Timpani playing is deceptively tricky. On the surface the rhythms are generally easy and usually you are asked to play only two notes. But, there is an awful lot of technique involved in playing these amazing drums properly.
In these lessons I cover the basics like tuning, rolling and give you exercises that can help you develop these skills. Maintenance of your drums and mallets is all part of the gig and knowing about these things can really help you if you’re a player or if you’re teacher you’ll be able to keep your percussionists on track to being the best that they can be.
Timpani Basics
Consider these your introductory lessons to the timpani. You’ll learn all you need to know to get started.
- Get the Right Timpani Head: We’ll Show You How
- Where is the Best Playing Spot on Timpani?
- How to Develop a Consistent Sound with Both Hands On Timpani
- How to Develop Your Timpani Stroke
Timpani Tuning
To play the timpani right, you have to play it in tune and learn how to change the notes on the fly.
- Get the Right Timpani Head: We’ll Show You How
- Timpani Ranges: What You Need to Know
- How to Tune Timpani Using Piano Chords
- How to Tune Timpani
- How to Tune Timpani While You Play
Timpani Exercises and Playing Techniques
Remember, practice makes perfect. Use these timpani exercises to focus your practice time and develop proper playing technique.
- How to Play Grace Notes on Timpani
- Warm Up Exercises for Timpani
- Advanced Cross Sticking with Kung Fu Action
- What’s the Difference Between Legato and Staccato for Timpani?
- An Introduction to Cross Sticking on Timpani
- Timpani Grip and a Simple Exercise
Timpani Rolls
So many rolls and so little time! Learn how to play the best timpani roll possible with these lessons.
- How and When to Play a Buzz Roll on Timpani
- How to Play Legato Drum Rolls on Timpani
- Drum Rolling Exercises for 4 Timpani Drums
- How to Play Tied and Separated Timpani Rolls
- How to Use Quintuplets to Learn to Play Drum Rolls Ending on Either Hand
- Timpani Roll Practice Exercises: Roll and Control
- How to Play a Fortissimo Piano Roll with a Crescendo on Timpani
- How to Properly Perform a Timpani Roll
- How to Play Timpani Rolls from Soft to Loud and Back to Soft
- How to Start and Stop Your Timpani Roll with Either Hand
- How to Play Timpani Rolls on Low and High Notes
Timpani Dampening and Muting
Looking for that softer sound? Learn how to properly dampen or mute your timpani without ruining the piece.
Timpani Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Once in a while you’re going to run into problems with your drums. Learn the nuts and bolts of timpani maintenance so you never miss another gig because your equipment’s in the shop.
- How to Change a Timpani Head
- How to Use a Drum Dial on a Timpani Head
- How to Clear a Timpani Head
- How to Locate and Eliminate Annoying Timpani Rattles
- Why the Timpani Pedal Slips and How to Avoid it
- Timpani Pedals Explained: Your Guide to Working the Timpani Pedal
If you’d like our full list of percussion lessons, see our Percussion Lessons Index page.
