Timpani Curriculum

Timpani Curriculum

Ruth Cahn, Instructor

The goal of the percussion department is to use the “wonderful world of percussion instrument” study to connect the student with the wider world of music. Our other lead goal is to build both technical and musical skills of students so that they will become valued participants in their school and community music programs. Orchestra or total percussion instruction may start with the snare drum, but will include keyboard and timpani instruction. Students may be accepted who wish to study just one instrument, for example marimba. We encourage all students to reach level V on snare drum so that they will have a solid skill set to apply to drum set study.

image of Ruth Cahn signature

 


Level 1

Suggested Methods

T. McMillan—Basic Timpani Technique
M. Peters—Fundamental Method for Timpani

 

Solos

Wright—Graded Music for Timpani
P. Brazauskas—Five Timpani Solos

 

Technique

Develop roll with proper grip, finger action
Begin legato lift stroke
Establish playing area
Tune 4ths and 5ths
Recognize odd and even sticking groups

 

Musicianship

Utilize f and p dynamics

 

Ensemble

Self tune the drums and try to stay with conductor

 


Level II

Methods

T. Mc Millan—Basic Timpani Technique
M. Peters—Fundamental Method for Timpani

 

Solos

Wright—Graded Music for Timpani Book 2
J. McKenzie—Six Graded Timpani Solos

 

Technique

Tune 4ths, 5ths, M3, M2 and m2
Begin staccato stroke
Refine playing area, develop good cross stroke
Develop ability to dampen with both hands

 

Musicianship

Full dynamic range development
Fp roll sound
Develop sonic palette: arm, wrist and finger elements

 

Ensemble

Able to retune during a composition
Greater dynamic range

 


Level III

Methods

R. Hochrainer—Etuden for Timpani Vol. 1
Goldenberg—Classic Overtures for Timpani

 

Solos

Wright—Graded Music for Timpani Book 2
J. Beck—Grand Teton
W. Schinstine—Tymp Tunes

 

Technique

Tune P4, P5, M3, m3, M2, m2
Develop 3 and 4 drum technique
Develop drum crossing

 

Musicianship

Crescendo rolls and releases
Able to switch and choose stroke types
More centered tone

 

Ensemble

Can really respond to conductor
Confident at retuning while the ensemble is playing

 


Level IV

Methods

Hochrainer—Etuden for Timpani Vol. I
Goldenberg—Classic Overtures for Timpani
Goodman—Modern Method for Timpani

 

Solos

J. Beck—Alpine Slide
Goodman—Introduction and Allegro
Muczynski—Three Designs for Three Timpani
A. Tcherepnin—Sonatina

 

Technique

Tune all intervals as before plus M6, m6, and octaves
Good stick control on crescendo and diminuendo rolls

 

Ensemble

Ability to play out to balance the ensemble
Ability to choose hardness of stick
Full dynamic range
Ability to blend with the ensemble

 


Level V: DIPLOMA LEVEL

Methods

R. Hochrainer—Etuden for Timpani Vol. 2
Goldenberg—Romantic Symphonies for Timpani
Delecluse—30 Studies for Timpani Vol. 2

 

Solos

J. Bergamo—Four Pieces for Timpani
Firth—Solo Impressions for Two Timpani
Goodman—Ballad for the Dance

 

Technique

Odd meters and odd groupings
Non-traditional notation reading
More doublings between drums

 

Musicianship

Ability to work independently and solve creative problems – begin to create a sense of personal sound

 

Ensemble

Experiences with NYSSMA All county festivals, community bands and orchestras, RPYO audition

 


Level VI: Honors Diploma

Methods

Hinger—Technique for the Virtuoso Timpanist
Delecluse—30 Studies for Timpani
Hochrainer—Etuden for Timpani

 

Solos

Hinger—Solos for the Virtuoso Timpanist
Wright—Graded Music for Timpani Book 4
Beck—Sonata for Timpani
Floyd—Theme and Variations for Four Timpani

 

Technique

Tune all possible intervals
Develop non-traditional timpani sounds

 

Musicianship

Show a real sense of personal style as a player that includes stick choices (making your own sticks).
Develop a knowledge of much standard orchestra repertoire for timpani

 

Ensemble

Perform in youth orchestras, All State Festivals and community groups
Ability to play out to balance the ensemble
Ability to choose hardness of sticks
Full dynamic range

 

Goals

Audition for RPYO
Prepare for Honors Jury to be played in February of Senior year


Student Handbook Table of Contents