How to Write for Percussion: A Comprehensive Guide to Percussion Composition

by Samuel Z. Solomon

While composers and percussionists are working more closely than ever with one another, there are few resources that address this collaborative relationship in depth. However, Samuel Z. Solomon, himself a percussionist and teacher, offers a comprehensive examination of the issues that percussionists and composers encounter in How to Write for Percussion. The first edition, self-published in 2004, provided musicians and music programs the world over with practical and indispensible information about issues of notation, concert production, and much more. This new edition goes even further as Solomon offers more insights derived from his personal experience as a percussionist and teacher and from his collaborations with other musicians.
The second edition of How to Write for Percussion expands the survey of behind-the-scenes processes-from instrument choice and notation to logistics, execution, and concert production-to uncover all the tools a composer needs to comfortably create innovative and skilled percussion composition. Solomon also includes more excerpts and performances as well as interviews with famous percussionists and composers that capture the intricacies of percussion composition. Moreover, the second edition features an expanded text with more instruments and more analysis, plus an extensive Online Video Companion containing over nine hours of videos with demonstrations, performances, interviews, and analysis to flesh out and clarify the material in the book. This updated edition of How to Write for Percussion will appeal to a wide swath of musicians including composers, arrangers, and percussionists. Those who have already utilized the first edition will welcome the upgrade, and those who have yet to benefit from Solomon's perspective will likewise find his insights illuminating.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

306 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful for someone like me who doesn't know how to write for percussion. :)

[Diane Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for composers who want to compose for percussion. Video links to see and hear various techniques!

[Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much cool stuff about percussion from this book. It’s a true gem. It’s made to be a reference but I read it front to back just out of pure curiosity.