Hi Everybody,

Does anybody know the 'usual' way to perform the tambourine part in the Pines of Rome. I am currently using the hand knee method throughout but was wondering if there were any other ways of achieving the desired result.

Thanks
Ben

I've used a number of techniques ... one of my favorites is the knuckle-fist technique that I demonstrated in my Rock Tambourine 101. I've used this same technique for the Trepak movement in The Nutcracker Suite.

I would work on as many different ways as you can to play the part cleanly and accurately. There's rarely one way to do anything. I've studied with a number of orchestral percussionists over the years, and each have their favorite ways to approach these pieces/excerpts.

If you are needing to perform the Pines of Rome Tambourine excerpt for an audition, now is not the time to try out other techniques that you've yet to perfect ... in my opinion. For the audition, use what you know ... but keep working on new techniques!

Thanks guys very speedy response, i'll try out your suggestions tonight on my brand new grover 

Thanks again
Ben