Percussion Keyboard College Audition Tips with Mark Ford

UNT Percussion Coordinator Mark Ford reviews tips for percussion students planning to audition to be a Music Major at the University of North Texas.
There is an accompanying PDF on Percussion Keyboard Auditions Tips and further audition information at this link: percussion.music.unt.edu/perc...

[@himmdrumtips8681]

Thank you for making sure that you should move your mallet up to your hand when holding 2 mallets.I will show this VDO to young students who prefer to hold the mallet too far back on the shaft. Much appreciated, Mr. Ford.

[@markfordmusic]

Many thanks for your comment! I hope your students enjoy the video. There are more marimba instructional videos on my YT Channel. Your students might enjoy these too. Best wishes!

[@himmdrumtips8681]

Mark Ford Allow me to use your VDO (and other VDO’s) to prove that what I’ve told them for a long time is a fact that can be verified. Beat Wishes.

[@Themarimbologist]

Thank you so much for the tips for auditioning at your percussion studio! One question I have is if y’all at UNT have s preference for which four mallet grip we use. I’ve always found it more comfortable for me to hold burton grip because I feel more in control of the mallets. I can hold Stevens, but it the music wont sound like I’m comfortable with what I’m playing. I feel that the music would sound rushed and not as refined if I played it with Stevens. What are your thoughts on this?

[@markfordmusic]

Thank you! Your question is an important one. While most of our UNT Percussion Majors play the marimba with the Musser/Stevens grip, we also have students utilizing the Traditional and Burton grips. The most important aspect here is your sound and the expression of the music. Grips are like tools. All three are fine but you will need to select the one that works best for you. Like me, many players are able to play with two grips. I tend to prefer the Burton grip on the vibraphone while the Musser/Stevens grip works best for me on marimba. For your upcoming college audition, I would suggest that you use the grip that gives you the best tone quality and phrasing control.

[@ayoaladeyelu529]

Better

[@someone-yc1pc]

What’s the name of the solo at the beginning?

[@markfordmusic]

The composition that begins and ends this video is Emily's Dream from my book #MarimbaBaby. Thanks!