In The Beginning-The Vibraphonist

Don't Start The Program Without Us!

     Where to start?  The beginning mallet player is often introduced to the marimba or xylophone.  Most school programs have these at hand-especially at the upper levels (grades

7-12),  If you are lucky enough to have a vibraphone at the elementary level, consider yourself

fortunate.  This is where the problem begins.  If the teacher has no instrument to introduce

the student to the instrument, the instrument is likely not to be introduced at all.  As with

most instrumental lessons, it should really begin at the elementary school level-preferably

grade 4.

     In terms of mallet methods for the vibes, the pickings are few.  One reason for this small library of music is perhaps the instrumental music teacher has little knowledge of where to begin.  Two mallets at first.  Pedal markings can be postponed until the student(s) become

familiar with keyboard.  An alternative to a mallet introductory method is using the band

instrumental method of another instrument (flute).  Not the perfect intro-but at least a 

starting place.  In addition, this can be used when the entire band is rehearsing from the

method.

     In future blogs, I will elaborate on having the vibraphone being a part of your instrumental

program.

     For starters, use the link below to view a HaMaR publication for the elementary vibraphonist with piano accompaniment

http://www.scoreexchange.com/scores/102516.html