the objective grading of original...

The Objective Grading of Original UnaccompaniedFour-Mallet Solo Vibraphone Literature

Item Type text; Electronic Dissertation

Authors Hewitt, Jeffrey Allen

Publisher The University of Arizona.

Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this materialis made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona.Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such aspublic display or performance) of protected items is prohibitedexcept with permission of the author.

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Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/338874

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/338874

THE OBJECTIVE GRADING OF ORIGINAL UNACCOMPANIED FOUR-MALLET SOLO VIBRAPHONE LITERATURE

by

Jeffrey Allen Hewitt

__________________________ Copyright © Jeffrey Hewitt 2014

A Document Submitted to the Faculty of the

SCHOOL OF MUSIC

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

For the Degree of

DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS

In the Graduate College

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

2014

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THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA GRADUATE COLLEGE

As members of the Document Committee, we certify that we have read the document prepared by Jeffrey Allen Hewitt, titled The Objective Grading of Original Unaccompanied Four-Mallet Solo Vibraphone Literature and recommend that it be accepted as fulfilling the document requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts. _______________________________________________________________________ Date: 11/10/2014

Norman Weinberg _______________________________________________________________________ Date: 11/10/2014

Edward Reid _______________________________________________________________________ Date: 11/10/2014

Kelly Thomas Final approval and acceptance of this document is contingent upon the candidate’s submission of the final copies of the document to the Graduate College. I hereby certify that I have read this document prepared under my direction and recommend that it be accepted as fulfilling the document requirement. ________________________________________________ Date: 11/10/2014 Document Director: Norman Weinberg

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STATEMENT BY AUTHOR

This document has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library.

Brief quotations from this document are allowable without special permission, provided that an accurate acknowledgement of the source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the copyright holder.

SIGNED: Jeffrey Allen Hewitt

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my faculty advisor and document director, Dr. Norman

Weinberg, for his continued support and advice throughout this project and degree

program. In addition, I am also grateful for the support from Dr. Kelly Thomas and Prof.

Edward Reid who served on my major advisory committee throughout my time at the

University of Arizona, as well as Prof. Gregg Hanson and Prof. Jay Rees for their

participation as members of my minor committee.

Without the ideas and methods of Dr. Julia Gaines, I may not have been able to

execute this particular research topic. As her former student at the University of Missouri,

I would like to thank Dr. Gaines and all of my previous teachers and colleagues that have

influenced me along the way.

Lastly, I am most thankful to my parents, Allen and Ruth Hewitt, for their

incredible support throughout my entire life and education. Their energy and interest in

each of my adventures and endeavors will always continue to overwhelm me. Thank you

for being my biggest fans!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES ..................................................................................... 9 ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... 13 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION OF SUBJECT ............................................................. 15

Limits of Study ..................................................................................................... 17

Four-Mallet Technical Considerations ................................................................. 18 CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON SCHOLARLY LITERATURE . 24

Contradicting Graded Databases ........................................................................... 24

Piano and Marimba Literature Leveling Systems ................................................. 25 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY .................................................................................... 28

Vibraphone Solo Analysis Document ................................................................... 30

Musical Considerations ......................................................................................... 31

Technical Considerations ...................................................................................... 33 CHAPTER 4: ANNOTATIONS FOR LEVEL 1 LITERATURE ................................... 44

“X for Abby” (from Canções Infantis Book 2), Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza ..... 44

“Anna” (from Songs For Vibes), Ron Fink .......................................................... 46

Daybreak, Clifford K. Chapman ........................................................................... 48

Level 1 Literature .................................................................................................. 50 CHAPTER 5: ANNOTATIONS FOR LEVEL 2 LITERATURE ................................... 51

In The Stillness Of Twilight, David Steinquest ..................................................... 52

“Prelude” (from Prelude and Blues), Ney Rosauro .............................................. 54

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TABLE OF CONTENTS – Continued

“Hickory Trail” (from Solo Vibraphone Collection), Marlène & Jerry Tachoir .. 57


Suite For Solo Vibraphone, II., Alexander Lepak ................................................ 62

“Finale In Five” (from All Alone By The Vibraphone), Victor Feldman .............. 64

“Lament” (from Recital For Vibraharp), Thomas L. Davis ................................. 66


Mist, Murray Houllif ............................................................................................. 71

“Mirror From Another” (from Mirror From Another), David Friedman ............. 74

“Waltzer/Waltz” (from Funny Vibraphone Book I), Nebojša Jovan Živković ..... 76


“Waltz King” (from Music Of The Day), Bill Molenhof ...................................... 80

“Two Bass Vibes” (from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes), Arthur Lipner ............. 83

“II for Johnny” (from Canções Infantis Book 2), Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza ... 86


“abstruser musings” (from Six Poems), Robert Stright ........................................ 91

Absolute Journey Music, Robert Bridge ............................................................... 94

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“Carillon” (from Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon), Gary Gibson ........................ 97

Level 6 Literature .................................................................................................. 99 CHAPTER 10: ANNOTATIONS FOR LEVEL 7 LITERATURE ............................... 101

The Apocryphal Still Life, Christopher Deane .................................................... 101

“the wind” (from Reflections), Lynn Glassock ................................................... 105

Encantada, Nathan Daughtrey ............................................................................ 107

Level 7 Literature ................................................................................................ 109 CHAPTER 11: ANNOTATIONS FOR LEVEL 8 LITERATURE ............................... 111

Kaleidoscope, Arthur Lipner .............................................................................. 111

Blues For Gilbert, Mark Glentworth .................................................................. 114

“And The Mountains Remain” (from New Works For New Times), Bill Molenhof ...................................................................................................... 116

Level 8 Literature ................................................................................................ 118

CHAPTER 12: ANNOTATIONS FOR LEVEL 9 LITERATURE ............................... 120

Mourning Dove Sonnet, Christopher Deane ....................................................... 120

Song Of The Libra, Mario Gaetano ..................................................................... 124

“A Glorious Secret” (from Imageries), Jon Metzger .......................................... 127

Level 9 Literature ................................................................................................ 128 CHAPTER 13: ANNOTATIONS FOR LEVEL 10 LITERATURE ............................. 129

“a new year’s fanfare” (from Reflections), Lynn Glassock ................................ 129

Sonata Brevis, I., Raymond Helble ..................................................................... 132

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“Ajax Men Of Science” (from Solo), Gary Burton/Steve Swallow .................... 135

Level 10 Literature .............................................................................................. 138 CHAPTER 14: CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 139 APPENDIX A: LEVELED DATABASE OF ANALYZED PIECES ........................... 141 APPENDIX B: LETTERS OF PERMISSION ............................................................... 146 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 160

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LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES

Musical Example 4.1: Line 5 of Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s “X for Abby” from Canções Infantis, Book 2 .................................................................................................. 46 Musical Example 4.2: Measures 15–18 of Ron Fink’s “Anna” from Songs For Vibes ... 48 Musical Example 4.3: Measures 24–27 from Clifford K. Chapman’s Daybreak ............ 49 Musical Example 5.1: Measures 51 & 52 from David Steinquest’s In The Stillness Of Twilight ............................................................................................................................. 53 Musical Example 5.2: Measures 59 & 60 from David Steinquest’s In The Stillness Of Twilight ............................................................................................................................. 54 Musical Example 5.3: Measures 1–4 from Ney Rosauro’s Prelude and Blues, I. Prelude ........................................................................................................................... 56 Musical Example 5.4: Measures 44 & 45 of Marlène and Jerry Tachoir’s “Hickory Trail” from Solo Vibraphone Collection ..................................................................................... 58 Musical Example 5.5: Measures 21 & 22 of Marlène and Jerry Tachoir’s “Hickory Trail” from Solo Vibraphone Collection ..................................................................................... 59 Musical Example 6.1: Measure 16 of Alexander Lepak’s Suite For Solo Vibraphone, II. ....................................................................................................................................... 63 Musical Example 6.2: Measures 23–25 of Victor Feldman’s “Finale In Five” from All Alone By The Vibraphone ................................................................................................. 65 Musical Example 6.3: Measure 32 of Victor Feldman’s “Finale In Five” from All Alone By The Vibraphone ........................................................................................................... 65 Musical Example 6.4: Measures 7 & 8 of Thomas L. Davis’ “Lament” from Recital For Vibraharp .......................................................................................................................... 67 Musical Example 6.5: Measures 31 & 32 of Thomas L. Davis’ “Lament” from Recital For Vibraharp ................................................................................................................... 68 Musical Example 7.1: Measure 20 from Murray Houllif’s Mist ...................................... 72 Musical Example 7.2: Measures 23–25 from Murray Houllif’s Mist ............................... 73

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LIST OF MUSICAL EXAMPLES – Continued

Musical Example 7.3: Measures 32 & 33 of David Friedman’s “Mirror From Another” from Mirror From Another ............................................................................................... 75 Musical Example 7.4: Measures 26 & 27 of Nebojša Jovan Živković’s “Waltzer/Waltz” from Funny Vibraphone Book I ........................................................................................ 77 Musical Example 8.1: Measure 26 of Bill Molenhof’s “Waltz King” from Music Of The Day .................................................................................................................................... 82 Musical Example 8.2: Measures 38–40 of Bill Molenhof’s “Waltz King” from Music Of The Day ............................................................................................................................. 83 Musical Example 8.3: Measure 46 of Arthur Lipner’s “Two Bass Vibes” from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes ............................................................................................................ 84 Musical Example 8.4: Measure 4 of Arthur Lipner’s “Two Bass Vibes” from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes ............................................................................................................ 85 Musical Example 8.5: Measures 21 & 22 of Arthur Lipner’s “Two Bass Vibes” from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes .................................................................................................... 85 Musical Example 8.6: Measures 1 & 2 of Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s “II for Johnny” from Canções Infantis, Book 2 .......................................................................................... 87 Musical Example 8.7: Measure 6 of Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s “II for Johnny” from Canções Infantis, Book 2 .................................................................................................. 87 Musical Example 9.1: Line 3 from Robert Stright’s Six Poems, 3. abstruser musings .... 92 Musical Example 9.2: Line 2 from Robert Stright’s Six Poems, 3. abstruser musings .... 93 Musical Example 9.3: Measure 12 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music ........ 95 Musical Example 9.4: Measure 83 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music ........ 95 Musical Example 9.5: Measures 55 & 56 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music ................................................................................................................................. 96 Musical Example 9.6: Measures 91–94 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music . 96

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Musical Example 9.7: Measures 9 & 10 of Gary Gibson’s “Carillon” from Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon ............................................................................................................ 98 Musical Example 9.8: Measure 27 of Gary Gibson’s “Carillon” from Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon ............................................................................................................ 99 Musical Example 10.1: Measures 56 & 57 from Christopher Deane’s The Apocryphal Still Life ........................................................................................................................... 102 Musical Example 10.2: Measures 10 & 11 from Christopher Deane’s The Apocryphal Still Life ........................................................................................................................... 103 Musical Example 10.3: Measure 68 from Christopher Deane’s The Apocryphal Still Life .................................................................................................................................. 104 Musical Example 10.4: Measure 31 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, III. the wind .. 106 Musical Example 10.5: Measures 32 & 33 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, III. the wind ................................................................................................................................. 106 Musical Example 10.6: Measure 17 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, III. the wind .. 107 Musical Example 10.7: Measure 12 from Nathan Daughtrey’s Encantada ................... 109 Musical Example 11.1: Measures 32 & 33 from Arthur Lipner’s Kaleidoscope ........... 112 Musical Example 11.2: Measure 101 from Arthur Lipner’s Kaleidoscope .................... 113 Musical Example 11.3: Measures 27 & 28 from Mark Glentworth’s Blues For Gilbert ............................................................................................................................. 115 Musical Example 11.4: Measures 69 & 70 from Mark Glentworth’s Blues For Gilbert ............................................................................................................................. 116 Musical Example 11.5: Measures 1 & 2 of Bill Molenhof’s “And The Mountains Remain” from New Works For New Times ..................................................................... 117 Musical Example 11.6: Measure 103 of Bill Molenhof’s “And The Mountains Remain” from New Works For New Times .................................................................................... 118

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Musical Example 12.1: Measures 67–69 from Christopher Deane’s Mourning Dove Sonnet .............................................................................................................................. 122 Musical Example 12.2: Measures 105–106 from Christopher Deane’s Mourning Dove Sonnet .............................................................................................................................. 122 Musical Example 12.3: Measures 20–23 from Christopher Deane’s Mourning Dove Sonnet .............................................................................................................................. 123 Musical Example 12.4: Measure 86 from Mario Gaetano’s Song Of The Libra ............ 125 Musical Example 12.5: Measure 88 from Mario Gaetano’s Song Of The Libra ............ 125 Musical Example 12.6: Measures 134 & 135 from Mario Gaetano’s Song Of The Libra ................................................................................................................................ 126 Musical Example 12.7: Measures 14 & 15 from Jon Metzger’s Imageries, 3. A Glorious Secret ............................................................................................................................... 128 Musical Example 13.1: Measure 30 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, I. a new year’s fanfare ............................................................................................................................. 130 Musical Example 13.2: Measures 37 & 38 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, I. a new year’s fanfare .................................................................................................................. 132 Musical Example 13.3: Measures 5 & 6 from Raymond Helble’s Sonata Brevis, I. ..... 134 Musical Example 13.4: Measure 9 from Raymond Helble’s Sonata Brevis, I. .............. 135 Musical Example 13.5: Measure 39 of Gary Burton/Steve Swallow’s “Ajax Men Of Science” from Solo ......................................................................................................... 136 Musical Example 13.6: Measure 13 of Gary Burton/Steve Swallow’s “Ajax Men Of Science” from Solo ......................................................................................................... 137

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ABSTRACT

An important resource in many areas of music is the availability of standardized

graded databases of literature for solo instruments. These databases provide a progression

of technical abilities that help musicians follow a proper path in developing new skills.

Currently in the area of percussion, there are no graded databases for solo vibraphone

literature. While there are several sources that contain subjective graded music lists, none

of these sources have a standardized approach in defining each of their difficulty levels,

and this creates contradicting information for particular pieces. The goal of this research

is to present the first standardized and systematic approach to grading the difficulty levels

of vibraphone literature.

Influenced by pianist Jane Magrath’s reference guide of piano teaching literature

and percussionist Julia Gaines’ research project on marimba repertoire, this research is

modeled on Gaines’ objective analysis document used to grade marimba literature with

ten different levels of difficulty. With the exception of dampening and pedaling, all of the

technical aspects required for playing the vibraphone remain the same as the marimba.

Because musical considerations are subjective in nature, only the quantifiable technical

considerations are used for grading each work in an objective manner.

The technical difficulty of original unaccompanied four-mallet solo vibraphone

literature is assessed through the analysis of stroke speed, interval size, wrist turns,

manual changes, independence, dampening, and pedaling. Each piece’s grade will be

classified based on the highest level of technical difficulty found in the music. The

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selection of vibraphone literature for this research comes from pieces found on prescribed

state music lists and university handbook recommendation lists.

Annotations are included to describe the pieces that are particularly mislabeled,

and a discussion regarding the performance challenges that each piece presents are

offered. Three annotations from each of the ten difficulty levels contain a justification

based on the results recorded in the analysis document. With an extensive graded

database containing over one hundred seventy vibraphone pieces listed in the appendix,

this resource will assist percussion students and educators in selecting appropriate

vibraphone literature to study and perform within a proper progression from one work to

another.

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CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION OF SUBJECT

An important resource in many areas of music is the availability of standardized

graded databases of literature for specific solo instruments. These databases contain

information that benefits performers, educators, students, and scholars in finding the

appropriate literature for their particular needs. Most importantly, they provide a

progression of technical abilities that help musicians follow a proper path in developing

new skills. Currently in the area of percussion, there are no graded databases for solo

vibraphone literature. There are several sources that contain subjective graded music lists,

and some of those include publisher websites, sheet music catalogues, and instrument

organization databases. Unfortunately, none of these sources have a standardized

approach in defining each of their difficulty levels, and this creates contradicting

information for some particular pieces. The goal of this research is to present the first

standardized and systematic approach to grading the difficulty levels of vibraphone

literature.

Having been influenced by pianist Jane Magrath’s reference guide1 of piano

teaching literature, percussionist Julia Gaines pursued a similar research project for the

1 Jane Magrath, The Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance

Literature (Van Nuys, Calif.: Alfred, 1995).

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marimba.2 I served as a research assistant to Dr. Gaines at the University of Missouri, and

together we were able to create and refine an analysis document that allowed us to

objectively place four-mallet marimba solos into different grade levels. With nearly all of

the same techniques found in four-mallet vibraphone literature, I will be modeling my

analysis document on the one that we used to grade marimba literature. Due to the

common skills necessary for playing both instruments, this resource on solo vibraphone

literature can serve as a companion to Gaines’ database of graded solo marimba

literature. Percussion students will be able to study simultaneously marimba solos and

vibraphone solos found within the same level since the majority of the instruments’

techniques overlap. With the exception of dampening and pedaling, all of the other

technical aspects required for playing the vibraphone remain the same as the marimba.

