Southwestern Musician
Tutti Question
September 2008

It seems that 7 out of every 10 beginners wants to play "the drums." I included a piano requirement to help thin that down and increase the quality of that class. How does everyone else manage that number to achieve balanced instrumentation?

I don't think beginning percussionists ought to be expected to have a piano background (although it certainly helps!) I use a selection method which includes an oral rhythmic aptitude test along with an examination of academic and conduct grades. Only a select number of young students make the cut through this rigorous process. Usually, the system ends up working out for the best and a majority of the students who want to play percussion are routed to other instruments. I get the students I want on percussion and the band achieves a balanced instrumentation.

Submitted by: Mike Myers