Teaching Mallet Percussion to Children and Adults

Music in the public schools

In today's public schools where budgets for music programs are routinely slashed, students are offered virtually no opportunities to experience music and art in the classroom. Studies have shown that the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument early in life are substantial. Students who participate in quality music and arts programs have much higher SAT test scores and are more likely to graduate. The study of music helps develop memory skills, logic function, mental and physical coordination, self-confidence, and positive social skills. There is undisputed proof that leaarning music directly improves math and science skills. The study of music can also improve other important intelligence markers such as language, verbal memory, and general IQ.

Music study for adults and seniors

For adults (of any age), taking up an instrument can re-awaken unused brain function, provide meaningful physical exercise, and bring joy and purpose back into life. For older adults, taking up a musical instrument can help to improve 3 rampant illnesses of the elderly: memory loss, depression and loss of strength and movement in the limbs. I have been an active musician for over 40 years and I can attest to the rejuvinating effects that come from playing an instrument regularly. I have several friends with mild arthritis who benefit greatly from the gentle exercise of playing music. There is a saying "Music keeps you young" and there is a lot of truth to that. Professional musicians who have performed all their lives seem to age at a slower pace and tend to stay active and involved well into later life. Performers such as Louis Armstrong, Vladimir Horowitz, Eubie Blake, Tony Bennett, and Mick Jagger are just a few examples of how music can provide some of the sustenance and happiness we all desire from our live.

Learning to play a mallet percussion instrument

If you are a school teacher who would like to create a music program for your students, or an adult who has always wanted to learn to play an instrument, there are many reasons to consider starting with a mallet percussion instrument such as marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone. First, these instruments are easy to play (at least initially). Think of the difficulties you encounter when starting to learn the violin, clarinet, or trumpet. At first you can't even make a decent sound. You have to learn bowing techniques, how to form a correct embrochure, and how to tune your instrument. With mallet percussion instruments, none of these beginning challenges exist. All you have to do to make music is pick up a mallet, strike a bar, and presto, your making pleasing sounds. For someone trying to teach young children this advantage can save weeks or months of time. The student(s) can immediately begin working on melodies and simple ensemble pieces. An adult who wants to learn how to play will immediately see that s(he) can learn on their own. The need for a teacher is optional. Anyone with average intelligence can purchase teaching guides and instructional books that can be used with or without an instructor.

Where to purchase an instrument

Aquiring a marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone is not necessarily difficult. Although professional instruments can cost thousands of dollars, there are alternatives available to meet most budgets. One good source of used instruments is Ebay. There you'll find dozens of instruments priced from under $200.00. If you are handy you could actually make an instrument. Here are 3 sites with complete instructions, plans, diagrams and photos:

Simple bottle xylophone This is by far the easiest instrument to make. Materials include glass jars that are filled with water. Different water levels determine the pitch when the bottle is struck. Check it out.
Copper pipe xylophone This instrument requires a little more effort. Different lenghts of copper tubing emit different notes. The instructions include a chart that tells you exact lengths to cut the pipe to create a major scale. This is a simple, inexpensive, and accurate homemade xylophone.
Wooden bar xylophone and marimba kit This kit requires some basic carpentry skills and wood-working tools. The instruments you build would be suitable for any school music program or private teaching studio. You will be able to make near professional quality instruments.

Resources for teaching students how to play xylophone, marimba, or vibraphone

The introductory skills that one needs to learn any of these 3 instruments is basically the same. When I did a quick search in Google I found a very good online course HERE. This site has downloadable courses for xylophone, marimba, vibes, and glockenspiel.

If you are teaching a class and need ensemble pieces I highly recommend KT Percussion. This site is a complete resource for music teachers in public and private schools. The website's creator is a public school teacher himself, and has experienced all the ups and downs that face today's music teachers. He has put together a complete teacher's guide to mallet percussion, which includes basic information on all the instruments, recommended recordings and mp3 clips, and a generous selection of instructional books to get your classes started. There are also ensemble pieces that are downloadable. Be sure to check out other guides to teaching rhythm and meter, and 5 survival tips for the school percussion ensemble.

There is a very good website for purchasing band and percussion music. Included are solo and ensemble pieces for marimba, and vibraphone, as well as collections of music for tympani, snare drum, and drum set. Visit site

Another excellent online source for high quality percussion music is Percussion Music Online. You'll find a large collection of solo and ensemble pieces for vibraphone, marimba, xylophone, and glockenspiel, as well as lots of material for timpani, snare drum, drum set, and mixed percussion ensembles.

Recommended Products