Although both instruments’ techniques are similar, marimba literature and vibraphone

literature are completely separate bodies of repertoire. For example when comparing

trumpet literature to tuba literature, it is understood, as brass instruments, they contain

similar techniques, but their literature is independent of each other. Composers write

specifically for the unique sonic qualities and technical challenges of each of these

instruments.

While musical considerations and technical considerations are both analyzed

throughout each work, only the quantifiable results of the technical considerations are

used for the grading of each piece’s level of difficulty. Due to the subjective nature of the

musical considerations, this research will only be influenced by objective elements. In

2 Julia Gaines, “An Objective Grading System for Four-Mallet Marimba

Literature: The Creation of Performance Levels” (research presented at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Austin, Tex., November 7, 2008).

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addition, if a particular passage in the music requires a technique placed at a level greater

than the majority of the work’s technical considerations, the grade must remain placed in

the level of difficulty with the most challenging element. Every individual musician will

excel at different technical skills from one to another, but the ordering of each technique

presented within the analysis document provides a logical sequence associated with the

physical movements that are required to play the vibraphone. Each of the technical terms

associated with four-mallet vibraphone performance will be discussed in the technical

considerations section.

Limits of Study

The music that will be analyzed consists of vibraphone literature that requires the

use of four mallets with no accompaniment or additional instruments. All of the pieces

will contain original music, excluding transcriptions and arrangements. If a work contains

a required improvisation section with the absence of any precise notation, it cannot be

analyzed properly for this research. Those pieces that contain optional improvisation

sections will still be included. In addition, each piece must have been composed with the

intention to be played as a solo, excluding any study pieces that may come from a

vibraphone method book. Over seven hundred vibraphone solos with these parameters

have been published throughout the world as found in literature catalogs, publisher

websites, and composer homepages. The selection of vibraphone literature for this

research will be based on those pieces found on prescribed state music lists and university

percussion handbook recommendation lists. The following states use a prescribed list for

their high school music contests: Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin.

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Having browsed throughout nearly fifty successful percussion studio homepages within

the United States, the following university percussion programs include lists available on

their public websites of representative pieces for each skill level: University of Arizona,

Arizona State University, University of Central Florida, and University of Kentucky.

After combining each of these lists and acquiring the printed music of each work, a total

of one hundred seventy-two pieces, or individual movements, are included within this

research. For those pieces that are found within a collection of works, each piece will be

considered its own individual solo. In addition, works with multiple-movements will

contain an analysis on each individual movement due to the likely differences in

difficulty from one to another.

Four-Mallet Technical Considerations

There are many factors that are taken into consideration when analyzing four-

mallet keyboard percussion literature. One of the most important areas is the common

stroke types used to perform the music on the instrument. Similar in technique to the

marimba, the vibraphone requires four standard stroke types: double vertical, single

independent, single alternating, and double lateral.3 The terms for each of these strokes

were originally described in Leigh Howard Stevens’ Method of Movement for Marimba,

a book that transformed and codified the techniques of four-mallet keyboard playing.

Each of these stroke types will be divided into two main categories: non-lateral strokes

3 Leigh Howard Stevens, Method of Movement for Marimba: Revised and

Expanded (Asbury Park, N.J.: Keyboard Percussion Publications, 1990), 24–5.

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and lateral strokes. Other specialized strokes and additional four-mallet techniques will

be discussed following the four basic stroke types.

Of the two non-lateral types, the double vertical stroke is commonly the first

stroke that beginners study when learning four-mallet keyboard percussion. It produces

two pitches simultaneously with the same hand holding two mallets. Both mallets strike

the keyboard bars vertically with a motion from the performer’s wrist. The single

independent stroke consists of only one mallet striking the bar in a rotated and vertical

motion. Because only one mallet is used to play in each hand for this stroke type, the

rotation of the stroke will occur for either the inside or the outside mallet. Of the two

lateral stroke types, the single alternating stroke is most commonly learned first. Single

alternating strokes contain two mallets in each hand that alternate independently. Unlike

the single independent stroke, there is not an unused mallet that needs to be isolated with

this technique. The double lateral stroke is essentially a single alternating stroke played at

a faster speed. It produces two sounds within a very short duration, based on the tempo

and notation of the music. Technically, the double lateral stroke is executed with a single

motion creating two sounds or attacks, whereas the single alternating stroke contains an

independent motion for each note.

The other stroke types included within the analysis are triple strokes, combination

strokes, and rolls. Introduced in the lateral strokes section of Kevin Bobo’s Permutations

For the Advanced Marimbist, triple strokes occur when three consecutive notes are

played adjacently in a single hand starting with either the inside or outside mallet.4 In

order for this technique to be considered a triple stroke, it must be played at the tempo of

4 Kevin Bobo, Permutations For the Advanced Marimbist (Asbury Park, N.J.:

Keyboard Percussion Publications, 2007), 35.

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a double lateral stroke. Another category of strokes found in the analysis document is the

inclusion of combination strokes. By combining any two non-lateral and/or lateral

strokes, these specialized strokes are based on consecutive strokes of different types

within the same hand. The coordination required to execute these combination strokes

successfully is extremely challenging. The last group of strokes will consist of different

four-mallet roll types: hand-to-hand, 2-mallet, mandolin, double lateral/ripple, and one-

handed single independent. Even though rolls are not as commonly found in vibraphone

literature due to the nature of the instrument’s longer duration of resonance, there are

enough pieces that contain the use of rolls that ultimately require this category to be

included.

Within each stroke type category, the speed of every stroke has to be taken into

consideration. As the stroke speed increases, the difficulty of each stroke type becomes

greater. The analysis document clearly defines which tempos are based on eighth-note

rhythms or sixteenth-note rhythms; many mathematical equations are used to determine

stroke speeds based on the note value and its given tempo. For example, the stroke speed

of eighth-note triplets must be converted into the speed of regular eighth-notes; this

determines its unique speed within the marked tempo of the piece. When a tempo range is

given, the analysis will always be based on the lowest tempo marked. If a numerical

tempo is not provided in the score, a definitive recording provided by the composer can

help determine an approximate tempo range.

For each stroke type, except for the single independent stroke, the interval size

between the two mallets in a single hand is another major factor used in determining a

piece’s grade level. For double vertical strokes, easier and comfortable intervals are

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found between a second and a sixth, while it becomes more difficult to play a seventh or

greater with the addition of faster tempos. For lateral strokes, easier and more

comfortable intervals are found between a third and a sixth, while it becomes increasingly

more difficult to play a second and a seventh or greater, due to the nature of its particular

motion. In addition to stroke speed and interval sizes, the occurrences of wrist turns and

manual changes are quantified for each level. Similar to a piano or marimba, the

vibraphone contains two manuals, a lower and an upper manual, and it is necessary to

analyze how often these maneuvers occur per bar, per phrase, or per piece. These changes

in body position will create more difficulty based on where the notes are found on the

keyboard instrument.

An additional consideration found within the analysis document is independence

between the two hands. Common terms such as “alternating,” “unison,” “parallel,”

“overlapping,” and “mirroring” are used to describe the motion that is executed between

both hands to play particular passages in the music. There are also several instances

where a one-handed single independent roll may be occurring with another overlapping

stroke type. Other forms of independence commonly found in mallet keyboard literature

are various polyrhythms, hand-crossing techniques, and Alberti bass functions. Due to the

difficult nature of the many forms of independence, it is not rare for a piece’s level to be

determined ultimately by its high level of independence.

The two technical issues that set the vibraphone apart from the marimba are

dampening and pedaling considerations. Vibraphonist Gary Burton states, “With these

techniques, the flexibility of the instrument, both in phrasing and multi-line playing is

greatly improved and, most importantly, the expressive freedom of the player is increased

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tremendously.”5 Dampening occurs after a note is struck when a mallet dampens, or

muffles, that note while another mallet strikes the next note. This is typically notated with

an “X” placed on the staff at the point in which the note is to be dampened. In order to

allow these notes to sustain, the pedal is depressed throughout. Although dampening is

most commonly accomplished with a mallet, the use of the hand or fingers is another

implement that can be used for dampening notes. Most composers will not typically

specify which dampening technique is to be used.

Pedaling is one of the greatest difficulties found with vibraphone technique for

most percussionists who have experience playing the marimba or xylophone. Unlike the

marimba’s and xylophone’s wooden bars, the aluminum bars of a vibraphone are capable

of sustaining notes for a much longer duration, ultimately requiring a pedal and damper

mechanism. Pedaling markings are notated with the common symbol of a piano pedal

and/or with brackets and a horizontal line below the staff that indicate when to depress

and release the pedal. The sustain of the notes found within the brackets is held

throughout the entire duration of the horizontal line. Vibraphone virtuoso David

Friedman states, “Deft use of the pedal, however, can mean the difference between a

smooth legato line and a confused, undefined cluster of notes.”6 When a composer

chooses to indicate pedalings, it is common to find pedal notation in the first few

measures only, followed by a simile (sim.) marking.

5 Gary Burton, foreword to Vibraphone Technique: Dampening and Pedaling, by

David Friedman (Boston: Berklee Press, 1973), v. 6 David Friedman, Vibraphone Technique: Dampening and Pedaling (Boston,

Berklee Press, 1973), 21.

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The technical difficulty of original unaccompanied four-mallet solo vibraphone

literature can be assessed through the analysis of stroke speed, interval size, wrist turns,

manual changes, independence, dampening, and pedaling. Each piece will be assessed

with an analytical document used to classify its grade based on the highest level of

technical difficulty found in the music.

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CHAPTER 2:

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON SCHOLARLY LITERATURE

Contradicting Graded Databases

Throughout the field of percussion, there are several resources that are commonly

used to find information about literature written for all of the various percussion

instruments. One of the most widely used resources is the online catalog for Steve Weiss

Music of Willow Grove, PA. Originally, this database was printed on paper, and it

contained a grade level for nearly every piece. Since their last printed catalog in 2001–

2002, all of the literature has been transferred to their website, and some of their grading

scales for certain pieces have changed. Like many databases, there is no description or

rubric defining how each piece is graded by level. The Steve Weiss Music (SWM)

catalog most commonly selects a number using a scale from 1–6, with the highest

number being the most difficult, based on their unsystematic opinion. Grade levels

provided by the publisher are occasionally used on newer pieces in their catalog. There

are no descriptive criteria specified for each of their six levels.

Two other composition databases include the Percussion Music Online network

website for repertoire and the literature reviews found in the Percussive Arts Society’s

journal Percussive Notes. Both of these resources use volunteers to review the

compositions, not allowing for a standardized approach to grading percussion music.

Percussion Music Online (PMO) uses a scale from 1–5+, with the highest number being

the most difficult, and the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) uses terms such as

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“elementary,” “intermediate,” “advanced,” “difficult,” and mixtures of each description.

The only criteria listed in the Percussive Notes for these levels are as follows:

Elementary: I–II, Intermediate: III–IV, Advanced: V–VI, and Difficult: VI+. The

Percussive Arts Society has used countless reviewers since the inception of their journal,

so the opinions on difficulty levels will always vary from one reviewer to another in each

issue. Publishing websites are also a great source for finding an approximate level of

difficulty. Unfortunately, some publishers may skew their grading system to make their

pieces appear to be more or less difficult, catering potentially to a certain clientele. With

only a handful of states throughout the country using prescribed music lists for high

school students, all of them vary slightly from each other by using a system that tends to

group their levels based on three different categories of difficulty.

Of the resources listed above, none contain a standardized system of grading this

literature. This research will shed light on those pieces that have contradicting grade

levels from two or more sources. Annotations will be included to describe the pieces that

are particularly mislabeled, and a discussion regarding the performance challenges that

each piece presents will be offered. The intention is not to discount the aforementioned

databases, but rather to provide a more accurate and standardized grading of vibraphone

literature based on ten smaller, yet specific, levels.

Piano and Marimba Literature Leveling Systems

As stated before, the research of Jane Magrath has given pianists a resource to

help make musical and technical advancements on their instrument. “While aimed at the

piano instructor, The Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature

! 26

is also essential to the keyboard student or the amateur performer looking for suitable,

exciting, and challenging literature to play.”7 Assigning ten different difficulty levels is a

feature that Julia Gaines and I have both shared with Dr. Magrath in our own research

topics. Magrath states in the preface of her book:

The use of 10 increments is meant to reinforce the point that the even and systematic development of technical and musical growth is an intricate process that requires careful pacing and sequencing of literature. Naturally some individuals may disagree with the levels assigned to specific pieces or movements, but the inclusion of levels allows teachers to gain a sense of the relative difficulty of a particular piece in comparison to standard works from the piano repertoire. One can take exception to individual categorizations, but it is hoped that the leveling will be used in the spirit in which it is intended, as a general reference and comparison rather than a factual grading.8

Ultimately, Dr. Magrath’s research is meant to promote and advance the study and

performance of keyboard literature.

By using Jane Magrath’s research as a model, Julia Gaines began her own

objective grading system for four-mallet marimba literature. Gaines’ interest in

percussion pedagogy and years of teaching experience prompted her to recognize the

need for more beginning and intermediate keyboard percussion literature. With multiple

attempts in determining the appropriate evaluation criteria, Gaines was able to refine an

analysis document allowing objective material to be properly categorized and recorded.9

7 Jane Magrath, The Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance

Literature (Van Nuys, Calif.: Alfred, 1995), back cover.

8 Ibid., vi.

9 Julia Gaines, “An Objective Grading System for Four-Mallet Marimba Literature” (research presented at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Austin, Tex., November 7, 2008).

! 27

Topics such as musical style, duration of the piece, repetition of notes and strokes, and

other technical skills were included in the final analysis document because all of these

items are found in four-mallet marimba music. The introduction of her first marimba

method book Sequential Studies for Four-Mallet Marimba states:

Dr. Gaines has spent four years researching hundreds of four-mallet marimba pieces to uncover what techniques and musical attributes were common at the prescribed “beginning, intermediate, and advanced” levels. Her Performance Level System separates those broad labels into ten different categories of literature. Each method book is designed to help prepare the student for literature performance at that level.10

Gaines’ methods have been widely supported by the Vic Firth Company, the world’s

largest drumstick and mallet manufacturer. Together they have created a beginner four-

mallet marimba lesson series featuring nearly fifty videos that cover all of the concepts,

techniques, and skills found in her first book. She has also received much praise

throughout the percussion community by giving presentations on her leveling system at

the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), the National Conference

On Percussion Pedagogy (NCPP), various state music education conferences, and several

PAS state chapters’ annual Day of Percussion. Through my experiences as a research

assistant to Julia Gaines, her project with marimba literature has allowed me to apply

similar technical considerations to my analyses of vibraphone literature, a large body of

repertoire that has yet to be studied.

10 Julia Gaines, Sequential Studies for Four-Mallet Marimba: Level 1, Edited by

Brian Tate (Columbia, Mo.: Gaines, 2011), 2.

! 28

CHAPTER 3:

METHODOLOGY

As one of the most important components of this project, the following fourteen

pages are the analysis document that contains all of the musical and technical

considerations that are used to analyze each vibraphone solo for this research. Although

the musical considerations are not a factor in determining the grade level for each piece,

they are used as a personal reference for the works that will be annotated in this

document. The initial technical considerations, consisting of stroke types, independence,

and rolls are modeled from Julia Gaines’ analysis document used in her research for

grading solo marimba literature. These particular techniques are shared between the

marimba and vibraphone. After much analysis, some of the specific rolling techniques

have been modified to better fit the physical characteristics of the vibraphone. Because

one-handed single independent rolls are not quite as demanding on the vibraphone due to

its longer resonating durations, many of the single independent roll considerations in the

vibraphone analysis document have decreased by one level from Gaines’ marimba

analysis document.

Dampening and pedaling techniques are the additional considerations that have

been included within the vibraphone analysis document. These two techniques create new

elements that are not present in the marimba literature grading system. Quantities of

dampening and pedaling notation have been documented through the process of studying

the literature, allowing for the technical factors of both considerations to be placed into

! 29

different levels. Even though several vibraphone solos do not contain specific indications

for either technique, their use is often implied. It is imperative to analyze each piece with

the use of a vibraphone in order to “play through” the music when determining the

difficulty of each technical consideration.

Annotations will contain a description of each piece (or a movement from a work)

discussing the reasons for its determined grade level of difficulty. Each justification will

be completely based on the results recorded in the analysis document. Three annotations

from each of the ten difficulty levels will be included following this chapter. The

annotated pieces are selected by having at least one of the following special criteria:

multiple technical reasons for fitting into a particular level, contradicting difficulty levels

listed from other sources, and popular pieces performed regularly throughout the world.

! 30

Vibraphone Solo Analysis Document

! Recommended!Level:!_______________!

