Alfred's Minimum of Five Steel Drums Plus Drumset and Optional Bass Guitar is a comprehensive method book designed for aspiring steel drummers and percussionists. It provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of steel drumming, as well as practical exercises and ensemble pieces to develop musicianship and ensemble skills.
This method book is suitable for both individual and group instruction and can be used in schools, community music programs, and private studios. It is particularly valuable for students who wish to play steel drums in a steel band or other percussion ensemble.
Content
Alfred's Minimum of Five Steel Drums Plus Drumset and Optional Bass Guitar is divided into three main sections:
Fundamentals: This section covers the basics of steel drumming, including hand positions, sticking techniques, note reading, and basic rhythms.
Exercises: This section provides a variety of exercises to develop dexterity, coordination, and independence.
Ensemble Pieces: This section features a collection of ensemble pieces for five steel drums, drumset, and optional bass guitar. These pieces are arranged in a variety of styles, from traditional calypso to contemporary soca.
In addition to the main sections, the book also includes a glossary of steel drumming terms, a fingering chart, and a tuning guide.
Features
Alfred's Minimum of Five Steel Drums Plus Drumset and Optional Bass Guitar has several features that make it an excellent choice for aspiring steel drummers:
Clear and concise instruction: The method book is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy for students to follow and understand.
Progressive approach: The material is presented in a progressive manner, allowing students to build upon their skills and knowledge as they progress through the book.
Variety of exercises and ensemble pieces: The book provides a wide variety of exercises and ensemble pieces to keep students engaged and motivated.
Accompanying audio tracks: The book comes with accompanying audio tracks that demonstrate the exercises and ensemble pieces, making it easier for students to learn the material.
Benefits
Using Alfred's Minimum of Five Steel Drums Plus Drumset and Optional Bass Guitar can provide a number of benefits for aspiring steel drummers:
Develop a solid foundation in the fundamentals of steel drumming: The method book provides a thorough grounding in the basics of steel drumming, including hand positions, sticking techniques, note reading, and basic rhythms.
Improve dexterity, coordination, and independence: The exercises in the book are designed to develop dexterity, coordination, and independence, which are essential for playing the steel drums.
Learn to play a variety of musical styles: The ensemble pieces in the book are arranged in a variety of styles, from traditional calypso to contemporary soca, giving students the opportunity to learn how to play a variety of musical styles.
Develop ensemble skills: The ensemble pieces in the book are designed to help students develop ensemble skills, such as listening, following a conductor, and playing in time with other musicians.
Alfred's Minimum of Five Steel Drums Plus Drumset and Optional Bass Guitar is a comprehensive and well-written method book that can help aspiring steel drummers develop a solid foundation in the fundamentals of steel drumming and improve their musicianship and ensemble skills. It is highly recommended for students who wish to play steel drums in a steel band or other percussion ensemble.
Image Gallery
A steel drummer playing a solo
References
Alfred's Minimum of Five Steel Drums Plus Drumset and Optional Bass Guitar. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc., 2006.
Steel Drums: A Guide to Playing and Teaching the Steel Pan. John H. Beck, University Press of Mississippi, 2006.
The Steel Drum Handbook. Liam Teague, Mel Bay Publications, 2008.
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