Product Description
Percussion instruments may be our oldest musical instruments, but only recently have they become the subject of extensive scientific study. This book focuses on how percussion instruments vibrate and produce sound and how these sounds are perceived by listeners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspiring
This book has been a source of great inspiration to me.Dr. Rossing's work opened my eyes to the beautiful patterns that accompany the sounds of musical instruments.Understanding the vibrational modes of drums, bells, and cymbals gave me insight into new ways they can be played and controlled.As an experimental instrument builder, this book served as a launch pad for some of my best work to date.Highly recommended to anybody with a deep curiosity and musical ears.

Engineering of Percussion Instruments.
Learn the science behind what makes each percussion instrument sound like it does. This book would be great for someone who is into making their own drums and wants the science behind them. It does not give you construction plans though. Also percussionists who would like to learn what is happening when they are playing would also find this book interesting and helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Encyclopedia of Percussion:,2nd edition, updates and enlarges the only comprehensive encyclopedia covering all of the major percussion instruments, the volume is divided into 4 major sections: an alphabetical dictionary of percussion instruments and terms; illustrations of key percussion instruments; longer, individual articles on key members of the percussion family, from Bass Drum to Xylophone, written by leading percussionists and scholars; and finally, several appendices of terms and symbols and a comprehensive bibliography. This new edition is expanded to include new research in the field as well as increased coverage of electronic and world percussion instruments. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

A good primer with decent instruction
This book is all black and white.No photos, but a lot of easily interpreted hand drawings.I disagree with the oversimplification the author gives to the sources of the different drums, but it is not a distraction from the actual material.This would make a nice book to give to people at a drum making workshop.

Fascinating Book on Woods Craft originally published in 1938
This is a reprint of Mason's classic 1938 edition. It is fascinating, even though Mason uses some slightly racist-sounding phrases, it is obvious that he repects (respected) Amerindian culture.He has a great feel for theirspirituality.And personal experience with our First Peoples.It's alittle corny and naive other parts.

Mason's book has many drawings oforiginal drums and their designs.He gives detailed practical instructionson how to build drums, hand-frame drums and a pow-wow drum, from processinga raw animal hide to bending wooden slats into a hoops, stretching anddrying the drum head, painting and adding adornments.He left me with theimpression that it is nearly impossible to build dud!

Stinky probablyspoke true (if the book was a 1938 musty-smelling edition) but Stinky'sreview was woefully misleading.The book is a classic on woods craft typedrum building.It also provides an intimate glimpse into the recent pastbefore thoughts and words were filtered through a politcally correct seive.

Stinky
This book stunk, it literally had smelly pages ... Read more

Product Description
You can't beat this one for learning the basics...CD included!

This guide presents all percussion instruments, from classical to marching band. Aimed at percussion and music students, conductors, and composers, it offers essential information about each percussion instrument, how to play it, and a demonstrative CD.

•The unique audio CD helps the reader decide whether or how best to incorporate various percussion instruments into musical compositions or programs.

•The perfect companion to author's The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Playing Drums, Second Edition.

•Long-lasting trend in music: an increase in the diversity of percussion instruments

