How to Mute the Timpani

It is sometimes necessary to use mutes when you are playing timpani. Mutes cut down on the resonance of the drums so that rhythmic clarity can be heard, to create a special musical effect or to have the timpani sound blend with a small orchestra that is playing early classical or baroque music. Timpani Muting […]

How to Dampen Timpani When You Play

It is necessary to dampen the sound of the timpani at the end of a piece or because of a rest. The length of the note that you play is determined by when you dampen. For example, if the note written in the music is a half note (two beats in length) you dampen or […]