2-Mallet Keyboard Exercise: Double Diminished Double Stops

March 22, 2017 James Christian

Double Diminished Double Stops, page 1 — **Double Diminished Double Stops**
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Double Diminished Double Stops, page 2 — *…or click here to download in PDF format.*

This exercise for two-mallet keyboard percussion utilizes double stops with a diminished 7th chord (also known as double diminished). Starting with A, the pattern cycles through all 12 keys, going up by a half step each time.

The goal of this exercise is to build fluidity of movement with double stops around the keyboard. You start by playing three repetitions on each interval, then two, then one. These patterns cycle through 18/8, 12/8, and 6/8 time signatures, respectively.

With all double stops, be careful to strike both notes together. As you get faster, I would recommend striking the upper manual bars on the edge, instead of the center. Strive for accuracy and consistent sound. Stay relaxed, and let the stroke come from the wrists.

As you get more comfortable with this exercise, it can be a good endurance builder. Don’t slow down on the 6/8 measures! Keep a steady pulse throughout the exercise. A metronome will be invaluable for keeping tempo. For added endurance, repeat several times.

Have fun with this one!

2-Mallet Keyboard Exercise: Double Stops Builder

March 12, 2017March 13, 2017 James Christian

The term double stops refers to striking two mallets at the same time. They are an incredibly important skill to develop and master, and this exercise is a useful tool for practicing them.

In addition to having good double stop quality, it’s also important to transition smoothly between the upper and lower manuals. In 16 measures, this exercise covers every possible configuration.

The breakdown is as follows:

Measures 1-4: accents with both hands on lower manual
Measures 5-8: accents with both hands on upper manual
Measures 9-12: accents with left hand on upper manual & right hand on lower manual
Measures 13-16: accents with left hand on lower manual & right hand on upper manual

Within each of these four-measure sets, the non-accented notes (the “inner beats”) follow this configuration:

Measure 1: both hands on lower manual
Measure 2: left hand on upper manual, right hand on lower manual
Measure 3: left hand on lower manual, right hand on upper manual
Measure 4: both hands on upper manual

When playing this exercise, focus on distinct accents and clear (but softer) “inner beats.” Make sure the double stops strike at exactly the same time. Each interval should have a clear, blended sound.

Have fun with this exercise!

I also have to point out that this is the 50th post on Rudimental University! Woo hoo!!!

2-Mallet Keyboard Exercise: Singles Speed Builder

February 2, 2017February 1, 2017 James Christian

*Click on the image to enlarge or click here to download in PDF format.*

This short exercise is a good chop builder for keyboard percussion. It focuses on short spurts (which builds speed), and its length allows for numerous repetitions (which builds endurance). I came up with this exercise several years ago when I was trying to help a student build their two-mallet speed. I didn’t expect it to be so popular, but my students have enjoyed playing it ever since. It’s fairly catchy, and the simplicity of its structure makes it easy to learn. I have seen firsthand that the students who practice it regularly achieve good results.

When first learning this exercise, take it slowly until you can strike each note with 100% accuracy. It is short enough to memorize fairly easily. Remember that the key to speed is staying relaxed! Of course, you have to push your muscles in order to build endurance, but you must push them with good technique. Don’t let the speed create a sense of uncontrolled frenzy. Don’t lock your arms or wrists. Stay relaxed, yet keep your sound intensely focused. Strive for consistent strokes, so that you achieve clean execution and articulation.

Enjoy playing! I hope you notice significant improvement in your singles quality and speed.