by Tom Freer
Courtesy of Pearl Corporation

Following are some techniques and calisthenics for refining one's timpani roll.  This is one of a timpanist's most frequently used techniques, yet it seems to get minimal attention in practice and development. 

by Tom Freer
Courtesy of Pearl Corporation

Maintenance and care of your timpani heads is of the utmost importance in realizing the full musical potential of your Adams timpani.  By following these simple steps in the process of changing and clearing heads, you will be able to produce a more pure and focused pitch as well as a more beautiful sustained tone from your timpani.  Credit must be given to the late Mr. Cloyd E. Duff, for much of these procedures are all based on his experience and teachings with only a few variations.  This is the easiest and most effective way to tackle what most players and educators find to be a very confusing and difficult procedure.

by David Gross
Courtesy of Black Swamp Percussion

Much has been written about timpani technique as well as performing the timpani part in the orchestral literature.  Little has been devoted to improving the ear of the young timpanist. 

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