Sequential Studies (Book 1)

After some piano and snare drum instruction, Julia Gaines‘ Sequential Studies for Four-Mallet Marimba – Level 1 is the next step needed for learning four-mallet marimba. It includes twenty sequential lessons with four or five exercises each that focus on a different technical aspect of four-mallet technique. No matter what grip you play with, this text will work on your stroke, interval expansion, and stamina. Also included are eight beginning solos, three commissioned specifically for this book. All you need to do is pick your mallets and your grip and you’ll be playing your first four-mallet solo in no time!

Dr. Gaines recorded a great series of videos to compliment the book, all of which can be found in the playlist below (courtesy of Vic Firth Inc.).

This 88-page book ships as a hard copy with a classy, full-color cover and coil binding for convenient reading, or as an instant PDF download for printing or tablet viewing.

Once mastered, Book 1 leads perfectly into Sequential Studies (Book 2) …the heart of the chorale.