Today, I continue my series on percussion methods with cymbals. I will begin with concert crash cymbals and then discuss suspended cymbal. My discussion will be limited to concert instruments and applications, not drum kit. I have found the best sound can be produced using leather handles on the pair of crash cymbals. Handles that … Continue reading A Conductor’s Guide to Percussion: Cymbal Methods
conductor
A Conductor’s Guide to Percussion: Timpani Methods
When it comes to directing instrumental music ensembles, the teacher is expected to have at least a working knowledge of every instrument that is being played. In schools, instrumental music teachers generally have taken instrument methods classes as part of their teacher preparation program, and there have learned how each instrument is played, and gained … Continue reading A Conductor’s Guide to Percussion: Timpani Methods
Conduct More, Talk Less
In my July 16, 2014 post, I described a music conductor. That description was drawn from the great maestros of the twentieth century; men like Reiner, Koussevitzky and Bernstein. There is always value in studying how the greats in any field go about their business, and trying to emulate them. Everything I mentioned is relevant … Continue reading Conduct More, Talk Less
What Is A Music Conductor?
Today I would like to explore conductors. Not the kind that drives a train, or the kind that carries electricity, though both have similarities to my topic. No, the conductor I want to explore is the kind that stands in front of a symphony orchestra, or wind ensemble, or choir. At first glance, it appears … Continue reading What Is A Music Conductor?
