Global Percussion is a form of music that has application in music performance, education and therapy. In practice players and students work with rhythmic, harmonic and melodic principles in order to play improvised and arranged music, especially for the mental, physical and spiritual well being of themselves, listeners and surrounding community.

The Global Percussion Principles

Pattern - the Principle for Rhythm and Melody within Global Percussion

In Global Percussion all types of rhythm and melody are viewed as a type of Pattern. And Pattern is viewed as the organization of some element(s) or variable(s). Hence, music is patterns of sound & silence.

Pattern is present not only in all rhythm and melody, it is also present in the kinesthetic and cognitive aspects of music making. Indeed, music players must make patterns through their physical and mental movements, i.e., with their hands, arms, legs and even their thoughts. Both pattern making and pattern recognition strengthens the mind, body and spirit.

The Fundamental Difference Between Rhythm and Melody

The Global Percussion perspective views Rhythm and Melody as directly related since both are forms of Pattern and are essential parts of quality music. However, there is a fundamental difference, namely, rhythm is repeating pattern and melody is pattern that typically does not need to repeat, though it may.

Harmony as a Principle within Global Percussion

In Global Percussion students are taught that harmony is preferable in both an artistic and lifestyle sense. The single most important harmonic rule, or principle, in Global Percussion is not too much, not too little. Not too much, not too little applies to the balancing of any element or variable, whether it be notes, timbres, volume, tempo and so on. When practicing music, it is very possible to play any musical element too much or too little. Global Percussion seeks the balance of all elements; it seeks to teach students to understand what is too much, what is too little & how to play just enough. The Global Percussion perspective presumes that becoming sensitive to what is too much and too little is a healthy way to train the mind, body and spirit.

There are three main approaches used in Global Percussion classes to help students understand harmony. One is by hearing & experiencing discord & hence, contrasting harmony with discord; another is by playing and listening to music that is filled with harmony; and the final way is by learning music theory, in age appropriate lessons & exercises.

Summary

Global Percussion is a form of music-making that has application in education and therapy.

Global Percussion is guided by two fundamental Principles: 1. All rhythms and melodies are Patterns; and 2. All harmony is a balance of not too much, not too little.

Global Percussion uses various instruments - such as, hand drums, mallet percussion, harps, flutes, harmonicas, voice, keys and piano.

Global Percussion practitioners can produce harmonious music spontaneously.

Practicing Global Percussion helps players and students develop their artistic sensitivities, including their physical coordination and mental alertness.

Global Percussion has observable artistic, educational and health benefits.

Drum Circles

Private Lessons

Global Percussion Classes

Benefits of Drumming