! ! ! ! ! ! ! Primary!Reason:!

!

Title:!__________________________________________________________________________________________!

Composer:!____________________________________________________________________________________!

Publisher:!____________________________________________________________________________________!

Date!of!Publication:!_______________!

!

Instrument!Range:! 3.0!(low!F)! 3.1!(low!E)! 3.5!(low!C)! 4.0! Ms.!#__________!

!

Publisher!Grade:!_______________! ! ! NA!

Steve!Weiss!Grade:! 1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! NA!

PMO!Grade:! ! 1! 2! 3! 4! 5! NA!

PAS!Grade:! Elementary! ElementaryTIntermediate! Intermediate!

! ! IntermediateTAdvanced! Advanced! Difficult! NA!

!

Review/Description:!! pas.org! PAS!reviewer!name:!

! ! ! ! Publisher!website! Printed!score!! Other:!

!

Duration!(range):!_______________!

Published!Recordings:! ! ! ! ! ! None!

!

!

!

Comments:! !

! 31

Musical Considerations

TONALITY(

Key:! ! ! Intervallic:! ! ! Mode:!

Key!Center:! ! Multiple!Key!Centers!! Chromatic! Pentatonic!

Octatonic! ! Atonal!! ! Polytonal! ! Other:!

RHYTHM(

Whole!! Half! ! Quarter! Eight! ! Sixteenth! ! 32nd!

Dotted!Half! Dotted!Quarter! Dotted!Eighth!! Dotted!Sixteenth!

WholeTnote!Triplet! ! HalfTnote!Triplet! Quarter!Triplet! 8th!Triplet!

16th!Triplet! ! 32nd!triplet! ! 16th!quintuplet!(5)! ! 16th!septuplet!

Other!beat!divisions!(tuplets):! ! ! Syncopation!

Polyrhythm! 2:3! 3:4! 4:5! ! Other:!

METER(

Simple!(divide!beat!by!2)! Compound!(divide!beat!by!3)! Mixed!Simple!Meter!

Mixed!Compound!Meter! ! Complex!Meter! Odd!Meter:!

Divisions!of!16:! ! ! ! Mixed!Divisions!of!16:!

Senza!Misura!/!Freely! No!meter!/!rely!on!beaming!! Metric!modulation!

Hemiola! ! Other:!

FORM(

OneTpart! AB! ABC! ABCBA! ABA! ABA!large!scale!(intro/coda)!

Theme!&!Variations! ! Sectional! ThroughTcomposed! ! Rondo!

Fugue! ! Motivic! Thematic! Cadenza! Other:!

STYLE(

Tonal! ! Atonal!! NeoTBaroque! ! NeoTClassic! NeoTRomantic!

Minimalist! Jazz! Pop! Improvisatory! Chorale! Folk! African!

Japanese! Spanish! Latin! ! Brazilian/Choro! Chinese!

Other:! !

! 32

NOTATION!

Beaming(

Standard!beat!beaming! Implied!phrase!beaming! Implied!sticking!beaming!

Accel/rit!beaming!widths!

Dynamics(

None! Standard! Extreme!shifts! ! sub.! sfz! fp!

Vocabulary(

None!

Standard!Italian! Standard!English! French!! German!

Expanded!Italian!(tempo/expressions)! Expanded!English!

Advanced!Italian!(tempo/expressions)! Advanced!English!

Other!language:!

Sticking(

Clear!sticking!options! ! Sticking!1234! ! Sticking!4321!

2!mallet!possibility! ! 3!mallet!possibility! 3!mallets/hand!

Some!interpretation!required! ! Much!interpretation!required!

Staff(

Grand!staff! ! Treble!clef!only! Bass!clef!only! ! Alternate!clefs:!

Two!treble!clefs! Two!bass!clefs! ! Clef!implies!sticking! Clef!connector!dash!

Symbols(

None! ! Phrase!markings! Breath!marks! ! Accents! Staccato!

Tenuto!! Marcato! Caesura! Fermata! D.S.!al!Coda! D.C.!al!Coda!

Glissando! 8va/loco! Grace!notes! Double!sharps/flats! Arpeggiated!chord!

Optional!notes! ! Trill/Mordents!! Bowing!! Mallet!shafts! Harmonics!

Pitch!bending! ! Pedaling! Dampening!(x)!! Dead!strokes!(+)! Other:!

Miscellaneous(

Manuscript! ! Bass!Chord!Changes! ! Expanded!Chord!Changes!

Different!size!note!heads! Graphic/NonTstandard!! Extended!techniques! !

Other:!

Comments/Errata:! (

! 33

Technical Considerations

Double(Vertical(Strokes:(Stroke(Tempo/Intervals/Wrist(Turns11(

Level(1(_____!2ndT6th! ! up!to!120!(8th)! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(2(_____!2ndT6th! ! up!to!120!(8th)! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 121T140! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! up!to!120!(8th)! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(3(_____!2ndT6th! ! up!to!120!(8th)! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 121T140! ! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 141T160! ! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! up!to!120!(8th)! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!2ndT6th! ! 121T140! ! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 141T160! ! ! constant,!0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 161T180! ! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! up!to!120!(8th)! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!RH! ! up!to!120!! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!2ndT6th! ! 141T160! ! ! constant,!1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 161T180! ! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 181T200! ! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! ! constant,!0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!RH! ! 121T140! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!2ndT6th! ! 141T160! ! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 181T200! ! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 101T120!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! ! constant,!1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 181T200! ! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!RH! ! 141T160! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!LH! ! up!to!120!! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!2ndT6th! ! 161T180!(8th)! ! constant,!0T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 101T120!(16th)! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 121T140!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar!! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 181T200! ! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 101T120!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!RH! ! 161T180! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!LH! ! 121T140! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!

11 Julia Gaines, “The Objective Grading of Four-Mallet Marimba Literature: The Creation of Performance Levels (2011 Update)” (research presented at the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, Lubbock, Tex., May 24, 2011).

! 34

Level(8(_____!2ndT6th! ! 161T180!(8th)! ! constant,!1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 121T140!(16th)! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 141T160!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180!(8th)! ! constant,!0T2!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 101T120!(16th)! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!RH! ! 181T200! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!LH! ! 141T160! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(9(_____!2ndT6th! ! 181T200!(8th)! ! constant,!0T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 141T160!(16th)! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 161T180!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180!(8th)! ! constant,!1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140!(16th)! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!LH! ! 161T180! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(10(_____!2ndT6th! ! 181T200!(8th)! ! constant,!1T2!wrist!turns/bar!! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 161T180!(16th)! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!2ndT6th! ! 181T200!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 181T200!(8th)! ! constant,!0T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160!(16th)! ! 2T6!strokes,!1T3!wrist!turns/phrase! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!same!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!LH! ! 181T200! ! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________! !

! 35

Single(Independent(Strokes:(Stroke(Tempo/Intervals/Manual(Changes12(Level(1(_____!up!to!120!(8th!notes)! one!hand,!0T1!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(2(_____!up!to!120! ! ! one!hand,!2T4!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T150! ! ! one!hand,!0T1!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T150!(16th)! ! linear!line!w/!2!mallets!–!1!or!2/piece! ! ms.!#__________!! ! ! ! (also!is!2!mallet!roll)!!Level(3(_____!121T150!(8th)! ! oneThand,!2T4!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T150!(16th)! ! linear!line!w/!2!mallets!–!3!or!4/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!151T180! ! ! one!hand,!0T1!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!181T200! ! ! 2!strokes,!little!motion! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T150!(16th)! ! linear!line!–!5!or!6/piece! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!151T180! ! ! one!hand,!2T4!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!101T120!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!little!motion! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!151T160!(16th)! ! linear!line!–!1!or!2/piece! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!151T180! ! ! one!hand,!4+!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!181T200! ! ! 3T6!strokes,!1T2!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T140!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!little!motion! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!151T160!(16th)! ! linear!line!–!3!or!4/piece! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!101T120!(16th)! ! 3T6!strokes,!1T2!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!141T160!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!little!motion! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!161T170!(16th)! ! linear!line,!1!or!2/piece! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!121T140!(16th)! ! 3T6!strokes,!1T2!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!161T180!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!little!motion! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!171T180!(16th)! ! linear!line,!1!or!2/piece! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(9(_____!141T160!(16th)! ! 3T6!strokes,!1T2!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!181T200!(16th)! ! 2!strokes,!little!motion! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!181T190!(16th)! ! linear!line,!1!or!2/piece! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(10(_____!161T180!(16th)! ! 3T6!strokes,!1T2!manual!changes/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!191T200!(16th)! ! linear!line,!1!or!2/piece! ! ! ! ms.!#__________! !

12 Ibid.

! 36

Single(Alternating(Strokes:(Stroke(Tempo/Intervals/Wrist(Turns13(Level(1(None!!Level(2(_____!3rdT6th! ! 90T120!(8th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(3(_____!3rdT6th! ! 90T120! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 121T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 90T120!(8th)! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!3rdT6th! ! 90T120! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 121T160! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 90T120!(8th)! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 121T160! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 90T120!(8th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!3rdT6th! ! 121T160! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 161T180! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 121T160! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 161T180! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 90T120! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8+!RH! ! 90T120!(8th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!3rdT6th! ! 161T180! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 181T200! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 101T120!(16th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 161T180! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 181T200! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 90T120! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 90T120!(8th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 121T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!3rdT6th! ! 181T200! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 101T120!(16th)! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 181T200! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 101T120!(16th)! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 121T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!3rdT6th! ! 101T120!(16th)! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 101T120!(16th)! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(9(_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 181T200! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 101T120!(16th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 101T120!(16th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(10(_____!7thT8th! ! 181T200! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 101T120!(16th)! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 101T120!(16th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________! !

13 Ibid.

! 37

Double(Lateral(Strokes:(Stroke(Tempo/Intervals/Wrist(Turns14(Levels(1U2(None!!Level(3(_____!3rdT6th! ! 96T120!(16th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!3rdT6th! ! 96T120! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 96T120! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!3rdT6th! ! 96T120! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 121T140! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 121T140! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 96T120! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 96T120! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!3rdT6th! ! 121T140! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 141T160! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 96T120! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 141T160! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 96T120! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 96T120! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!3rdT6th! ! 141T160! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 161T180! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 121T140! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 161T180! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 96T120! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!3rdT6th! ! 161T180! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 181T200! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 201T220! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 141T160! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 181T200! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 121T140! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(9(_____!3rdT6th! ! 181T200! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! ! 221T240! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 161T180! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 201T220! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 141T160! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(10(_____!3rdT6th! ! 240+! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 181T200! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd/unison! 221+! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 161T180! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! ! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ! ms.!#__________! !

14 Ibid.

! 38

Triple(Strokes:(Stroke(Tempo/Intervals/Wrist(Turns15(Levels(1U3(None!!Level(4(_____!3rdT6th! 96T120!(16th)! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!3rdT6th! 96T120! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 96T120! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!3rdT6th! 96T120! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 121T140! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 96T120! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 121T140! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 96T120! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 96T120! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!3rdT6th! 121T140! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 141T160! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 121T140! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 141T160! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 96T120! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 96T120! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!3rdT6th! 141T160! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 161T180! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 141T160! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 161T180! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 96T120! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 121T140! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 121T140! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!!Level(9(_____!3rdT6th! 161T180! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 181T200! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 201T220! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 161T180! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 181T200! ! between!manuals! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 121T140! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 141T160! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 141T160! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!RH! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!!Level(10(_____!3rdT6th! 181T200! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3rdT6th! 221+! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!2nd! ! 181T200! ! same!manual! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 141T160! ! 3T4!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 161T180! ! 1T2!wrist!turns/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!7thT8th! 181T200! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________!_____!8th+!LH! 161T180! ! 0T3!wrist!turns/piece! ms.!#__________! !

15 Ibid.

! 39

Combination(Strokes:(Stroke(Tempo/Intervals16(

Levels(1U3(None!!Level(4(_____!2nd/6th;!96T120!linear!line!–!SI/DL/TS! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!3rdT5th!DV/SI;!141T160!(8th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral/NonTlateral,!SI/SA;!101T120!(8th)! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!2nd/6th;!121T140!linear!line!–!SI/DL/TS! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!3rdT5th!DV/SI;!161T180!(8th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!6thT8th!DV/SI;!101T120!(8th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral/NonTlateral,!SI/SA;!121T140!(8th)! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral!stokes,!4thT5th!SA/DL;!96T120!(16th)! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!2nd/6th;!141T160!linear!line!–!SI/DL/TS! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!3rdT5th!DV/SI;!181T200!(8th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!6thT8th!DV/SI;!121T140!(8th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral/NonTlateral,!SI/SA;!141T160!(8th)! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral/NonTlateral,!3rdT7th!SA/DV;!80T90!(16th)! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!2nd/6th;!161T180!linear!line!–!SI/DL/TS! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!3rdT5th!DV/SI;!101T120!(16th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!6thT8th!DV/SI;!141T160!(8th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral/NonTlateral,!SI/SA;!161T180!(8th)! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral/NonTlateral,!DV/DL;!96T120!(16th)! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!2nd/6th;!181T200!linear!line!–!SI/DL/TS! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!3rdT5th!DV/SI;!121T140!(16th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!NonTlateral!strokes,!6thT8th!DV/SI;!161T180!(8th)! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Lateral/NonTlateral,!SI/SA;!181T200!(8th)! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Levels(9U10(None! !

16 Ibid.

! 40

Independence17(Level(1(_____!Alternating!hands!/!nonTlateral!strokes! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Unison!nonTlateral!strokes!(non!parallel!motion)! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Overlapping!nonTlateral!strokes!(melody!dominated!homophony)! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(2(_____!Alternating!hands!/!nonTlateral!&!lateral!strokes! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Overlapping!nonTlateral!strokes!(other!than!Level!1)! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Alternating!hands!/!mirroring!nonTlateral!strokes! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(3(_____!Alternating!hands!/!lateral!strokes! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Unison!parallel!nonTlateral!strokes! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Unison!mirror!nonTlateral!strokes! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Alberti!bass,!same!notes! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!Overlapping/mirroring!lateral!strokes!–!SA! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Unison!mirror!lateral!strokes! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Overlapping!nonTlateral!/!lateral!strokes!–!SA!or!DL/SI! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2:3!polyrhythm! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Easy!handTcrossing! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!Unison!parallel!lateral!strokes! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Overlapping/parallel!lateral!strokes!–!SA! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Alberti!bass,!some!changing!notes! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!Overlapping!lateral!strokes!–!independent!rolls,!same!rolled!notes! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Overlapping!lateral!strokes!–!DL! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Overlapping!SI!roll!/!nonTlateral!strokes! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3:4!polyrhythm! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2:5!polyrhythm! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!Overlapping!lateral!strokes!–!TS! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!Difficult!handTcrossing! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!3:5!polyrhythm! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!Overlapping!SA!(Alberti!bass!–!same!notes)!/!SI!roll! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!4:5!polyrhythm! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(9(_____!Overlapping!SA!(Alberti!bass!–!changing!notes)!/!SI!roll! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(10(None! !

17 Ibid.

! 41

Rolls18(

Level(1(None!!Level(2(_____!2ndT6th!handTtoThand,!DV!120T140,!little!movement! ! ms.!#__________!_____!2Tmallet!roll! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(3(_____!7thT8th!handTtoThand,!DV!120T140! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!Mandolin! ! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!Double!lateral/ripple,!3rdT6th,!no!movement! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!DL/ripple,!3rdT6th,!more!movement! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!roll!–!RH!5thT8th,!no!movement! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!roll!–!LH!5thT8th,!no!movement!!Level(7(_____!DL/ripple,!7thT8th,!little!movement! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!roll!–!RH!3rdT4th,!some!movement! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!roll!–!LH!3rdT4th,!some!movement! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!–!RH!2nd!between!manuals/unison!! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!–!LH!2nd!between!manuals/unison!! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!DL/ripple!–!all!intervals,!more!movement! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!–!2nd!same!manual!–!RH! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!_____!SI!–!2nd!same!manual!–!LH! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(9(_____!Overlapping!SI!rolls! ! ! ! ! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(10(None! !

18 Ibid.

! 42

Dampening(

Level(1(None!!Level(2(_____!up!to!120!(8th!notes)! ! 1T3!dampens/phrase!! ms.!#__________!!Level(3(_____!up!to!120! ! ! 1T2!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T140!! ! ! 1T3!dampens/phrase!! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!up!to!120! ! ! 3T4!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T140!! ! ! 1T2!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!141T160!! ! ! 1T3!dampens/phrase!! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!121T140!! ! ! 3T4!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!141T160!! ! ! 1T2!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!161T180!! ! ! 1T3!dampens/phrase!! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!141T160!! ! ! 3T4!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!161T180!! ! ! 1T2!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!181T200!! ! ! 1T3!dampens/phrase!! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!161T180!! ! ! 3T4!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!181T200!! ! ! 1T2!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!181T200!! ! ! 3T4!dampens/bar! ! ms.!#__________!!Levels(9U10(None( !

