PERCUSSION
10 TIPS FOR MULTI-PERCUSSION SUCCESS | Mark Shelton
“ How can I possibly play all of this by myself? I’ ve already noticed at least eight instruments in my part along with some super-tight transitions— and this is just the first song in the production!”
Playing multi-percussion can range from moving back and forth between a couple of instruments to being surrounded by a variety of drums, cymbals, bells, blocks, keyboards, and assorted percussive gadgets. Problems arise when a specifically notated score is written with little regard to actual performance logistics.
After decades of maneuvering through tricky transitions amid assorted instruments, I have several helpful tips to assist you with multipercussion challenges.
ERGONOMIC ASSEMBLY A well-designed setup is vital to making efficient transitions in a multi-percussion setting.
• When dealing with a large number of instruments, consider starting the design on paper before shuffling a bunch of drums back and forth. Work from a list of the needed instruments and draw a rough sketch of the setup.
• Study your drawing and imagine making the necessary playing motions. You can even use a bit of air drumming as you imagine the logistical demands. Continue to tweak your sketch until it seems ergonomically sound.
• Once the layout is in place and you are feeling comfortable with the transitions, take cell phone photos of the setup so it can be easily recreated.
such as tambourines, shakers, claves, and cabasa. The lightly padded surface assists you in transitioning instruments without extraneous sound.
TECH SUPPORT An electronic percussion instrument with hundreds of digital samples allows you to play those required tubular bells and timpani parts when the real deal will just not fit into your allotted sliver of space.
An electronic unit’ s compact playing surface can place several instrument samples within easy reach.
THE PENCIL IS YOUR PAL Memory can fail while moving between instruments, but a clear marking will never let you down.
• Simply writing“ to snare drum” or“ shake tambourine coming” will assist in making confident transitions.
A SECOND PLATE If a suspended cymbal is included in the instrumentation, consider placing a cymbal on both sides of your setup for easy access.
CHOP DOWN THE CHOICES Selecting the right stick, mallet, or brush for a passage of music is part of the percussionist’ s art, but if the multi-percussion transitions are too difficult, reduce to one set of compromise implements per instrument to save time and avoid confusion.
RIGHT WHERE THEY’ RE NEEDED Consider leaving implements parked on their respective instrument so the correct tools are at the ready upon your last-second arrival. HORIZONTAL HELPER A trap table provides a convenient location for sticks, mallets, and hand-held instruments
• Indicating which hand is holding an implement or instrument can be beneficial.
80 January 2026 Subscribe for Free...