Mix Up Practice Materials: Use different books and exercises to keep practice varied and challenging.
Quality Over Quantity: Be mindful and creative during practice to make the most of your time.
Meet Your Instructor
Alex Wier is a Black Swamp Educator, percussion artist and music educator known for his dynamic performances, innovative compositions, and dedication to contemporary music. He has performed with ensembles such as the Milwaukee Symphony and Phoenix Symphony and regularly collaborates with contemporary music groups like Fifth House Ensemble and Present Music. As an Assistant Professor of Percussion and Percussion Area Head at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Alex teaches a wide range of courses and directs several ensembles. He is a passionate advocate for new music, having commissioned numerous percussion works, and has presented at major conferences such as the Percussive Arts Society and the Midwest Clinic. His research has been published in *Percussive Notes* and *Rhythm! Scene*, and his work often integrates live electronics with percussion. Alex holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University and is an endorser of Marimba One, Innovative Percussion, Sabian, and Black Swamp Percussion.
Rethinking Practice: From Snare Drum to Auxiliary Percussion
Auxiliary percussion instruments, such as the tambourine and triangle, are often overlooked in daily practice routines. Many percussionists only begin to focus on these instruments when they have a specific part in an ensemble or are preparing for an audition. This approach can lead to a rushed and stressful learning process, particularly since standard orchestral excerpts can be quite challenging.
Instead, we can approach these instruments as we do with snare drum and keyboard percussion: by developing a consistent practice routine that focuses on foundational techniques. For instance, snare drum players often warm up with exercises that target technical control and musicianship, rather than jumping straight into repertoire. Applying a similar mindset to auxiliary percussion instruments allows us to build comfort, touch, and control gradually, making the process more efficient and effective.
Leveraging Snare Drum Method Books for Creative Practice
An efficient way to build skills on auxiliary percussion instruments is to use materials you might already have, such as snare drum method books. These books provide a wealth of rhythmic material that can be adapted for tambourine, triangle, and other auxiliary instruments. For example, a simple exercise from Alfred’s Drum Method or a similar introductory book can serve as a versatile practice tool.
Take, for example, Lesson 4 in Alfred’s Drum Method, which introduces eighth rests. This page might seem simple at first glance, but it provides a valuable opportunity to work on articulation, dynamics, and rhythmic precision on instruments like the tambourine or triangle. The goal is to find material that is rhythmically straightforward, allowing you to focus on sound quality, articulation, and control. Using a metronome and recording yourself can help identify inconsistencies and improve timing and dynamics.
Exploring Articulation and Dynamics on the Triangle
One of the keys to effective practice is to break down exercises into specific goals. For the triangle, this could mean working on evenness and control in your playing. For instance, you might take a simple line of quarter notes and focus on creating a consistent tone while varying your touch and dynamics. As you progress, you can experiment with more advanced techniques, such as feather muffling or shaping phrases with crescendos and decrescendos.
A good example is using the Black Swamp Legacy Bronze Triangle to explore different sounds and artistic possibilities. The triangle’s sensitivity requires awareness of both touch and tone quality. Practicing exercises that incorporate dynamic changes or different muffling techniques can help develop a more nuanced approach to the instrument.
Building Finger and Shake Roll Techniques on the Tambourine
Similarly, the tambourine offers a range of expressive possibilities through different rolling techniques. In snare drum books, exercises that involve dynamic changes or different rhythmic patterns can be adapted to practice both finger rolls and shake rolls. For instance, practicing a short passage that alternates between forte and piano, or that incorporates accented rolls, can help refine your control and execution.
It’s important to break down these exercises into smaller, manageable parts. Focus on the quality of each roll, the clarity of accents, and the consistency of tone. This methodical approach allows you to concentrate on the details and develop a deeper understanding of how to produce the best possible sound.
Broadening Your Practice Materials
Beyond traditional snare drum books, there are a variety of other resources that can be incredibly effective for auxiliary percussion practice. Books like Morris Goldenberg’s Modern School for Snare Drum provide rhythmic duets that can be adapted for auxiliary instruments. Ted Reed’s Syncopation for the Modern Drummer, commonly used for drum set independence, also works well for this purpose.
For a more tailored approach, Norman Weinberg’s TOUCH offers exercises that encourage musicians to play with a lot of style, character, and musicianship. This book adapts orchestral excerpts and melodies for percussion instruments, providing a creative challenge to play with expression and intention.
Check out BSP Artist, Trevor Barroero, perform Scottish, The Marriage of Figaro, and Polovtsian Dances from TOUCH.
Focus on Thoughtfulness and Awareness
Effective practice isn’t just about the number of hours you put in; it’s about how you use your time and what you aim to achieve. Being thoughtful and aware of what you’re doing while you practice can make all the difference. By taking a creative and deliberate approach to practicing auxiliary percussion, you can unlock new levels of proficiency and artistry, transforming what might have seemed like secondary instruments into essential elements of your musical toolkit.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, experimenting with different materials and approaches can make your practice sessions more dynamic, fun, and, most importantly, effective. So, grab a method book, pick up your tambourine or triangle, and start exploring the endless possibilities for growth and creativity!
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