... Read more

Product Description
Book description to come. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Bukowski's Poetry in the Dark
This volume of Bukowski's poems truly lives up to its title, Play the Piano Drunk Like a Percussion Instrument Until the Fingers Begin to Bleed a Bit.Like his other compilations, the title and his little short preface gives valuable insight to the collection. In this collection, Bukowski gives his wisdom before you hit the actual poems--" waiting/ in a life full of little stories/ for a death to come".This, coupled with the title, reveals that the poems will show how to live a hard, full life, pounding on the piano, until all the little emotions, encounters, and stories make you bleed.Bukowski doesn't disappoint, and his poems in this collection show the bleakness of the unrelenting force of life.Two poems stand out in this collection that really embraces Bukowski's theme and tone, "the apple" and "hug the dark".In "the apple",Bukowski plays off the archetypal view of an apple as the wisdom of life.He enforces that knowledge comes through living, not just books, when he points out the apple "is an experience" (59).Experience and living contain "underlying pits of white" (59), which represent a deeper understanding of emotions and truth.While Bukowski describes eating the apple, he daydreams about "choking to death on the apple skin" (59), emulating the fear of understanding, as well as oppressive nature that comes inherently with knowing too much.The poem ends with "depressive feelings" (59) and an "ending" (59), as the apples gets thrown away, leaving the poet staring at an ashtray.Likewise, in "hug the dark", Bukowski reveals how the cruel touch of life leaves a person jaded.The poem describes how "turmoil is the god" (113) of the modern world.It continues describing how pain can kill or help people survive, but "peace is the worst thing" (113) because it's fake.Peace covers up "the whores/ betrayal/ the worm in the apple" (113). Bukowski offers ominous advice to avoid theses modern gods, but, even if you do, you're still disturbed like anyone else. This collection shows Bukowski artfully peeling off the veneer of America, exposing the hopelessness of fighting against a life that beats you like a percussion instrument.

Awesome.
I'm going to make this quick. If you like Bukowski, you'd love it. If you've never heard of him... What the phreak is wrong with you? Buy it already.

All my friends are married, every Tom and Dick and....
...Harry,
You must be strong if you're to go it alone
Here's to the bachelors and the Bowery bums
Those who feel that they're the ones
That are better off without a wife

Cause I like to sleep until the crack of noon
Midnight howling at the moon
Going out when I want to and I'm coming home when I please
Don't have to ask permission, wanna to go out fishing
Never have to ask for the key

Well I've never been no Valentino
But I had a girl who lived in Reno
Left me for a trumpet player who didn't get me down
He was wanted for assault
Though he said it weren't his fault
You know the coppers rode him right out of town

I've been sleeping until the crack of noon
Midnight howling at the moon
And I've been Going out when I wanna coming home when I please
Don't have to ask permission, wanna to go out fishing
Never have to ask for the key

Kinda selfish about my privacy
Now as long as I can be with me
We get along so well I can't believe
I love to chew the fat with folks
I've been listening to all your dirty jokes
I'm so thankful for these friends I do receive

I've been sleeping until the crack of noon
Midnight howling at the moon
And I've been Going out when I wanna coming home when I please
Don't have to ask permission, I wanna to go out fishing
Never have to ask for the keys, no

Yeah, I've got this girl I know, man and I just...she's been married several times. I don't wanna end up like her, I mean she's been married so many times she's got rice marks all over her face. Yeah you know the kind.

-I wrote a review for "THE LAST NIGHT OF THE EARTH POEMS" wherein I quoted "THE PIANO HAS BEEN DRINKING" by T. Waits.A buddy of mine said I shoulda put that onehere, and I think, of course that woulda been way too obvious.But, maybe he was right.But, to h*ll with that and what's right.I always did know what the right path or choice was, but never took it anyway.It was just too damn hard.Except when it came to Buk.Buk and Waits.Buk and Waits and boxing.But here, you gotta know it's right to snatch this book up right away, because with Buk, you simply can't pick a bad one.Each one is as good, if not better, than the next and this one is no exception.Get it, get it, get it.You will not regret it.

Enjoy kiddies.Now I gotta make like a hockey player and get the puck outta here...

A good introduction to Bukowski's poetry
This book is like a 'greatest hits' from the 1970s for Bukowski. Ranging from 1970 to 1979, these poems show him working on familiar themes, but he's getting better at expressing himself. His chaotic life is drawing to a close as he settles into married life in the 1980s. These poems are more focused than his earlier efforts, but also a little looser --- he's able to sum up a mood, a day, or an old friend in half a page of non-rhyming verse. These poems are full of wry humor and romance, a far cry from his reputation for booze and sullen moods. If you haven't read his poetry, try this book. You'll find out what kind of writer Bukowski was. It's sure to inspire you to read more of his great work.