! 43

Pedaling(

Level(1(_____!up!to!120!(quarter!notes)! 1T4!pedals/phrase! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(2(_____!up!to!120!! ! ! 2T4!pedals/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!121T140!!! ! ! 1T4!pedals/phrase! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(3(_____!121T140!! ! ! 2T4!pedals/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!141T160!! ! ! 1T4!pedals/phrase! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(4(_____!141T160!! ! ! 2T4!pedals/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!161T180!! ! ! 1T4!pedals/phrase! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(5(_____!161T180!! ! ! 2T4!pedals/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!181T200!! ! ! 1T4!pedals/phrase! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(6(_____!181T200!! ! ! 2T4!pedals/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!201T220!! ! ! 1T4!pedals/phrase! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(7(_____!201T220!! ! ! 2T4!pedals/bar! ! ms.!#__________!_____!221+! ! ! ! 1T4!pedals/phrase! ! ms.!#__________!!Level(8(_____!221+! ! ! ! 2T4!pedals/bar! ! ms.!#__________!!Levels(9U10(None( !

! 44

CHAPTER 4:

ANNOTATIONS FOR LEVEL 1 LITERATURE

The first level introduces the double vertical stroke and the single independent

stroke at tempos up to quarter-note = 120 beats per minute (BPM). The double verticals

only occur within an interval range of seconds to sixths, and there are very few wrist

turns required throughout the piece. The single independent strokes are played as

consecutive eighth-notes played in one hand with 0–1 manual changes per measure.

Independence techniques found in Level 1 are very basic skills with only non-lateral

strokes. These include alternating hands, unison stokes without motion, and overlapping

strokes that contain melodic homophony between the hands. Unique to the vibraphone,

pedaling is an additional technique found in the first level; only 1–4 pedals per phrase up

to 120 BPM occur in this introductory stage. Due to the advancements in the field of

four-mallet keyboard percussion, it would be reasonable to begin these techniques and

concepts with a strong middle school student or an early high school student.

“X for Abby” (from Canções Infantis Book 2), Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

From the second collection of Children’s Songs, Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s

“X for Abby” (C. Alan Publications, 2010) is the easiest of his twenty-two character

pieces found in this series of two books. Because there are eleven pieces in each

collection, the grade levels found from other databases does not accurately reflect the

difficulties for each individual work. The publisher lists the book as medium difficult,

! 45

and the Steve Weiss Music online catalog also describes it as medium difficult. The

Percussive Arts Society (PAS) review lists the collection as intermediate, which lands at

III–IV on their grading scale with VI+ being the most difficult. Each of these sources

rank Souza’s Children’s Songs, Book 2 in the mid-level categories of their respective

grading scales. Another piece from this same collection, titled “II for Johnny,” is

discussed in the Level 5 annotations.

Many of the tempo markings found in both Children’s Songs collections use

descriptive terms without any numerical indications. For “X for Abby,” words such as

“grazioso,” “affrettando,” “lento,” and “calmando” are used instead of metronomic

markings, which create possible discrepancies when determining its slow stroke speed.

Fortunately the rhythms in this solo consist of only whole notes, quarter notes without

stems, and smaller-size noteheads without stems. There is no indication regarding these

different noteheads, but it is perceived that they represent pitches played substantially

quieter. The larger note value factor allowed for this piece to be analyzed, because the

speed of the stroke would not be a concern in the analysis document.

The two Level 1 stroke types (double verticals and single independents) are both

found in this piece, and neither one contains a stroke speed or interval greater than this

initial level. The double vertical strokes are found in intervals between thirds through

sixths in each hand. A simple Level 1 concept of independence occurs throughout the

work with unison non-lateral strokes at a slow tempo, as well as basic techniques of

pedaling found at 1–4 pedals per phrase. Each of these considerations can be seen in

Example 4.1. Although several dampening indications are found in “X for Abby,” they

are marked only when whole notes are played with the pedal depressed and a long phrase

! 46

marking above the melodic line. Because these dampens occur so slowly, this

consideration will not be listed at its normal placement of Level 2.

Musical Example 4.1: Line 5 of Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s “X for Abby” from Canções Infantis, Book 2

© 2010 C. Alan Publications, used with permission

Found in the first level of difficulty, this piece contains several primary reasons

for its placement that include techniques of double vertical strokes, single independent

strokes, independence, and pedaling. The basic dampening markings would make this

piece a fantastic example to be used in learning this important vibraphone technique.

Although each of the databases places Souza’s entire Children Songs, Book 2 in the

middle of their grading scales, this description shows that “X for Abby” would be an

appropriate first piece for a beginning vibraphone player. Because this research places

each individual work in its own level, “X for Abby” is much easier than many of the

other pieces found in the collection.

“Anna” (from Songs For Vibes), Ron Fink

Ron Fink’s “Anna” (Fink Publishing, 1981) comes from his collection of six solos

titled Songs For Vibes. The Steve Weiss Music catalog lists the works as 4+ out of 6, the

Percussion Music Online (PMO) database puts its level at 3 out of 5, and PAS describes

! 47

the collection as elementary-intermediate or II out of VI+ in their review. Although some

of the other pieces from Songs For Vibes are slightly more difficult than this particular

solo, most of these sources do not provide the most precise representations of these

works. The Percussive Arts Society review contains the most accurate leveling for this

collection of vibraphone solos.

Containing only double vertical and single independent strokes, this solo requires

the performer to play rhythms no faster than eighth-notes at quarter-note = 69 BPM. The

double verticals are found with intervals between seconds through sixths with 0–3 wrist

turns per piece, and the single independents played with one hand require 0–1 manual

changes per measure; both of these considerations are found at Level 1 techniques with

eighth-note rhythms up to 120 BPM. The independence concepts are also Level 1

considerations with slow unison non-lateral strokes and overlapping non-lateral strokes

between the two systems. Written with a grand staff, the treble clef system contains the

primary melodic material with the bass clef system serving as its accompaniment. The

composer includes clear pedaling indications with 1–4 pedals per phrase, also placing this

technique at Level 1. All four of these considerations can be seen in Example 4.2. There

are two dampening markings found throughout the work, but the tempo is too slow and

its occurrence is too minimal for this consideration to be placed at a Level 2.

! 48

Musical Example 4.2: Measures 15–18 of Ron Fink’s “Anna” from Songs For Vibes

© 1981 Fink Publishing, used with permission

As discussed in the previous Level 1 piece, “Anna” contains the same

considerations that place it within the first difficulty category. These beginning

vibraphone techniques include double vertical strokes, single independent strokes,

independence, and pedaling. While the other databases place the entire collection higher

in difficulty than described in this annotation, beginning vibraphonists will find it most

appropriate to start with “Anna” and then continue through the other five pieces in the set

once the Level 1 techniques are mastered.

Daybreak, Clifford K. Chapman

The majority of Clifford Chapman’s Daybreak (Music For Percussion, 1974)

requires only two mallets, but a brief section on the first page requires the performer to

use at least three mallets, with two mallets placed in the left hand. The basic skills of the

four-mallet technique are necessary to execute this solo properly. Although Daybreak is

an older standard piece from the Music For Percussion catalog, only one database

provides an assessment on its difficulty level; the Steve Weiss Music catalog lists this

! 49

piece as a 5 out of 6 on their grading scale. The following description will explain why

this solo requires only the most basic techniques of a four-mallet vibraphone player.

Similar to the other two Level 1 pieces, the four-mallet section of Daybreak

contains only double vertical and single independent strokes. As seen in Example 4.3, the

right hand plays the single independent melodic material, while the left hand provides the

accompaniment with quarter-note double verticals found at intervals of thirds through

sixths. This section is marked as “moderato,” so the standard range of this tempo

description is between 108–119 BPM; the stroke speed of both stroke type considerations

are found at Level 1. The only concept of independence is found between the two hands

with simple overlapping non-lateral strokes, also shown in Example 4.3. While other

sections of Daybreak contain two-mallet roll techniques and simple pedaling indications,

the four-mallet section of the solo does not require these particular considerations.

Musical Example 4.3: Measures 24–27 from Clifford K. Chapman’s Daybreak

© 1974 Music For Percussion

© 2001, 2013 Transferred to Colla Voce Music, used with permission

Because this research only focuses on four-mallet vibraphone literature, it is not

pertinent to analyze the remaining two-mallet sections of the work. Some of those

portions might require a more advanced keyboard player, but the sections with four-

mallet techniques only need the entry-level facility of double vertical strokes, single

independent strokes, and basic independence. If a student shows proficiency with two-

! 50

mallet techniques, then Daybreak would be an excellent work that also incorporates the

beginning four-mallet skills.

Level 1 Literature

1. Daybreak, Clifford K. Chapman

2. Anna, Ron Fink

3. X for Abby, Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

! 51

CHAPTER 5:


In the second level, several new techniques are introduced to the elementary four-

mallet keyboard player. The single alternating strokes occur for the first time as eighth-

notes between the tempos of quarter-note = 90–120 BPM, within an interval range of

thirds to sixths, and approximately 0–3 wrist turns per piece. Similar strokes that occur

slower than 90 BPM are still considered single independent strokes, although they may

appear initially as single alternating strokes. Rolls are also introduced that this level; the

standard two-mallet roll and the hand-to-hand double vertical roll within an interval range

of seconds to sixths are the first types of rolls to learn. Also unique to the vibraphone,

dampening is another technique found in the second level. Only 1–3 dampens per phrase

up to 120 BPM occur at this stage.

Regarding the previous techniques introduced in Level 1, double verticals are

played as eighth-notes with 1–2 wrist turns per bar at the same tempo, intervals of

sevenths and eighths, or faster tempos between 121–140 BPM for the smaller intervals.

Single independent strokes occur at eighth-notes up to 120 BPM with 2–4 manual

changes per bar. They are also played as eighth-notes at a faster tempo between 121–150

BPM with eighth-notes at 0–1 manual changes per bar or as sixteenth-notes with two

mallets playing linear lines. For independence techniques, alternating hands between non-

lateral and lateral strokes are introduced. In addition, overlapping non-lateral strokes with

more difficulty are found, as well as alternated mirroring non-lateral strokes. Finally, this

! 52

second level includes pedaling up to 120 BPM with 2–4 pedals per bar, and the technique

also continues to increase in tempo between 121–140 BPM with 1–4 pedals per phrase.

In The Stillness Of Twilight, David Steinquest

Found on three of the five prescribed state music lists discussed above, David

Steinquest’s In The Stillness Of Twilight (Row-Loff Productions, 2000) has become a

very popular piece among high school percussionists. There are only two sources that

provide a grade level for this particular work. Listed on the cover of the music as a

medium-advanced solo, the publisher defines this level of difficulty as a Grade V, with

the highest level listed as Grade VI in their catalog. The Steve Weiss Music online

catalog also describes the piece as medium-advanced, but it is unclear if they retrieved

that information directly from the publisher. Both of these sources agree on the level of

difficulty, but the following discussion will describe the techniques required of only an

elementary vibraphone player that are necessary to execute this piece successfully.

The tempo is marked at quarter-note = 80 BPM, and it remains at this speed

throughout the piece with eighth-notes being the smallest note value. With clear sticking

options and many labeled suggestions, the composer has already initiated much

interpretation for the performer. At the given tempo, there are only two stroke types that

occur throughout the piece: double vertical strokes and single independent strokes. At

first glance, many of the eighth-note patterns appear as possible single alternating

strokes; these particular strokes remain as single independents due to the slower tempo.

The double verticals are found in intervals of seconds, fifths, and sevenths. Because the

largest interval is a seventh, this technique is placed at a Level 2 as seen in Example 5.1.

! 53

The single independent strokes remain at a Level 1, because there are approximately 0–1

manual changes per bar.

Musical Example 5.1: Measures 51 & 52 from David Steinquest’s In The Stillness Of Twilight

© 2000 Row-Loff Productions, used with permission

For the elements of independence, In The Stillness Of Twilight contains only two

elementary Level 1 skills as seen in Example 5.1. The piece contains overlapping non-

lateral strokes where the upper voice is accompanied by an arpeggiated eighth-note

harmonic coloring found between both hands. Another common form of basic

independence is found when non-lateral strokes are alternating hands; the passage above

shows this alternating motion where mallets 1 and 2 are specified in the left hand and

mallets 3 and 4 are specified in the right hand for this score. There are no indications of

pedaling, but Steinquest’s phrase markings help the performer determine appropriate

moments to pedal. The occasional dampening indications occur approximately 1–3 times

per phrase; Example 5.2 shows the request with an “x” for the previous eighth-note to be

dampened as the next note is struck.

! 54

Musical Example 5.2: Measures 59 & 60 from David Steinquest’s In The Stillness Of Twilight

© 2000 Row-Loff Productions, used with permission

The primary reasons for placing In The Stillness Of Twilight at a Level 2 are

found in the double vertical strokes with intervals of a seventh, as well as the dampening

considerations that place this technique at its entry level in the analysis document. The

assessment on this piece’s level of difficulty is much different from the sources listed

above, but a piece with such simple rhythms, few required techniques, and basic

independence at quarter-note = 80 BPM should be listed as an elementary piece.

Beginning vibraphonists can use this piece to develop skills in expanding their intervals

and learning new techniques in dampening.

“Prelude” (from Prelude and Blues), Ney Rosauro

Ney Rosauro’s “Prelude” (Pró Percussão Brasil, 1994) for vibraphone is the first

half of Prelude and Blues, a two-section work that is often performed as two independent

solos. This solo has been included on the contest list for several years at the Italy

Percussion Competition, as well as the International Percussion Festival Vibraphone

Competition in Poland. Because the piece is commonly graded as one entire work, its

level of difficulty has contradicting information from many sources. The publisher lists

! 55

the work as intermediate, which appears to be in the middle of their grading scale of

“beginning,” “intermediate,” and “advanced.” The Steve Weiss Music catalog gives a

grade of 4+ out of 6 in their printed catalog, but nothing is listed on their current website.

PAS reviews the piece as advanced, or V–VI, placing this work on the higher end of their

difficulty rating scale. All three of these sources do not use a systematic or standardized

approach to grading their literature. This provides evidence that some of these graded

databases are misleading for this particular solo. The second section of Prelude and Blues

is substantially more difficult that than first, skewing the difficulty level of the easier

“Prelude” movement.

In many of Rosauro’s works, the Brazilian composer does not include an exact

tempo marking or numerical range. Instead, he uses descriptive terms in this piece such

as “molto lento e rubato,” “poco mosso,” and “poco ritmado.” Because tempo markings

are so important with the analysis document when studying stroke speeds, the definitive

recording of Rosauro performing his own work was consulted to determine the

approximate tempo range. There are sections that are found at quarter-note = 60–70 BPM

and quarter-note = 80–90 BPM.

Throughout this relatively short solo, there are only two stroke types employed:

double verticals and single independents. The tempo is too slow for any of the strokes to

be considered single alternating. Single independent strokes are the most common in

“Prelude;” the piece is composed with mostly eighth-note rhythms and a few quarter-note

triplet lines that never exceed 80–90 BPM. According to the analysis document, the

single independent strokes are found at a Level 1. Double vertical strokes are seen in the

first measure of the work with the outside mallet in the right hand playing with the rattan

! 56

shaft of the mallet. The intervals of these right-handed double vertical strokes are set at

octaves, immediately placing this stroke type at a Level 2. Because the tempo never

increases beyond 80–90 BPM, the level of this stroke type remains at Level 2. An excerpt

of these octave double vertical strokes is seen in Example 5.3 at measures one and three.

Musical Example 5.3: Measures 1–4 from Ney Rosauro’s Prelude and Blues, I. Prelude

© 1994 Pró Percussão Brasil, used with permission

Regarding independence in Rosauro’s “Prelude,” there are some very basic skills

that are found throughout the composition. There are moments when both hands alternate

with non-lateral strokes, consisting primarily of single independent strokes. There are

also occasions with overlapping non-lateral strokes with double vertical and single

independents strokes; Example 5.3 shows this independence of overlapping strokes on

the downbeat of measure two with the right hand playing an octave double vertical stroke

and the left hand starting a single independent eighth-note line. The right hand typically

provides the melody that dominates the harmonic support from both hands during these

passages. Both of these considerations of independence are found within Level 1. One

additional form of independence is seen in 2:3 polyrhythms. Because the tempo and

rhythm is substantially too slow for this rubric, the higher level will not be applied.

Dampening indications are notated approximately 1–3 dampens per phrase, and pedaling

indications are notated approximately 2–4 pedals per bar. The quantities and tempos for

! 57

both of these considerations are found at Level 2. The other primary reason for placing

Ney Rosauro’s “Prelude” at Level 2 is due to the octave double vertical strokes found

within the piece. This analysis provides a much more accurate assessment of the

“Prelude” movement alone, especially when comparing it to the databases that graded the

entire piece as one complete work.

