Studio Class 3
Tambourine
Dr. Jason Kihle, Associate Professor of Percussion
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Tambourine: Four Techniques
Technique used is dependent on two things: dynamics and tempo
1. Dynamics: mf and up
Tempo: slow to moderate
thumb on head, hold at 45 degree angle (not flat, so they deaden faster)
finger not through hole
for more resonance, straight up and down and then go back to angle to deaden
strike between center and edge; lots of wrist
2. Dynamics: mp and softer
Tempo: slow to moderate
use 2 fingers
if still too loud: palm on head while holding at 45-degree angle
can also move hand to the edge
3. Dynamics: loud
Tempo: fast
hold tambourine with right hand upside down, LH hits halfway between edge and center with knee
use wrist in RH, must move LH
practice with knee-hand-knee or knee-hand-knee
use fist on tambourine to get loud doubles
4. Dynamics: soft
Tempo: fast
tambourine upside down on knee
play rim with both hands
Two Roll Techniques
1. Thumb
Not too much beeswax around edge
think forward
give note an attack, release with heel of fist
thumb roll is designed for a short roll
2. Shake
don't grip with thumb
twisting roll: hit on attack and release- twist wrist