Percussion Course

The Percussion Course is a graded percussion method course designed for use in a music camp or corps music program setting. The pre-test material should be used to place each student in the appropriate level based on his/her ability. Final evaluations tests are provided for use as required. These should be completed and passed before moving on to the next level. Not everyone will progress at the same pace. It is advised to repeat or come back to a lesson so as to reinforce certain concepts. 

In addition, the Percussion Course is designed as a companion to the Music Theory course. Students should utilize the music theory books to help advance their knowledge of music making. 

Percussion Course

  • Level 1 - Student Workbook Download

    Topics covered include: staff, clefs, note names, note values, rest values, stick technique, dynamics, tempo. See the Level 1 Instructor's Guide for helpful teaching tips.

  • Level 2 - Student Workbook Download

    Topics covered include: bar lines and time signatures, eighth notes and rests, playing different percussion instruments, keyboard percussion, more on dynamics and tempo.
  • Level 3 - Student Workbook Download

    Topics covered include: sixteenth notes and rests, ties, slurs, dotted notes, compound time, rolls, drum kit patterns. See the Level 3 Instructor's Guide for helpful teaching tips.
  • Level 4 - Student Workbook Download

    Topics covered include: the major scale, triplets, more percussion instruments, more drum kit patterns. See the Level 4 Instructor's Guide for helpful teaching tips.
  • Level 5 - Student Workbook Download

    Topics covered include: more scales, swing rhythms, timpani, more techniques. See the Level 5 Instructor's Guide for helpful teaching tips.
  • Level 1 - Instructor's Guide Download

    Topics covered include: staff, clefs, note names, note values, rest values, stick technique, dynamics, tempo. A Level 1 Final Test is available separately.
  • Level 2 - Instructor's Guide Download

    Topics covered include: bar lines and time signatures, eighth notes and rests, playing different percussion instruments, keyboard percussion, more on dynamics and tempo. A Level 2 Final Test is available separately. 
  • Level 3 - Instructor's Guide Download

    Topics covered include: sixteenth notes and rests, ties, slurs, dotted notes, compound time, rolls, drum kit patterns. A Level 3 Final Test is available separately.
  • Level 4 - Instructor's Guide Download

    Topics covered include: the major scale, triplets, more percussion instruments, more drum kit patterns. A Level 4 Final Test is available separately.
  • Level 5 - Instructor's Guide Download

    Topics covered include: more scales, swing rhythms, timpani, more techniques. A Level 5 Final Test is available separately.
  • Placement Test - Student Download

    This pre-test material should be used to place each student in the appropriate level based on his/her ability. 
  • Placement Test - Instructor Download

    This pre-test material should be used to place each student in the appropriate level based on his/her ability.
  • Final Test - Student Download

    These are the Final Evaluation tests for each level, provided for use as required. A passing grade is recommended before moving a student on to the next level.
  • Final Tests - Instructor Download

    These are the Final Evaluation tests for each level, provided for use as required. A passing grade is recommended before moving a student on to the next level.