“Hickory Trail” (from Solo Vibraphone Collection), Marlène and Jerry Tachoir

“Hickory Trail” (Riohcat Music, 1992) comes from Marlène and Jerry Tachoir’s

Solo Vibraphone Collection of six unaccompanied four-mallet solos. Each of the solos

from this collection is found in a different grade level from Level 2 through Level 7;

“Hickory Trail” is found to be the easiest in the collection within this research. The

publisher describes the works as intermediate-advanced, and the Steve Weiss Music

printed catalog lists it as 4 out of 6. These mid-level categories from the above sources

are representative of many of the other piece found in the collection, but the following

description will address the easier techniques required to execute the less difficult

“Hickory Trail.”

With the tempo marked at quarter-note = 96 BPM for the entire piece, this piece

employs only three strokes types, and the composer encourages the player to use their

own musical direction in determining appropriate dampening and pedaling. While the

double verticals are found at the most basic category of Level 1, single independent and

single alternating strokes contain parameters in the second level of difficulty. Example

5.4 illustrates the single independent eighth-note strokes that are played an octave apart in

unison. Because this section of the music is composed in F-minor, the four flats require

! 58

manual changes for these excerpts. This consideration is found in the Level 2 category of

the analysis document, labeled as one handed single independents with 2–4 manual

changes per bar.

Musical Example 5.4: Measures 44 & 45 of Marlène and Jerry Tachoir’s “Hickory Trail” from Solo Vibraphone Collection

© 1992 Riohcat Music, used with permission

“Hickory Trail” is one of the first solos to introduce the single alternating stroke.

At the given tempo of 96 BPM, the eighth-note patterns with large leaps provide a clear

indication that the player must employ basic single alternating strokes with the following

sticking permutation: 4-3-2-1-2-3-4, as suggested by the composer. This consideration is

found in the first entry on the analysis document for the single alternating technique with

intervals between thirds through sixths and 0–3 wrist turns per piece. However, the

largest interval of single alternating strokes in this piece is a fifth. The occurrence of this

stroke can be seen in Example 5.5, and this permutation with single alternating strokes

continues to be executed several more times throughout the work.

! 59

Musical Example 5.5: Measures 21 & 22 of Marlène and Jerry Tachoir’s “Hickory Trail” from Solo Vibraphone Collection

© 1992 Riohcat Music, used with permission

Containing all three forms of independence from Level 1 with alternating hands,

unison non-lateral strokes, and overlapping non-lateral strokes, an additional concept of

independence is introduced at a Level 2 consideration. With the introduction of single

alternating lateral strokes, independence with alternating non-lateral and lateral strokes

between the hands is found in “Hickory Trail.” The preface describes the importance of

clarity, accuracy, and continuous flow throughout the solo, and much emphasis must be

placed on the three Level 2 considerations: single independent strokes, single alternating

strokes, and independence. As discussed in previous annotations, the difficulty levels of

pieces found in collections will vary from each other, and databases will not typically

consider each individual solo. While “Hickory Trail” contains considerations at Level 2,

the other five solos in this set are found in every consecutive category up to Level 7.

Tachoir’s Solo Vibraphone Collection would be an ideal book for a student to learn the

techniques of a beginning vibraphonist through the intermediate stages.

Level 2 Literature

1. Closer – Victor Feldman

2. Trevor’s Waltz – Victor Feldman

! 60

3. Lori – Ron Fink

4. Ruth Ann – Ron Fink

5. Trilogy, A Fragment – Tim Huesgen

6. Crystal Light – Steve Kastuck

7. Suite, II. – Michael Lang

8. Suite, IV. – Michael Lang

9. Ur – Arthur Lipner

10. Imageries, 2. The Sunnier Side Of Doubt – Jon Metzger

11. Three Sonorous Pictures, Ernst Elegy – Luigi Morleo

12. My Dear Friend – Ney Rosauro

13. Prelude and Blues, I. Prelude – Ney Rosauro

14. I for Ben – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

15. III for Adella – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

16. V for Gabriel – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

17. VIII for Pedro – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

18. In The Stillness Of Twilight – David Steinquest

19. Six Poems, 5. inaudible as dreams – Robert Stright

20. Hickory Trail – Marlène and Jerry Tachoir

21. Erinnerungen/Memories – Nebojša Jovan Živković

! 61

CHAPTER 6:


The double lateral stroke is the most important addition to the Level 3 techniques.

These strokes are introduced as sixteenth-notes found between the tempos of quarter-note

= 96–120 BPM, within an interval range of thirds to sixths, and approximately 0–3 wrist

turns per piece. Similar strokes that occur at a slower tempo are considered to have the

single alternating stroke motion, as opposed to the double lateral stroke. If the tempos and

note values found on the analysis document overlap between the two strokes types, the

most appropriate motion that fits the written music determines the classification of this

particular stroke.

Double vertical strokes and single independent stokes continue to increase in

speed, and the wrist turns or manual changes become greater within each tempo range.

The eighth-note single alternating stroke also adds 1–2 wrist turns at the original tempo,

faster tempos between 121–160 BPM, or the interval of a second between manuals at 90–

120 BPM. Regarding independence, non-lateral strokes are played in unison with parallel

and mirroring motion; lateral strokes also occur with alternating hands. The concept of

Alberti bass figures with the same notes is introduced in Level 3. Rolls that are played

with hand-to-hand double vertical strokes can now be found with intervals of sevenths

and eighths. Pedaling continues to become more difficult with different quantities of

pedals per bar/phrase found within each increasing range of tempo. Finally within the

! 62

third level, dampening occurs with 1–2 dampens per bar up to 120 BPM or at a faster

tempo with 1–3 dampens per phrase between 121–140 BPM.

Suite For Solo Vibraphone, II., Alexander Lepak

Written by well-known percussionist and timpanist Alexander Lepak, Suite For

Solo Vibraphone (Windsor Music Publications, 1976) has become an important work due

to the composer’s stature as a performer and pedagogue in the field of percussion. The

publisher describes the work as difficult, the Steve Weiss Music lists the piece as 4–5,

and PAS reviewed the suite as advanced or V–VI. While each of these assessments is

placed on the higher end of these leveling systems, these grade levels are more

appropriate for the first and third movements of the suite. The second movement of Suite

For Solo Vibraphone does not contain the same technical challenges that the other two

movements possess.

All four standard stroke types are found in the second movement of Lepak’s

vibraphone suite. The double vertical, single independent, and single alternating strokes

contain considerations found in standard Level 2 techniques. As the most important

addition to Level 3, double laterals are seen for the first time in this piece. While each

sticking interpretation may differ, they are analyzed to occur during two measures of

thirty-second note runs that incorporate a mixture of alternated single independent and

single alternating strokes with double laterals as seen in Example 6.1. If double laterals

are not used during this excerpt, some of the stickings will become very awkward if

attempted with only single independent and single alternating strokes. Because the tempo

is marked at quarter-note = 58 BPM, these thirty-second notes must be converted into

! 63

sixteenth-notes by doubling the speed. In the analysis document, this consideration is

found as sixteenth-note double laterals at 116 BPM. The following describes an

interpretation where two consecutive double lateral strokes can occur: the left hand plays

the last thirty-second note of the fifth grouping of four notes (G-sharp) and the first note

in the sixth grouping (C-sharp), and the right hand plays the second and third thirty-

second notes in the sixth grouping of four notes (D-sharp and A-natural).

Musical Example 6.1: Measure 16 of Alexander Lepak’s Suite For Solo Vibraphone, II.

© 1976 Windsor Music Publications, used with permission

This movement contains some basic independence concepts such as alternating

non-lateral strokes and unison non-lateral strokes, but it introduces the skill of alternating

lateral strokes. The same thirty-second note excerpt from Example 6.1 contains moments

where single alternating strokes and double lateral strokes are found alternating between

the two hands. In the analysis document, this consideration is found at Level 3, adding to

the primary reasons for the work’s category of difficulty. The composer does not include

any dampening indications, but there are pedaling markings that are placed only at Level

2. While the first and third movements are both Level 6 pieces, this second movement

proves to be less difficult than the other two. Even though the other databases place this

entire suite in the intermediate to advanced levels in their grading systems, their

! 64

assessments are accurate towards the majority of the piece. As described in its Level 3

analysis, Suite For Solo Vibraphone, II. provides a slower, “lazy,” and less challenging

contrast to the outer movements.

“Finale In Five” (from All Alone By The Vibraphone), Victor Feldman

Jazz musician Victor Feldman wrote several vibraphone solos that were included

in various printed collections, including “Finale In Five” (Gwyn Publishing Company /

Good Vibes Music, 1971) from his All Alone By The Vibraphone book. The PMO

database gives the collection its highest level of 5, and the PAS review describes the book

as advanced or V–VI. Similar to other collections that contain multiple solos, all of the

aforementioned databases grade these works as a whole, rather than providing an

assessment on each individual solo. While the difficulty levels for each piece in All Alone

By The Vibraphone vary between Level 2 to Level 7, the following description will shed

light on an easier work from the collection.

Both non-lateral strokes types, double verticals and single independents, are found

with basic Level 2 considerations since the tempo range is given between quarter-note =

140–161 BPM. This piece is analyzed at the lowest tempo of 140 BPM. Of the other

possible stroke types, “Finale In Five” does not require any lateral strokes or specialized

strokes. However, a Level 3 independence consideration is found between the two hands

when playing unison non-lateral strokes in parallel motion. This Level 3 technique can be

seen in Example 6.2 where the groupings of four notes travel together in the same

direction.

! 65

Musical Example 6.2: Measures 23–25 of Victor Feldman’s “Finale In Five” from All Alone By The Vibraphone

© 1971 Good Vibes Music, used with permission

For the two considerations that are unique to the vibraphone, both dampening and

pedaling technique are found with Level 3 parameters. While the piece is analyzed at 140

BPM, dampening occurs 1–3 per phrase; pedaling is even more frequent with an average

of two pedals per bar. Both of these considerations can be seen in Example 6.3. In

addition to these technical concepts, it is also important to note the challenges presented

in the printed music. The composition contains many tied notes and sustained notes,

creating difficulty in determining the differences between tied notes and non-tied notes.

Musical Example 6.3: Measure 32 of Victor Feldman’s “Finale In Five” from All Alone By The Vibraphone

© 1971 Good Vibes Music, used with permission

! 66

While stroke speed, wrist turns, and manual changes are not a factor in the

outcome of this piece’s level of difficulty, techniques requiring independence,

dampening, and pedaling ultimately place “Finale In Five” at Level 3. The All Alone By

The Vibraphone collection is a great book that students can use from the beginning stages

to the advanced levels, as shown in this analysis and the assessments of other databases.

Several works from All Alone By The Vibraphone can also be found in Feldman’s other

collection of vibraphone solos titled Mallets In Wonderland.

“Lament” (from Recital For Vibraharp), Thomas L. Davis

The majority of Thomas Davis’ Recital For Vibraphone (C.L. Barnhouse Music

Publications, 1975) contains arrangements of Baroque, Romantic, and traditional music,

but the composer includes a few original pieces at the end of the book, including

“Lament.” The collection is listed as 4–5 out of 6 in the Steve Weiss Music catalog, and

the PMO database gives the entire book 4 out of 5 for its level of difficulty. While many

of the arrangements are quite difficult as listed by the above sources, the original

compositions by Davis do not require the same amount of technical skills found within

the analysis document. “Valse Trisque’” is another original work from this collection that

also fits within the same parameters of a Level 3 piece.

Because Davis indicates the tempo of this piece with the terms “Largo, Rubato,”

the numerical range most commonly listed for “largo” is approximately quarter-note =

40–59 BPM. “Lament” contains various note values throughout the piece, forcing stroke

speed to become a factor even at the slow tempo of 40 BPM. Both types of non-lateral

strokes are found throughout the work, but only double verticals require Level 3

! 67

techniques; single independents are only found at Level 2 with strokes up to 120 BPM

with 2–4 manual changes per bar. The double vertical strokes also occur only up to 120

BPM with intervals of thirds through fifths, but they require 3–4 wrist turns per bar as

seen in Example 6.4. This particular motion of the wrist is a very demanding technique at

this tempo, placing it at the highest category of Level 3 for this particular interval range

and speed.

Musical Example 6.4: Measures 7 & 8 of Thomas L. Davis’ “Lament” from Recital For Vibraharp

© 1975 C. L. Barnhouse Co., used with permission

Aside from simple dampening indications found at Level 2, the only other

consideration in “Lament” is found in parameters up to Level 3 for independence. It

contains alternating and overlapping non-lateral strokes, but the most difficult form of

independence occurs with the unison non-lateral strokes moving in parallel motion. This

independence concept was also seen in a previous Level 3 annotation, and it is illustrated

in Example 6.5. Since this excerpt contains chords with three notes each, the performer

must play two notes with double verticals strokes in one hand and the third note with

single independent strokes in the other hand.

! 68

Musical Example 6.5: Measures 31 & 32 of Thomas L. Davis’ “Lament” from Recital For Vibraharp

© 1975 C. L. Barnhouse Co., used with permission

If “Lament” was composed at a faster tempo, there is no doubt that this piece

would contain a greater level of difficulty. Since Davis is not specific about the tempo

marking, the approximate tempo range for this analysis allows for considerations no

higher than Level 3. The quantity of wrist turns required in performing the double

vertical strokes and the non-lateral strokes performed in parallel motion place this work

within the techniques found in this level. As seen in many previous annotations, pieces

such as “Lament” that are found in collections of vibraphone solos do not always have

the most accurate assessments for each individual work as indicated in many of the

graded databases discussed above. Thomas Davis’ Recital For Vibraharp is a fantastic

book of vibraphone solos that will introduce students to many composers of the past with

arrangements from earlier periods, as well as more modern solos written specifically for

this collection.

! 69

Level 3 Literature

1. Lament – Thomas L. Davis

2. Valse Trisque’ – Thomas L. Davis

3. Danny Boy – Victor Feldman

4. Finale In Five – Victor Feldman

5. Manhattan – Victor Feldman

6. Max – Victor Feldman

7. Christina – Ron Fink

8. Jill Anne – Ron Fink

9. Linda Gail – Ron Fink

10. Bop On The Top – Murray Houllif

11. Suite For Solo Vibraphone, II. – Alexander Lepak

12. Back Porch Swing – Arthur Lipner

13. In The Stars – Arthur Lipner

14. A January Snowfall – Arthur Lipner

15. Marigolds – Arthur Lipner

16. Nocturne – Arthur Lipner

17. Etude In Bossa – Ney Rosauro

18. I for Willow – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

19. II for Skylar – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

20. IV for Pulico – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

21. Ask – Julie Spencer

22. Lost & Found – Marlène and Jerry Tachoir

! 70

CHAPTER 7:


The last two strokes types are introduced in Level 4: triple strokes and

combination strokes. Similar to double lateral strokes, the triple stroke also occurs as

sixteenth-notes between the tempos of quarter-note = 96–120 BPM, within the interval

range of thirds to sixths, and approximately 0–3 wrist turns per piece. The combination

strokes contain three different types of mixing various strokes consecutively in the same

hand. These strokes include combining non-lateral strokes together with double verticals

(intervals of thirds through sixths) and single independents between 141–160 BPM,

combining lateral and non-lateral strokes together with single independent and single

alternating strokes between 101–120 BPM, and playing sixteenth-note linear lines with a

combination of single independents, double laterals, or triple strokes between 96–120

BPM.

In order to keep each of these descriptions about each level from sounding

redundant throughout the next several chapters, the remainder of the discussion on single

independent strokes, pedaling, and dampening will end here in Level 4. Each of these

techniques continues to increase in difficulty based on faster tempos and stroke speeds

found in the music. While the tempos continue to increase with the double vertical

strokes, the addition of intervals greater than an octave are found up to 120 BPM in the

right hand only. The single alternating stroke occurs with an interval of a second within

the same manual, as well as intervals of sevenths and eighths, where both considerations

! 71

are played as eighth-notes between 90–120 BPM. The sixteenth-note double lateral stroke

occurs with an interval of a second between manuals at 96–120 BPM, while the mid-

range intervals contain 1–2 wrist turns per bar at 96–120 BPM or increase to 121–140

BPM with 0–3 wrist turns per piece.

There are several new considerations for independence found in the fourth level.

For lateral strokes, this includes mirroring single alternating strokes that are overlapping,

as well as unison mirroring lateral strokes. Another common form of independence is the

overlapping lateral and non-lateral strokes containing single alternating or double lateral

strokes with single independent or double vertical strokes. In addition, 2:3 polyrhythms

and easy hand-crossing techniques occur for the first time in this level. Although

mandolin rolls are not commonly found in vibraphone literature, this special technique is

found in Level 4. In the current state of percussion education, many high school seniors

or incoming college freshmen students should be able to execute the techniques and

literature found at this level.