confessions of a first class maniac
This is the first Bukowski book that i read. All you have to do is take a look at both of my books, STONE HOTEL and RUSTY STRING QUARTET to see the obvious influence. Bukowski's importance as an American writer will only grow in the 21st century. The man is already a Hemingway-like figure in Europe;the cultural snobs of academia in America have tried to ignore his work, but that will change. This collection is a grab-bag of previously uncollected poems that Bukowski regularly submitted to small press rags during the late sixties and all the way up til his death. These are from the 70's and there are some great poems here dealing with a number of themes: alienation, lonliness, the emptiness of fame, the awkwardness of love triangles, and on and on. There is more truth and beauty in Bukowski's poems than in 500 yrs of philosophy and ersatz religions. A grand overstatement? Of course, but to heck with it; I am a poet too! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a collection of musically challenging yet practical solos for the mature beginner through intermediate levels. Left pages contain no rolls, right pages utilize rolls - allowing students to experience dynamically expressive playing before rolls are fully developed. Solo features include: numerous dynamic changes * a variety of meters including mixed meters * short rolls (used to assist the developing drummer) * each solo is a complete musical work * a variety of formal structures to help develop an awareness of compositional styles * suitable for contest, recital or supplementary lesson material. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

instruments I'll build.
Already an instrument maker, this well illustrated book has given me some really good new ideas.

Gourd Musical Instrument Review
Great book for those wishing to learn how to make their gourd into a musical instrument. Good detail on how to do it.Recommend highly.

Book Review
For the most part, this is a nice book for a person who wants to make a good instrument, but does not have a woodworking shop at their disposal, though having a small electric saw does help, because there are some projects where wood must be cut, drilled, etc. The only thing I didn't really like about the book was the fact that there were some really cool instruments in there that there were no instructions for. On a more positive note, the book provided a lot of interesting information about how the various types of instrument groups make their sound, along with how they are played, and variations on how to make them. The book also told of the instruments' origins, which was nice to know. I am currently building a Kenyan lyre, called a nyatiti, which was pictured in the book on page 77. This book has really inspired me to begin creating my own musical instruments, which I think all serious musicians should do. I believe a musical instrument is almost like an extension of the essense of the musician who plays it, and what better way is there to display their own personality?

Gourd Music
This book is amazing.I've already made the kazoos. There's a few that I'd like a bit more detail in the instructions, but overall it's an interesting and useful book about Gourd Musical Instruments.

incomplete directions and materials lists
This book does not compare to Ginger Summit's previous books on gourd crafts. The material lists are incomplete and the instructions are poorly written.It was extremely frustrating, particularly to construct the thumb piano, to have incomplete parts list and the book assumes that the user has a fairly extensive knowledge of tools.I do NOT recommend this book to anyone who wants a quality folk type instrument.I have constructed four instruments and found the general directions poor.It was interesting from a historical folk instrument aspect but was not functional for helping one learn to create gourd instruments. ... Read more

Product Description
This revision continues to set the standard in percussion instrument methods texts.Providing a comprehensive introduction to every aspect of percussion education, technique, and performance, this text helps students develop musical understanding and performance skills.The text's consistent and detailed philosophy introduces students to a refined teaching methodology, as well as a greater understanding of the learning process, by integrating contemporary concepts about experiential awareness learning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Get the newer edition
The information is the pretty much the same, but the accompanying DVD in the new edition is worth the extra money.

Essential book for percussionists
This book is widely regarded to be the industry standard for percussion. The DVD's are great, I only wish they contained more demonstrations. You can learn almost anything about percussion with this book, and if you are serious about playing or composing (or teaching), pick it up.

Great Reference!
Although this book may seem a bit pricey, it is packed with great information on percussion technique.I've used this throughout college, and am still referencing it while teaching.The 2-DVD set is an added bonus, providing great visual examples of what is covered in the book.This is definitely worth the money spent!

