A Comprehensive Method for Tuning and Pedaling Timpani

Author

Brandon M. Arvay, University of KentuckyFollow

Date Available

5-1-2015

Year of Publication

2015

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

College

Fine Arts

Department/School/Program

Music

First Advisor

Professor James Campbell

Abstract

Method books are an integral part of the percussion pedagogy. Because of the vast number of instruments a modern percussionist is expected to play, they often look for progressive, concise, and effective resources that can make learning such a variety of instruments more efficient. Instructional books currently exist for many areas of percussion performance, including snare drum, mallet percussion, timpani, World music, accessories, and marching percussion. Included in these books are information and procedures on music reading, rhythm studies, listening skills, part preparation, and technical approach. Focusing on timpani methods specifically, many of these books include tuning and pedaling exercises and etudes. However, their pedagogies for the execution of such difficult procedures are superficial and focus primarily on technical prowess. Timpani are the only Western pitched instruments a percussionist is required to tune, which proves intimidating for many players. Moreover, the aural and technical demands of the contemporary timpanist are ever-increasing with the technical demands found in modern composition. This dissertation will address the skills and techniques for tuning and pedaling timpani ignored by current method books and provide the timpanist with a process through a systematic set of etudes with audio accompaniment tracks. The goals of this method are to target the specific set of skills needed by the timpanist for accurate and effective timpani tuning in a modern ensemble setting.

Recommended Citation

Arvay, Brandon M., "A Comprehensive Method for Tuning and Pedaling Timpani" (2015). Theses and Dissertations--Music. 43.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/music_etds/43