Mist, Murray Houllif

Murray Houllif has composed pieces for all mediums of percussion, and Mist

(Kendor Music, 1982) is one of his many vibraphone solos that can be found on

prescribed state music lists. The publisher lists the work as 4½ out of 6, and the printed

Steve Weiss Music catalog also lists the solo as 4+ out of 6. The PAS review describes

the work as intermediate, or III-IV, which places the piece in the middle of their rating

scale. Each of these sources’ assessment of level of difficulty is similar to each other,

adding to the validity of the analysis in this research.

! 72

Mist requires the use of four different strokes types: double vertical, single

independent, single alternating, and one combination stroke. With the tempo marked at

quarter-note = 144+ BPM, the levels for many of these stroke types will immediately

rise. The highest level is found in the double vertical strokes when two consecutive

eighth-notes are played with the same hand in octaves; this is found as a Level 4

consideration on the analysis document and seen in Example 7.1. The single independent

strokes contain eighth-notes that occasionally require 2–4 manual changes per bar at 144

BPM, and the single alternating strokes also contain eighth-note rhythms with intervals

between thirds and sixths with 0–3 wrist turns per piece. Both of these considerations fall

within the Level 3 category.

Musical Example 7.1: Measure 20 from Murray Houllif’s Mist

© 1982 Kendor Music, used with permission

The combination stroke occurs with a double vertical stroke and a single

independent stroke between measures twenty-three and twenty-five. The combination

stroke at measure twenty-three can have two different interpretations as seen in Example

7.2. I chose to have the right hand play the double vertical eighth-note on beat one, as

well as the eighth-note single independent that follows it, placing this combination stroke

at a Level 4. Some players might play the low F-sharp eighth-note and the following

! 73

eighth-note with the left hand, but this would create a single alternating stroke with an

interval of a seventh found within the Level 5 category. The combination stroke

interpretation is the easier option in the analysis document. Another clear combination

stroke occurs between measures twenty-four and twenty-five, also seen in Example 7.2.

A three-note grouping of single independent eighth-notes descend into a double vertical

stroke with an interval of a fourth. Both of these combination strokes are placed in the

Level 4 category under eighth-note non-lateral strokes with double verticals containing

intervals of thirds through fifths and single independents between quarter-note = 141–160

BPM.

Musical Example 7.2: Measures 23–25 from Hurray Houllif’s Mist


Typical of a Level 4 piece, the independence found in Mist requires the standard

skills necessary of an intermediate player. With a mixture of non-lateral and lateral

strokes, the independence includes alternating the hands between both stroke types,

overlapping non-lateral strokes, and unison non-lateral strokes in parallel and mirroring

motion. The highest level of independence is the overlapping strokes of double

verticals/single independent strokes and single alternating strokes; a representation of this

Level 4 consideration can be seen above in Example 7.1. The primary reasons for placing

Mist in the Level 4 category is due to three technical considerations: octave double

! 74

vertical strokes, combination strokes, and independence. Although the Level 4 category is

in the lower half of this research’s ten-degree leveling scale, it is a close assessment to

the graded listings from the above sources, especially with the PAS review containing the

most similar level of difficulty.

“Mirror From Another” (from Mirror From Another), David Friedman

Vibraphonist David Friedman composed one of today’s most popular collections

of six solo pieces for vibraphone called Mirror From Another (Alfred Music, 1987); the

title piece will be discussed in this annotation. This set of six solos is found on the

majority of the prescribed state music lists and university handbooks. The Steve Weiss

Music catalog lists the book at 5+ out of 6, the PMO database grades it at 4 out of 5, and

the PAS review describes the collection as intermediate-advanced, or IV out of VI+. Each

of these assessments of the entire book is slightly above the middle levels or higher.

While most of the pieces in Music From Another definitely fit within these databases’

described grade levels, this particular solo is the easiest of the six works and contains

technical considerations of Level 4. The other works from this collection are found

between Level 5 through Level 8.

The tempo range of this work is marked at half-note = 60–63 BPM, placing the

conversion for the quarter-note tempo at 120–126 BPM. This piece will be analyzed at

120 BPM, the lowest tempo within the range. The non-lateral strokes are both found with

basic Level 1 considerations, dampening occurs at Level 3, and pedaling requires only

Level 2 skills. The single alternating strokes occur as eighth-notes at 120 BPM with

intervals of thirds through sevenths, so the large interval range places this technique at

! 75

Level 4. This consideration with a single alternating stroke played at an interval of a

seventh is illustrated on the fourth beat in the first measure of Example 7.3. Double

lateral strokes and triple strokes are not found throughout the solo.

Musical Example 7.3: Measures 32 & 33 of David Friedman’s “Mirror From Another” from Mirror From Another

MIRROR FROM ANOTHER

By DAVID FRIEDMAN © 1987 BELWIN-MILLS PUBLISHING CORP.

A Division of ALFRED MUSIC All Rights Reserved

The other considerations that place “Mirror From Another” in the Level 4

category are combination strokes and independence concepts. A combination stroke

containing a single independent stroke and a single alternating stroke is required with

eighth-notes at 120 BPM. This consideration can also be seen in the second measure of

Example 7.3; the left hand plays a single alternating strokes with mallets 4 and 3,

followed by another eighth-note single independent stroke with mallet 3. Beyond the

basic Level 1 independence skills, this solo also contains concepts found in Level 3 and

Level 4. Unison non-lateral strokes in mirroring motion are found in Level 3, and

overlapping non-lateral and lateral strokes with double vertical strokes and single

! 76

alternating strokes are placed at the work’s highest category of Level 4. This

independence consideration can be seen in both measures of Example 7.3.

With three different considerations found at the same level of difficulty, “Mirror

From Another” proves to be a strong example of a Level 4 piece. The single alternating

strokes, combination strokes, and independence issues found in this work are techniques

that are appropriate for an early intermediate vibraphone player. Based on this research, it

is suggested to start with this solo when studying each of the six pieces found in

Friedman’s popular collection. The five remaining pieces from this set gradually increase

in difficulty as listed in the database of graded vibraphone solos.

“Waltzer/Waltz” (from Funny Vibraphone Book I), Nebojša Jovan Živković

Serbian composer and percussionist Nebojša Jovan Živković has contributed

many works to the percussion repertoire. His Funny Mallets Series for marimba,

vibraphone, and xylophone have become very popular books used by beginning keyboard

percussion students; Funny Vibraphone Book I (Gretel Verlag Dinklage, 1994) contains a

collection of vibraphone solos requiring two-mallet and four-mallet techniques such as

“Waltzer/Waltz” with Level 4 techniques. The publisher lists the book as

easy/intermediate, and the Steve Weiss Music catalog gives it a range of 2–3 out of 6.

The PMO database grades it at 2 out of 5, and PAS describes the collection as

elementary, or I–II out of VI+. Each of these databases has similar grade levels for this

collection of solos, and Waltz is found in this range along with the other four four-mallet

solos in book.

! 77

The given tempo is marked at dotted half-note = 60 BPM, so it is necessary to

convert this tempo to quarter-notes by multiplying the number above by three. The

analysis will use quarter-note = 180 BPM in order to find the appropriate levels for each

consideration. Similar to other Level 4 pieces, the non-lateral strokes only require Level 1

techniques, but the single alternating strokes are placed at Level 4 with eighth-notes

performed at 180 BPM with intervals up to sixths. An example of this single alternating

stroke can be seen in the bottom staff of Example 7.4.

Musical Example 7.4: Measures 26 & 27 of Nebojša Jovan Živković’s “Waltzer/Waltz” from Funny Vibraphone Book I

© 1994 Gretel Verlag, used with permission

One of the most common concepts of independence at Level 4 is found with

overlapping non-lateral and lateral strokes. “Waltz” contains overlapping single

independent strokes on the top staff and single alternating strokes on the bottom staff,

also illustrated between both hands in Example 7.4. While the composer does not provide

any dampening indications, the pedaling markings are also placed at Level 4 with 1–4

pedals per phrase at 180 BPM. Živković’s Funny Vibraphone Book I is a fantastic

collection that contains pieces between Level 2 through Level 5. Three of these solos,

! 78

including “Waltz,” are placed at a difficulty of Level 4, and each of the pieces can be

used as pedagogical tools for students transitioning from the elementary to intermediate

skill sets.

Level 4 Literature

1. Puerto Vallarta – Thomas A. Brown

2. Catapult – Gary Burton

3. Backwoods Blues – Victor Feldman

4. Haunted Ballroom – Victor Feldman

5. Mirror From Another – David Friedman

6. Olana – Kyle Gann

7. Snowbird – Gary Gibson

8. Wallflower – Gary Gibson

9. Motion – Josh Gottry

10. Mist – Murray Houllif

11. Tranquility – Murray Houllif

12. Trilogy, With A Hazy Motion – Tim Huesgen

13. Fantasy On A Shona Theme – Glenn Kotche

14. A Beach Scene – Arthur Lipner

15. Foreign Intrigue – Arthur Lipner

16. Lullaby – Patrick Long

17. Imageries, 1. Minister Of Grace – Jon Metzger

18. VI for Henrique – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

! 79

19. VII for Brenda – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

20. Earth Poem – Marlène and Jerry Tachoir

21. Ballade – Nebojša Jovan Živković

22. Rock-Song – Nebojša Jovan Živković

23. Waltzer/Waltz – Nebojša Jovan Živković

! 80

CHAPTER 8:


While each stroke type has already been introduced prior to Level 5, new

technical concepts of independence and rolling continue to be found in the necessary

skills of an intermediate four-mallet keyboard player. For independence, unison lateral

strokes occur in parallel motion, single alternating strokes overlap in parallel motion, and

Alberti bass figures contain many changing notes. The double lateral roll, or ripple roll, is

introduced in this level with intervals between thirds and sixths that contain no

consecutive movement to other notes.

Regarding some of the previous stroke types, the single alternating stroke occurs

with an interval greater than an octave in the right hand, while the remaining intervals

continue to increase in tempo and/or number of wrist turns. The double lateral stroke has

a similar addition to this level; intervals of a seventh or greater occur as sixteenth-notes

between 96–120 BPM. Finally, the triple stroke occurs at an interval of a second between

manuals, and the combination strokes continue to increase in tempo and interval size.

“Waltz King” (from Music Of The Day), Bill Molenhof

Having composed many pieces for keyboard percussion, vibraphone artist Bill

Molenhof has written a highly acclaimed collection of six vibraphone solos called Music

Of The Day (Kendor Music, 1977). Found on four of the five prescribed state music lists

and all four of the university handbooks, this book contains one of Molenhof’s most

! 81

popular pieces titled “Waltz King.” The cover of the music describes the collection as

grade 5, provided by the publisher. The Steve Weiss Music catalog lists the book as 5

out of 6 and medium-advanced, and PAS reviewed the collection as advanced or V–VI

out of VI+. Each of these databases put Music Of The Day within the upper levels of their

grading scales. While several of the pieces in this collection contain techniques at Level 6

and Level 7, half of the solos, including “Waltz King,” fall in the intermediate category

of Level 5.

The tempo of this work is described with the phrases “Ballad style, Rubato” and

“with more motion.” Because there is not a numerical indication for tempo, Molenhof’s

definitive recording of “Waltz King” is used to determine approximate tempo ranges; an

audio CD of each of the solos from Music Of The Day is provided with the book. Based

on this recording, the piece is found at quarter-note = 120–130 BPM and 140–160 BPM.

Of the basic stroke types, many of those found in this piece land in varying levels. The

double vertical strokes are performed at Level 3, single alternating strokes are found at

Level 4, and the single independent strokes require skills at Level 5. Double lateral

strokes and triple strokes are not executed in the work. The single independent strokes are

placed at Level 5 where two sixteenth-note strokes are played consecutively in the same

hand with little motion at 120 BPM. Example 8.1 provides an illustration of this

consideration.

! 82

Example 8.1: Measure 26 of Bill Molenhof’s “Waltz King” from Music Of The Day


A lateral/non-lateral combination stroke is also found in “Waltz King.” With an

eighth-note single independent stroke and single alternating stroke played at 140 BPM,

this consideration is placed at the difficulty category of Level 5. The combination stroke

can be seen in Example 8.2. While there are only basic requirements for dampening and

pedaling, a few common independence concepts are observed in the work. With basic

Level 1 and Level 2 skills, there are also occasions with overlapping non-lateral and

lateral strokes placed at Level 4. The two primary reasons for placing “Waltz King” at a

difficulty of Level 5 is the consecutive sixteenth-note single independent strokes and the

combination stroke of single independent and single alternating strokes. The above

description should provide a clear suggestion that this work should be placed at a lower

level of difficulty than indicated from many of the other literature databases. Because of

the popularity and tunefulness of this piece, Bill Molenhof’s “Waltz King” has become a

standard vibraphone solo for undergraduate percussionists.

! 83

Musical Example 8.2: Measures 38–40 of Bill Molenhof’s “Waltz King” from Music Of The Day


“Two Bass Vibes” (from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes), Arthur Lipner

Jazz vibraphonist and composer Arthur Lipner has written numerous solos,

method books, and percussion ensemble works that are performed throughout the world.

Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes (Ludwig Masters Publications, 1990) is one of his

collections of solos that are geared toward the beginner and intermediate vibraphone

player. Of the twelve pieces found in this book, “Two Bass Vibes” is a Level 5 solo that

contains several techniques required of this grade level. The publisher gives the

collection a grade level of 3, and the Steve Weiss Music catalog also lists the book as 3

out of 6 in the printed version and medium/intermediate in the online catalog. Each of

these assessments is appropriate for the determined levels for the majority of the solos in

the collection, including “Two Bass Vibes.”

Because this piece is intended to be performed with a half-time feel, the composer

placed the tempo at half-note = 84–88 BPM, or converted to quarter-note = 168–176

BPM for this analysis. Only two stroke types are employed in this solo: single

! 84

independents and one occurrence of double verticals. The double vertical stroke contains

a hand-to-hand roll at intervals of a fifth, which only require Level 1 techniques for the

double vertical consideration and Level 2 techniques for the rolling concept. While the

single independent strokes are not the primary reasons for placing “Two Bass Vibes” at

Level 5, these strokes occur at Level 4 with one hand playing at 151–180 BPM with 0–1

manual changes per bar. The combination stroke of these two stroke types is one major

factor that determines its level of difficulty. Example 8.3 illustrates the Level 5

consideration where the consecutive eighth-note single independent and double vertical

strokes are performed in the bottom staff at quarter-note = 168–176 BPM.

Musical Example 8.3: Measure 46 of Arthur Lipner’s “Two Bass Vibes” from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes

© 1990 Ludwig Masters Publications, used with permission

There are no elements of independence found greater than Level 3, but Lipner

provides many specific indications for dampening and pedaling. At quarter-note = 168,

there are approximately 1–3 dampens per phrase and approximately 2–4 pedals per bar.

Both of these considerations are placed at Level 5 techniques due to the speed and detail

of these indications. Example 8.4 shows an instance with several required dampens in

one bar, and Example 8.5 illustrates multiple pedals in consecutive measures. Arthur

! 85

Lipner’s Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes has become a very popular and accessible book for

high school and undergraduate percussionists. Each of these solos found in this collection

contain different elements of technicality and difficulty, and “Two Bass Vibes” is one of

the works that fits within the middle range of the set.

Musical Example 8.4: Measure 4 of Arthur Lipner’s “Two Bass Vibes” from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes


Musical Example 8.5: Measures 21 & 22 of Arthur Lipner’s “Two Bass Vibes” from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes


! 86

“II for Johnny” (from Canções Infantis Book 2), Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

As discussed previously in the Level 1 annotations, Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s

Children’s Songs are collections of vibraphone solos found within a two-book series,

which includes “II for Johnny” (C. Alan Publications, 2010) in the second book. Because

there are eleven pieces in each collection, the grade levels found from other databases do

not always accurately reflect the difficulties for each individual work. Fortunately for this

particular solo, these databases provide an accurate assessment of its technical difficulty.

The publisher lists the book as medium difficult, and the Steve Weiss Music online

catalog also describes it as medium difficult. The PAS review lists the collection as

intermediate, which lands at III–IV on their grading scale with VI+ being the most

difficult. Each of these sources rank Souza’s Children’s Songs, Book 2 in the mid-level

categories of their grading scales.

Performed at quarter-note = 136 BPM, this piece contains all of the different

types of strokes except for single alternating strokes. The highest category of difficulty

for these strokes is found at Level 5 with double lateral, triple, and combination strokes.

The double vertical and single independent strokes are placed at Level 2. Throughout the

piece, double lateral strokes are played with intervals of thirds through sixths at 136 BPM

with 1–2 wrist turns per bar. Example 8.6 contains the first two measures of the piece

where double laterals are executed for the F-naturals and C-naturals in the first measure

and the A-flats and D-flats in the second measure. Similar to double laterals, the triple

strokes are also played at the same intervals and speed, but they only require 0–3 wrist

turns during the entire piece. An illustration of this triple stroke interpretation can be seen

! 87

in Example 8.7 where the right hand uses the third mallet for the E-flats and the fourth

mallet for the upper A-flat.

