Four-Mallet Progressive Literature is designed to be a companion to
my Four-Mallet Method for Marimba. The music selected for this text
represents guitar and keyboard literature of major composers from the
16th through 19th centuries.
Four-Mallet Progressive
Literature includes 45 solos that are categorized into four different
four-mallet techniques: double vertical strokes, single alternating
strokes, rolls and single independent strokes. Music is presented in
order of difficulty within each section to allow a logical progression
of study through each stroke type.
Please note that I have
chosen not to include stickings in this volume. This allows both the
student and the teacher the freedom to develop their own criteria for
sticking for each work. Students should learn this skill as they
progress through the vast literature for marimba.
In general,
it is recommended that the student complete study of each stroke type
first in Four-Mallet Method for Marimba, including etudes and literature
in each section. Only after each section is completed should the
student begin study of the graded literature in this volume. Great care
was taken to include works of major composers at an appropriate level of
difficulty for the beginning marimba student. As as result, I suggest
that each section be approached in the order it is presented. Please do
not skip around.
The rolls section of Four-Mallet Progressive
Literature can be played with both double vertical and sequential rolls.
Generally, wide intervals in each hand, and between hands, will be
smoother using the double vertical roll. Beyond that, I suggest
experimenting with roll types to make the best musical decisions for
each work.
Finally, much of the music in this volume includes a
combination of different stroke types. Selections were grouped based on
the predominant stroke type employed in each piece. The music was
transcribed to fit within the range of a standard 4.3 octave marimba.