This is a complete and extensive method for timpani. Each essential skill is covered: basic theory (the building blocks of all music) * technique and facts (from sticking, muffling, and rolls to instrument care) * intonation (tuning of intervals, scales, glissandos, three and four timpani exercises) and a large selection of standard symphonic timpani repertoire (from the classics of Beethoven, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, R. Strauss, Tschaikowsky, Wagner, and more).

Expertly written by timpanist/percussionist Mitchell Peters (Los Angeles Philharmonic), Fundamental Method for Timpani teaches the basics of timpani playing in a practical and musical way with numerous sticking, tuning and ear training exercises, plus over 60 musical etudes in a variety of styles. The book is organized into four chapters that may be used simultaneously: "General Information," "Basic Technique," "Etudes for Two Timpani" and "Etudes for Three and Four Timpani."

This is an updated version of the famous Saul Goodman Modern Method for Tympani. Roland Kohloff was the Fundamentals Editor, and Gary Werdesheim was the Music Editor, under the direction of Anthony J. Cirone. Many pages were re-engraved and many photographs have been re-done. This edition will continue the legacy of Saul Goodman as teacher and mentor to generations of percussion students, teachers, and performers.

(Meredith Music Percussion). All of the fundamental elements of timpani playing are presented and illustrated. Tuning studies are developed in a unique easy to understand manner. The most complete beginning method available. (a href="http://youtu.be/2joJAd2ajsw" target="_blank")Click here for a YouTube video on Primary Handbook for Timpani(/a)

Timpani Tone and the Interpretation of Baroque and Classical Music explores the nature, production, and evolution of timpani tone and provides insights into how to interpret the music of J. S. Bach, Handel, Haydn, and Mozart. In drawing on 31 years of experience, Steven L. Schweizer focuses on the components of timpani tone and methods for producing it. In so doing, he discusses the importance of timpani bowl type; mallets; playing style; physical gestures; choice of drums; mallet grip; legato, marcato, and staccato strokes; playing different parts of the timpano head; and psychological openness to the music in effectively shaping and coloring timpani parts. In an acclaimed chapter on interpretation, Schweizer explores how timpanists can use knowledge of the composer's style, psychology, and musical intentions; phrasing and articulation; the musical score; and a conductor's gestures to effectively and convincingly play a part with emotional dynamism and power. The greater part of the book is devoted to the interpretation of Baroque and Classical orchestral and choral music. Meticulously drawing on original sources and authoritative scores from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries, Schweizer convincingly demonstrates that timpanists were capable of producing a broader range of timpani tone earlier than is normally supposed. The increase in timpani size, covered timpani mallets, and thinner timpani heads increased the quality of timpani tone; therefore, today's timpanist's need not be entirely concerned with playing with very articulate sticks. In exhaustive sections on Bach, Handel, Haydn, and Mozart, Schweizer takes the reader on an odyssey through the interpretation of their symphonic and choral music. Relying on Baroque and Classical performance practices, timpani notation, the composer's musical style, and definitive scores, he interprets timpani parts from major works of these composers. Schweizer pays particular attention to timpani tone, articulation, phrasing, and dynamic contouring: elements necessary to effectively communicate their part to listeners.

"The material deals with quality sound from the early stages of development to the professional stage. A book for the beginner, intermediate or advanced student, it contains exercises, etudes and solos of all difficulties provide the student with ample material to practice. Topics covered include: tuning, warm-ups, tone production, rolls, muffling, cross sticking, pedaling, intervals exercises and 12 performance solos."--Back cover

"Foundations for Superior Performance" is designed to help structure the daily rehearsal and advance the performance level of the ensemble. The primary goal is to offer a framework of exercises and routine drills that will facilitate the mastery of essential playing fundamentals. Different skill levels have been integrated into this book to meet the needs of the inexperienced player, and, at the same time, challenge the most advanced.