Musical Example 8.6: Measures 1 & 2 of Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s “II for Johnny” from Canções Infantis, Book 2


Musical Example 8.7: Measure 6 of Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza’s “II for Johnny” from Canções Infantis, Book 2


A new consideration is introduced where a combination stroke consists of single

independent strokes performed consecutively with double laterals or triple strokes to

create a linear line. Also indicated as a Level 5 consideration, this type of linear passage

is listed on the analysis document at 121–140 BPM, and they are found throughout the

entire work at 136 BPM. While forms of independence and pedaling are prevalent in this

work, the greatest level of difficulty is found at Level 4. Some of these independence

concepts include overlapping non-lateral and lateral strokes, as well as easy hand-

crossing passages that are not precisely indicated in the score. Souza’s sets of Children’s

! 88

Songs have become a welcome addition to the vibraphone repertoire with short and

musical solos that are appropriate for all levels of vibraphone playing. “II for Johnny” is a

prime example of one of Souza’s many intermediate works from his two collections.

Level 5 Literature

1. Reminiscence, II. Tonal Succession – Thomas Briggs

2. Reminiscence, V. Light and Airy – Thomas Briggs

3. Essence – Thomas A. Brown

4. Felicidade – Victor Feldman

5. Looking Back – David Friedman

6. Caribe Vibe – Arthur Lipner

7. Crystal Mallet – Arthur Lipner

8. Heartsong – Arthur Lipner

9. Nightcrawler – Arthur Lipner

10. Tranquille – Arthur Lipner

11. Two Bass Vibes – Arthur Lipner

12. Call Back To Me – Jon Metzger

13. Mayflower – Bill Molenhof

14. Precision – Bill Molenhof

15. Waltz King – Bill Molenhof

16. Children Song – Ney Rosauro

17. First Steps – Ney Rosauro

18. II for Johnny – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

! 89

19. VI for Adelaide – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

20. X for Zachary – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

21. Six Poems, 1. brought forth in purple – Robert Stright

22. Glass House – Marlène and Jerry Tachoir

23. Internal Evidence, III. Justice – Martin P. Weir

24. Heinz On Hawaii – Nebojša Jovan Živković

! 90

CHAPTER 9:


The most important addition to Level 6 is the one-handed single independent roll

technique. This occurs in either hand with intervals between fifths through octaves that

contain no movement to other consecutive notes while rolling. Independence is also

found with this technique while playing the roll overlapped with non-lateral or lateral

strokes. In addition, independence concepts of overlapping double lateral strokes and

polyrhythms defined as 3:4 and 2:5 are added to this level. Level 6 is also the first level

to incorporate any form of extended techniques found on the vibraphone. It requires a

mature musician to execute convincingly many of the extended technique demands on a

vibraphone.

Because the physical bars on professional level mallet keyboard instruments get

increasingly wider in size on the lower end, the double vertical, single alternating, and

double lateral strokes with an interval greater than an octave in the left hand are added to

the Level 6 category. The discussion regarding these three stroke types will now come to

an end as the level of difficulty for each consideration increases based on higher stroke

speeds and more wrist turns. In addition, the techniques found in triple strokes and

combination strokes also continue to become more difficult based on their interval size,

stroke speed, and wrist turns.

! 91

“abstruser musings” (from Six Poems), Robert Stright

Robert Stright’s Six Poems (Ludwig Music, 1991) was the First Place winner of

the 1990 Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest for Unaccompanied Vibraphone

Solo. “abstruser musings” is the third movement of this six-movement work, and it is one

of the first works, or movements, in this research to include extended techniques for the

vibraphone. The publisher does not provide a grade level for the piece, but three other

sources have contributed their assessment on its difficulty. Steve Weiss Music describes

the piece as advanced in their online catalog and lists it as 5 out of 6 in their printed

catalog. PMO gives it a grade 4, and the PAS review describes it as difficult, or VI+.

Each of these sources placed this work at the highest or second to highest level in their

grading system. Because this piece contains six movements, the difficulty levels for each

movement will vary from each other. The following description will explain why the

third movement of Six Poems fits into the Level 6 category within this analysis system.

The composer does not provide an exact tempo marking for this movement; it

states “Slowly, Mysteriously (rhythms are approximate)” at the beginning of the music.

Normally a piece without a precise tempo or definitive recording could not be studied

properly with the analysis document, but the slow tempo indication and simple rhythms

allow this piece to be analyzed without stroke speed being an issue. “abstruser musings”

contains only two stroke types: double verticals and single independents. Both of these

strokes are found with Level 1 considerations because neither type requires eighth-note

strokes beyond 120 BPM or contains enough wrist turns and manual changes to

constitute any factors at a Level 2 category.

! 92

As stated in the chapter’s introduction, one-handed single independent rolls are

the most important addition to techniques found in Level 6. This particular type of roll

begins in the third line of this movement, and it continues until the end with an interval of

a seventh in the right hand. Because independent rolls are easier to execute with larger

intervals, this consideration falls into the Level 6 category at its entry stage in the analysis

document. An independence issue is also found at this same level; throughout the

duration of the single independent roll, overlapping non-lateral strokes occur in the left

hand with double vertical strokes and single independent strokes as seen in Example 9.1.

Musical Example 9.1: Line 3 from Robert Stright’s Six Poems, 3. abstruser musings

© 1991 Ludwig Music, used with permission

Extended techniques can include endless possibilities for percussion instruments.

In this particular movement, Stright asks the performer to “shuffle pennies in L.H.” at the

beginning, while soft single independent strokes create a thematic melody in the right

hand. In the second line, he has the performer “drop penny on node simultaneous with

stroke,” creating a metallic attack when the implements strike and a buzzing sound as the

penny vibrates on the aluminum bar of the instrument. An illustration of this technique is

seen in Example 9.2. There are also moments when only the penny is dropped without a

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mallet stroke, and there are many instances when the mallet strikes the bars that contain

pennies in order to create another buzzing noise. Vertical wavy lines that follow each

note indicate the pitches with buzzing sounds. Lastly, the composer asks the performer to

“slide pennies off ends of bars” to create a faint pitch from the bar and an audible sound

of the pennies hitting the floor or carpet. Noteheads replaced with an “x” indicate which

pitches require this action.

Musical Example 9.2: Line 2 from Robert Stright’s Six Poems, 3. abstruser musings

© 1991 Ludwig Music, used with permission

It takes a mature musician to execute extended techniques such as these found in

the third movement of Six Poems. “abstruser musings” is a perfect example of a Level 6

piece, because of the single independent rolling techniques, the overlapping

independence found in relation with the roll, and the extended techniques using pennies

to create new timbres. Other movements from this work are found in levels both below

and above this movement, but this analysis of “abstruser musings” provides an accurate

description of its individual difficulty level.

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Absolute Journey Music, Robert Bridge

Requiring many extended and non-traditional techniques, Robert Bridge’s

Absolute Journey Music (Kendor Music, 2006) contains multiple Level 6 considerations

found in the analysis document. The publisher and the Steve Weiss Music catalog list the

piece as 6 out of 6, and the PAS review describes the solo as advanced or V–VI out of

VI+. However, the PMO database grades the work as 3 out of 5, making their assessment

the closest to the results found using this research’s grading system. The following

discussion will provide evidence for the slightly lower level of difficulty for this piece

when compared to the grading of the first three aforementioned sources.

Throughout the work, there are two tempos given by the composer: quarter-note =

100 BPM and dotted quarter-note = 124 BPM. The latter tempo is converted to quarter-

note = 186 BPM for this analysis. While double vertical strokes and single alternating

strokes are found with Level 5 considerations, the single independents and combination

strokes are some of the techniques that place Absolute Journey Music at a difficulty

category of Level 6. There are two considerations within this level for the single

independents classification that are found in the piece. At quarter-note = 100 BPM,

sixteenth-notes are played with 3–6 strokes and no manual motion. In addition, a passage

with sixteenth-notes grouped in fives is written, forcing two consecutive strokes to be

performed with little motion at the converted tempo of quarter-note = 125 BPM. Example

9.3 illustrates the sixteenth-notes at 100 BPM, and Example 9.4 exemplifies the

sixteenth-note five-lets at 125 BPM.

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Musical Example 9.3: Measure 12 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music


Musical Example 9.4: Measure 83 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music


The Level 6 combination stroke contains consecutive non-lateral strokes with

eighth-note double verticals and single independents played at quarter-note = 186 BPM.

Another common consideration for this level is the single independent roll played in the

right hand at octaves. This occurs as an overlapping single independent roll with non-

lateral strokes played simultaneously in the left hand. This concept of independence is

also placed at Level 6. Example 9.5 contains the excerpt of these technical

considerations. The composer is specific about the indications for dampening and

pedaling, but they are only found with Level 4 and Level 5 considerations, respectively.

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Musical Example 9.5: Measures 55 & 56 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music


Finally, Absolute Journey Music contains several extended techniques that are

first introduced at Level 6 in this research. Some of these innovative ideas include using

mouth vibrato over a sustained note, striking the bar on the node or between the node and

the center, and playing the edge of the bar with the shaft of the mallet. Each of these

extended techniques is clearly indicated with a brief discussion in the score and symbols

created by the composer, and Example 9.6 illustrates one of these instances. The player

must be a mature musician in order to execute these extended techniques effectively.

Although there is one symbol that is unclear within the notation, Robert Bridge has

prepared a specific score that uses unique timbres for the vibraphone. Absolute Journey

Music is a fascinating piece that will take an intermediate player on a musical adventure.

Musical Example 9.6: Measures 91–94 from Robert Bridge’s Absolute Journey Music


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“Carillon” (from Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon), Gary Gibson

Found on three of the five prescribed state music lists, half of the university

handbooks, and vibraphone competition repertoire lists, Gary Gibson’s Wallflower,

Snowbird, Carillon (Studio 4 Productions, 1985) has become a standard work in the solo

vibraphone repertoire. Performed as a set or as three individual solos, “Carillon” is found

to be the most difficult piece in the collection. The publisher ranks the set as

intermediate, and the Steve Weiss Music catalog lists the works as 6 out of 6. The PMO

database grades the pieces as 3 out of 5, and PAS reviews the set as advanced or V–VI

out of VI+. While there is a mixture of intermediate and advanced assessments, the

publisher and the PMO database have the most accurate assessment of this set of three

pieces. As stated previously, “Carillon” fits the parameters of Level 6 techniques, and the

first two pieces of the work, “Wallflower” and “Snowbird,” are found at Level 4.

Written with five quarter-notes per bar, the composer places the tempo of this

work at quarter-note = 140 BPM. Both non-lateral strokes contain considerations at Level

3, but the single alternating strokes are one of the primary reasons for placing “Carillon”

at Level 6. There are several instances where the right hand is required to play single

alternating strokes with an interval of a ninth at 140 BPM. Example 9.7 shows this Level

6 consideration for single alternating strokes when any interval greater than an octave is

performed between 121–160 BPM with 0–3 wrist turns throughout the piece; both of

these strokes occur on the fourth beat in the upper staff.

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Musical Example 9.7: Measures 9 & 10 of Gary Gibson’s “Carillon” from Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon

© 1985 Studio 4 Music by Marimba Productions Inc., used with permission

The most challenging combination stroke occurs between consecutive eight-note

double verticals at an interval of a sixth and single independent strokes performed in the

same hand at 140 BPM. Both of these instances can be seen on beat five in Example 9.7

and the first two strokes in Example 9.8 where the right hand performs a double vertical

stroke immediately followed by a single independent stroke. While there are additional

challenges with independence concepts up to Level 4 and dampening indications up to

Level 5, the primary reasons for placing “Carillon” at Level 6 are found in the single

alternating strokes and combination strokes. Gary Gibson’s Wallflower, Snowbird,

Carillon has become a standard vibraphone work that should be ultimately placed in the

intermediate category of technical difficulty based on the three analyses of each piece

from the set.

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Musical Example 9.8: Measure 27 of Gary Gibson’s “Carillon” from Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon


Level 6 Literature

1. Absolute Journey Music – Robert Bridge

2. Sun Shadows – Thomas A. Brown

3. Childhood – Gary Burton

4. Three Brothers, Goldengate Park – J.C. Combs

5. Trance – David Friedman

6. Carillon – Gary Gibson

7. Broken Silence – Mark Glentworth

8. Sonata Brevis, III. – Raymond Helble

9. Paint Me A Sky – Jeff Hunter

10. Suite, V. – Michael Lang

11. Three Caprices For Vibraphone, II. – René Leibowitz

12. Three Caprices For Vibraphone, III. – René Leibowitz

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13. Suite For Solo Vibraphone, I. – Alexander Lepak

14. Suite For Solo Vibraphone, III. – Alexander Lepak

15. S’a Mambo – Arthur Lipner

16. Ever Inward – David Macbride

17. Beach Street Years, II. Jungle Talk - Wasted Talk – Bill Molenhof

18. Wave Motion – Bill Molenhof

19. Three Sonorous Pictures, Frida’s Tango – Luigi Morleo

20. Ripples In The Water – Jessica Muñiz

21. Prelude and Blues, II. Blues – Ney Rosauro

22. IV for Izabela – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

23. IX for Blake – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

24. Sonata For Solo Vibraphone – Gitta Steiner

25. Six Poems, 2. a freshening lustre – Robert Stright

26. Six Poems, 3. abstruser musings – Robert Stright

27. Spring Hill – Marlène and Jerry Tachoir

28. Suomineito – Nebojša Jovan Živković

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CHAPTER 10:


Rolling techniques and independence issues continue to add more difficulty to the

higher levels. While the single independent roll was introduced in the previous level with

mid-range intervals, Level 7 contains the same type of one-handed roll in either hand

with intervals of thirds and fourths, as well as unisons and seconds between manuals. The

double lateral roll, or ripple roll, is increased to intervals of sevenths and eighths with

little movement. New independence concepts occur with overlapping triple strokes,

difficult hand-crossing, and the 3:5 polyrhythm.

The Apocryphal Still Life, Christopher Deane

The second of Christopher Deane’s vibraphone publications, The Apocryphal Still

Life (Innovative Percussion, 1996) has become a standard piece found at solo vibraphone

competitions throughout the world, including the International Percussion Festival in

Poland and Percussive Arts Society Solo Vibraphone Competition. The work contains

extended techniques and two prepared pitches, making this an appropriate Level 7 piece.

Each of the sources that provide a grade for its level of difficulty clearly shares common

assessments with the one found in this research. The Steve Weiss Music catalog lists the

solo as 5+ out of 6, the PMO database also ranks the piece as 5, and PAS reviews the

work as advanced or V–VI out of VI+. The following discussion will describe the

considerations and extended techniques found throughout The Apocryphal Still Life.

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Deane’s other vibraphone solo Mourning Dove Sonnet is annotated in the Level 9

chapter.

The Apocryphal Still Life begins and ends at quarter-note = 56 BPM, and the

middle section is performed at the double time tempo of quarter-note = 112 BPM. All

four basic stroke types are used throughout this work, as well as two different

combination strokes. One of the considerations that place this piece at Level 7 is a single

alternating eighth-note triplet performed at an interval of a tenth; the speed of this stroke

is converted to 168 BPM. Example 10.1 shows this stroke executed by the right hand in

the middle staff while the left hand plays the double vertical strokes in the bottom staff.

The large leap at this stroke speed is a difficult passage to execute successfully. The other

common stroke types are found with the following considerations: single independents at

Level 5, double verticals at Level 6, double laterals at Level 6, and combination strokes

up to Level 5.

Musical Example 10.1: Measures 56 & 57 from Christopher Deane’s The Apocryphal Still Life

© 1996 Innovative Percussion / Earthshine Publishing, used with permission

In addition to many challenging technical stroke types, several concepts of

independence are found throughout The Apocryphal Still Life. Deane asks the performer

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to perform a mandolin roll by “straddling” and striking the top and bottom of a single

keyboard bar at the edge with both mallets in the left hand. While executing this one-

handed roll, lateral and non-lateral strokes are performed in the right hand as seen in

Example 10.2. In addition, the right hand is simultaneously creating harmonic tones,

which will be discussed in the next paragraph regarding extended techniques. These

overlapping strokes and roll are placed at Level 6. Another form of independence found

as a Level 7 consideration requires difficult hand crossing. Example 10.3 illustrates a

moment when the left hand is performing double vertical strokes with pitches much

higher on the bottom treble clef staff than the notes played by the right hand in the middle

staff.