Teaching Percussion
This book is a very good resource for those who are going to be teaching music or about percussion. All the information in the book is detailed.

Bought for a Class, but not light, fun reading.
Cook's book is very, very dry reading. It is too wordy and not very non-percussionist friendly.I purchased this as a requirement for my Advanced Percussion Techniques Class. Not recommended for someone looking for an easy read before having to teach beginning percussionists. ... Read more

Product Description
Presenting clear and easy-to-follow instruction for students of all ages, All About Bongos includes: history and background; drum types and anatomy; practice tips; playing techniques; rhythm patterns ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Play The Bongos
My 12 year old son is using this dvd.He seems to be learning, as it sounds like the natives are restless upstairs. :-) ... Read more

Product Description
Confused with the growing list of percussion instruments and terms? This new Meredith publication provides both definitions and an artistic interpretation of how each term is applied to the literature. A great source for conductors, composers, performers and students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book, but wrong author
Amazon lists Anthony Cirone as the author of this excellent little reference book. Actually, despite Cirone's valuable contributions, the principal author is Russ Girsberger, until early 2006 the ensemble librarian of the New England Conservatory in Boston.

I own a lot of percussion reference books, but this is the one I always reach for first. It's hard to beat.

David Daniels ... Read more

Product Description
This book combines The Art of Tambourine and Triangle Playing, The Art of Bass Drum and Cymbal Playing and The Art of Percussion Accessory Playing into one volume providing students and teachers with easy access to learning about the important instruments used in orchestra, band and various ensembles including percussion ensemble. It includes history, selection and performance techniques on bass drum, cymbals, tambourine, triangle and 17 percussion accessory instruments, designed for methods classes, school instrumental music classes and anyone interested in acquiring an in-depth understanding of percussion instruments. Especially useful for conductors, composers and arrangers since all essential techniques are covered in short etudes composed for each instrument. ... Read more

Product Description
Miniature score for this work. ... Read more

Product Description
English / Spanish. The bible of Latin patterns and sounds. This compendium of native instruments shows how each instrument plays its part of the beat. There is also a special section of supplementary timbale exercises and correctly notated Latin-rhythm instrument scores. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Rhythms
Authentic Latin notation in this old book by Humberto Morales and Henry Adler. The book was originally published in 1954.

Humberto Morales is Puerto Rican and worked with Rumba King Noro Morales, along with Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Harry James, and Sammy Kaye.

The book includes great timbale rhythms, notation for drumset, and many other Latin percussion instruments. The beats cover latin, Afro-cuban, and Brazilian. There is 10 pages of Samba.

... Read more

Product Description
Contains all the set pieces, exercises and specimen sight-reading tests for the Tuned Percussion examinations, Grades 1 & 2. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nicely Done and Quite Complete
A very nice presentation of care and maintenance for band instruments.A well illustrated work.

Cmplt Guide tothe Maintenance and Repair of Band Instruments
Great Resource! This book is a must for the Band Teacher.Detailed breakdown of most instruments includes important instructions on the care and upkeep of all band instruments.This book is a real money saver for the talented musician. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed to provide the prospective instrumental music teacher, who may not be a percussion specialist, with instructional material for the basic percussion instruments and guidelines for teaching those instruments. Approximately 50% of the text is devoted to playable exercise materials, so that the student will not have to purchase separate exercise materials. The text provides detailed information on all basic percussion instruments from the snare drum to keyboard mallet instruments to multi-percussion set-ups. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Combs Percussion Manual
I am a university professor and I also use this book to teach percussion to non-percussion majors.I like it because it is concise and has many more appropriate playing exercises than other books that I have used.

Percussion Manual from a teaching perspective.
I teach percussion at the college level to future music teachers. In the process of looking for a percussion manual, I, upon the reccommendation of a fellow professor, purchased this book through Amazon.com. I found thebook to be up to date and extremly benefiacial to the up and comingpercussion teacher. The material wasn't too complex yet had exercisessuitable for the non-percussionist musician. ... Read more