Musical Example 10.2: Measures 10 & 11 from Christopher Deane’s The Apocryphal Still Life


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Musical Example 10.3: Measure 68 from Christopher Deane’s The Apocryphal Still Life


As stated earlier in the annotation, this creative work contains many extended

techniques that are commonly found in Christopher Deane’s compositions. Each of the

following extended techniques contains a clear description within the performance notes

of the piece. The work requires two pitches to be prepared by lifting the cord around the

hook support of the frame and placing the cord on top of the hook. When the cord is

elevated, two specific pitches are allowed to ring when struck, regardless of the position

of the damper. Another extended technique includes producing one-handed harmonics.

By placing the inside mallet head directly in the center of the bar, the other mallet will

strike the node of the bar to create a harmonic tone with a quick stroke. These harmonics

are notated with an “o” placed above the note head as seen previously in the second

measure of Example 10.2. As the harmonic markings turn into dashes within the notation,

the player is asked to move both mallets in the same direction to change the note from a

harmonic tone to a pure tone of the bar. With Deane’s innovative compositional writing,

each of these extended techniques, as well as the technical strokes and independence

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concepts, have allowed The Apocryphal Still Life to become an extremely popular solo

among college vibraphone players that are entering the advanced stages of their studies.

“the wind” (from Reflections), Lynn Glassock

Lynn Glassock’s Reflections (Studio 4 Productions, 1992) was one of the

performance pieces listed in the upper category for the 2013 Percussive Arts Society Solo

Vibraphone Competition. Each of the three sources that provide their own difficulty

levels is equivalent to each other. The publisher lists the work as advanced, the Steve

Weiss Music catalog lists it at their highest level of 6, and PMO describes the piece at

their highest level of 5. Although these assessments rank Reflections as an extremely

difficult work, the following description will discuss the technical considerations found in

the less difficult third movement, “the wind.” An annotation for the more challenging

first movement, “a new year’s fanfare,” is included in the Level 10 chapter.

The tempo range of this movement is marked at dotted quarter-note = 76–80

BPM, so it must be converted to quarter-note = 114–120 BPM for this analysis. With

constant sixteenth-note rhythms, every stroke type is performed throughout this work,

including triple strokes and various combination strokes. Double verticals are placed at

Level 7 with two consecutive octave sixteenth-note strokes performed at 114 BPM.

Another stroke type found at this level occurs with a combination stroke consisting of

consecutive sixteenth-note double laterals and a double vertical stroke performed at the

same tempo. Evidence of both Level 7 stroke considerations can be seen in Example 10.4

and Example 10.5, respectively. The combination stroke in Example 10.5 occurs when

the left-handed double lateral stroke at the end of the first measure in the lower staff

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immediately shifts to a double vertical stroke on the downbeat of the second measure in

the upper staff. The other stroke types are found at the following levels: single

independent strokes at Level 5, single alternating strokes at Level 6, double lateral

strokes at Level 5, and triple strokes at Level 4.

Musical Example 10.4: Measure 31 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, III. the wind


Musical Example 10.5: Measures 32 & 33 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, III. the wind


Another factor that places the third movement of Reflections at Level 7 is the

independence concept of difficult hand-crossing techniques. The excerpt shown in

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Example 10.6 indicates Mallet 3 in the left hand crossing over the repeated C-sharp notes

in the right hand. Also discussed in the following Level 10 annotation on the first

movement, the notation in the score presents challenges for the performer. While the

composer provides many stickings, this notation forces the player to shift from one staff

to the other when some notes are often higher in pitch on the lower staff. This style of

notation, as well as the different symbols for pedaling, adds another element of difficulty

to Glassock’s three-movement work. With the third movement, “the wind,” placed at

Level 7, the second movement also found in the same level, and the first movement

placed at the highest level of difficulty, Reflections contains techniques required of an

experienced vibraphone player, as agreed upon by all of the databases described above.

Musical Example 10.6: Measure 17 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, III. the wind


Encantada, Nathan Daughtrey

A newer piece in the solo vibraphone repertoire, Nathan Daughtrey’s Encantada

(C. Alan Publications, 2010) is based on material from his Concerto for Vibraphone, and

it also calls for an optional 3.5-octave instrument. On the cover of the piece, it is listed as

medium difficult, but the publisher website describes its difficulty as only medium. The

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Steve Weiss Music catalog grades the solo as 4 out of 6 and medium, and the PMO

database puts the work at 4 out of 5. The PAS review describes the piece as intermediate

or III–IV out of VI+. The consensus of these sources puts Encantada near the medium

level or just slightly above the middle range. In this research, a Level 7 piece is at the

peak of the intermediate level, and this description will shed light to the techniques

required to execute this beautiful work.

There are several tempo markings given throughout this piece, but the one found

at the greatest speed is quarter-note = 52 BPM. Although the tempos are slow, many

rhythms consisting of thirty-second notes, sixteenth-note triplets, and odd groupings of

sixteenth-notes are prominent. Single independent and single alternating strokes require

Level 6 techniques at moments in the work, and a combination stroke consisting of

consecutive sixteenth-note triplets single independent and single alternating strokes

played at quarter-note = 56 BPM is also placed at this level. The composer is also

specific about dampening and pedaling indications, but the slower speeds only place

these considerations up to Level 3.

The primary reason for placing Encantada at a difficulty category of Level 7 is

due to the quantity of polyrhythms found throughout the work. Polyrhythms such as 2:3,

3:4, and 2:5 are a few technical items that are placed in the considerations of

independence. The most challenging concept of independence is the 3:5 polyrhythm,

placed at Level 7 in the analysis document; this polyrhythm can be seen in Example 10.7.

While there are many considerations placed at Level 6, the 3:5 polyrhythm ultimately

moves this solo up to the next category. With complex and free rhythms, precise

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articulations, and lyrical passages, Encantada is an appropriate recital piece for a

vibraphonist searching for extremely expressive qualities.

Example 10.7: Measure 12 from Nathan Daughtrey’s Encantada


Level 7 Literature

1. Reminiscence, III. Fugue – Thomas Briggs

2. Enihs – Gary Burton

3. Three Brothers, Nashville Vibe – J.C. Combs

4. Reflections – J.C. Combs

5. Encantada – Nathan Daughtrey

6. The Apocryphal Still Life – Christopher Deane

7. Rockavibabe – Victor Feldman

8. Too Blue – Victor Feldman

9. Koda – Jan Freicher

10. Vienna – David Friedman

11. Wind – David Friedman

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12. Reflections, II. a spring day – Lynn Glassock

13. Reflections, III. the wind – Lynn Glassock

14. Trilogy, A Vision In A Dream – Tim Huesgen

15. Three Caprices For Vibraphone, I. – René Leibowitz

16. Soho – Arthur Lipner

17. Solo Accompaniment – Arthur Lipner

18. (Almost) The Amazing Spiderman – Bill Molenhof

19. Beach Street Years, III. So Far To Go – Bill Molenhof

20. Music Of The Day – Bill Molenhof

21. Visual Image – Bill Molenhof

22. XI for Gavin – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

23. Circle Blue – Marlène and Jerry Tachoir

24. Tears Of Long Lost Love – Todd Ukena

25. Interval Evidence, II. In The Shadows – Martin P. Weir

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CHAPTER 11:


Level 8 contains the last addition to the one-handed single independent roll

technique; rolling in either hand with a small interval of a second on the same manual is a

technique that is required of an advanced four-mallet keyboard player. Regarding

independence, an overlapping single independent roll with a single alternating Alberti

bass figure is found at this level, as well as the 4:5 polyrhythm. At this point in the

leveling system, a strong technical foundation and a high endurance are required for

pieces that contain such difficulty at this level and the next two levels that follow. These

last three levels contain appropriate techniques and literature for a college senior,

graduate student, or professional performer.

Kaleidoscope, Arthur Lipner

Among Arthur Lipner’s most popular solo works, Kaleidoscope (MalletWorks

Music, 1995) is found on many solo vibraphone contest lists throughout the world,

including the Percussive Arts Society Solo Vibraphone Competition, the Italy Percussion

Competition Festival, and the International Percussion Festival Vibraphone Competition

in Poland. Each of the four main sources with graded listings provides a level for this

work. The publisher lists the piece as advanced on their website and medium/advanced

on the cover of the music. Steve Weiss Music describes Kaleidoscope as

intermediate/advanced in their online catalog and lists it as 5 out of 6 in their printed

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catalog. There are two entries for this solo in the database on the PMO website, with one

being described as a 4 and the other listed at the highest level of 5. The PAS entry

reviews the work as advanced, which is in the range of V–VI in their leveling system.

Interestingly, most of these sources list more than one grade description for this piece, but

the majority of the listings place Kaleidoscope in the higher levels of difficulty.

There are three different tempo markings throughout the solo listed at quarter-

note = 96 BPM, 104 BPM, and 112 BPM, but the majority of the work is performed at

quarter-note = 104 BPM. Kaleidoscope contains all six different stroke types, many

elements of independence, and precise indications for basic dampening and pedaling.

Only the most difficult considerations will be discussed in the annotation. The technique

that places this piece at a Level 8 is the speed of consecutive sixteenth-note octave double

vertical strokes at quarter-note = 104 BPM, illustrated in Example 11.1 and Example

11.2. One of the parameters at Level 8 in the analysis document describes sixteenth-note

double vertical strokes with intervals of sevenths or eighths, played between 101–120

BPM with 2–6 consecutive strokes in the same hand. There are also many sequences

when sixteenth-note octave double verticals are played at the same tempo with two

consecutive strokes, placing these passages at a Level 7.

Musical Example 11.1: Measures 32 & 33 from Arthur Lipner’s Kaleidoscope

© 1995 MalletWorks Music, used with permission

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Musical Example 11.2: Measure 101 from Arthur Lipner’s Kaleidoscope

© 1995 MalletWorks Music, used with permission

The most difficult single independent strokes are found at a Level 7 with 3–6

consecutive sixteenth-note strokes and 1–2 manual changes per bar at 101–120 BPM.

Triple strokes are found at a Level 4 with sixteenth-notes at 104 BPM, single alternating

strokes are found at a Level 5 with octave-plus eighth-notes, and double lateral strokes

are found at a Level 6 with octave-plus sixteenth-notes. With many constant sixteenth-

note patterns throughout Kaleidoscope, double laterals are extremely prominent; the most

difficult passages occur with intervals of a second on the same manual and intervals

greater than an octave in the left hand at quarter-note = 104 BPM. For combination

strokes, the most challenging considerations occur at a Level 7 with an octave double

vertical and double lateral sixteenth-notes played consecutively in the right hand at 104

BPM.

The elements of independence are standard considerations that occur between

non-lateral and lateral strokes. Motions involving both types require alternating hands,

unison parallel motion, and overlapping strokes involving double laterals with either

double verticals or single independents. Neither dampening nor pedaling indications are

necessary to discuss, because their level of difficulty is only found at a Level 2. Lipner

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also includes sections for optional improvisation, and he provides possible chord scale

choices in the performance notes. It is clear that Kaleidoscope contains techniques that

require considerations from several different level categories. Because of the speed of the

octave double vertical strokes shown above, this piece must be placed at the advanced

category of Level 8. In addition to the double vertical sequences, the stamina required to

play this eight-minute work with constant sixteenth-note rhythms also adds to the

difficulty and intricacy.

Blues For Gilbert, Mark Glentworth

Mark Glentworth’s Blues For Gilbert (Musikverlag Zimmermann, 1983) is

another work that is performed regularly throughout the world and recorded often by

professional artists. This Level 8 piece is also found programmed on various vibraphone

competitions, including the Italy Percussion Competition Festival and the Percussive Arts

Society Solo Vibraphone Competition. There are several varying assessments on the level

of difficulty for this particular work. The printed Steve Weiss Music catalog lists the

piece as 5+ out of 6, and the online catalog describes it as medium-advanced. The PMO

database grades the work as 4 out of 5, and PAS reviews it as intermediate or III–IV out

of VI+. This annotation hopes to provide an assessment on the appropriate difficulty level

of Blues For Gilbert.

There are two tempos given throughout this solo: quarter-note = 50 BPM and

quarter-note = 126 BPM. During the slower section, there are several rhythms containing

odd groupings of sixteenth-notes and thirty-second notes, but none of them are fast

enough to place this piece at its given level. The single independent strokes found during

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the section with quarter-note = 126 BPM contain three consecutive strokes with 1–2

manual changes per bar. This Level 8 consideration can be seen in the right hand

sixteenth-notes that lead into the second measure in Example 11.3. For other stroke types

observed in Blues For Gilbert, double verticals and single independents are placed at

Level 5, and a combination stroke containing consecutive double verticals and single

independents is found at Level 6.

Musical Example 11.3: Measures 27 & 28 from Mark Glentworth’s Blues For Gilbert

© 1983 Musikverlag Zimmermann, Germany, used with permission

Although there are very few rolls, this work contains the first instance of single

independent rolls at an interval of a second played by the left hand. This technical

concept that requires much attention due to such a small interval is also placed at Level 8.

In addition, this one-handed roll is overlapping with non-lateral strokes, making this

element of independence a Level 6 consideration. Example 11.4 illustrates these single

independent rolls that overlap with octave double vertical strokes. Other concepts of

independence include overlapping parallel lateral strokes and 2:3 polyrhythms. The

dampening and pedaling considerations are found at the early stages of Level 4 and Level

3, respectively.

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Musical Example 11.4: Measures 69 & 70 from Mark Glentworth’s Blues For Gilbert

© 1983 Musikverlag Zimmermann, Germany, used with permission

The primary reasons for placing Blues For Gilbert at a difficulty category of

Level 8 are the speed of the consecutive single independent strokes and the one-handed

single independent rolls performed at a small interval. While there are many

considerations placed at earlier levels, the previously mentioned techniques are concepts

that an early-advanced vibraphonist is able to execute. The solo also requires the player

to execute sections that contain styles of swing and rubato with delicate textures and

tuneful melodies. Requiring much expression and technicality from the performer, Blues

For Gilbert will continue to be a standard recital piece for decades to come.

“And The Mountains Remain” (from New Works For New Times), Bill Molenhof

Although less popular than Music Of The Day, Bill Molenhof’s New Works For

New Times (Kendor Music, 1981) is another collection of well-written vibraphone solos.

With six different works included, “And The Mountains Remain” is one piece in the

book that was also found in the second round of the International Percussion Festival

Vibraphone Competition in Poland. The grade level listed on the cover of the book is

marked as 6, but the printed Steve Weiss Music catalog lists the collection as 4 out of 6.

! 117

However, the PMO database and the PAS review are more similar to the publisher’s

assessment, describing the pieces as 5 out of 5 and advanced, respectively. Most of the

pieces in New Works For New Times are more difficult than those found in Music Of The

Day, and this discussion will describe the Level 8 techniques required to perform the

collection’s most popular work.

The entire piece consists of sixteenth-notes played at quarter-note = 92 BPM, and

the composer provides a description as “very dry” with no pedal. While sticking

indications would be very helpful in this particular work, the performer is required to use

much of their own interpretation for the permutations of each stroke type. While “And

The Mountains Remain” contains double vertical and single independent strokes, it is the

single alternating strokes that place the piece at Level 8. For this analysis, there are

sixteenth-note single alternating strokes played at an interval range of sevenths and

eighths with 0–3 wrist turns at 92 BPM. Example 11.5 provides an interpretation of this

consideration where the left hand plays octave single alternating strokes starting with the

last note of the first measure and the first note of the following repeated measure.

Musical Example 11.5: Measures 1 & 2 of Bill Molenhof’s “And The Mountains Remain” from New Works For New Times


! 118

In addition to the challenging single alternating strokes, a Level 8 combination

stroke is also found in the work. It consists of a sixteenth-note single alternating stroke

played consecutively with a single independent stroke at 92 BPM. As interpreted in this

analysis, Example 11.6 shows the combination stroke where the G-natural and C-sharp

are alternating between the mallets, followed by a single independent stroke for the C-

natural in the same hand. Even though “And The Mountains Remain” contains

independence and rolling considerations only up to Level 4, this solo has difficult

technical concepts that include varying permutations, specific articulations, and countless

accidentals shifting between sharps and flats. With pieces found between Level 6 through

Level 9, Bill Molenhof’s New Works For New Times presents challenges for intermediate

and advanced vibraphone players; “And The Mountains Remain” clearly finds its place

as one of the most demanding solos from the collection.

Musical Example 11.6: Measure 103 of Bill Molenhof’s “And The Mountains Remain” from New Works For New Times


Level 8 Literature

1. Reminiscence, I. Forceful – Thomas Briggs

2. Three Brothers, Chi-Town Monk – J.C. Combs

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3. One For Paquito – J.C. Combs

4. Midnight Star – David Friedman

5. Blues For Gilbert – Mark Glentworth

6. Ilmo – Mark Glentworth

7. Sonata Brevis, II. – Raymond Helble

8. Contemplation – Murray Houllif

9. Kaleidoscope – Arthur Lipner

10. Kayak – Arthur Lipner

11. And The Mountains Remain – Bill Molenhof

12. Beach Street Years, I. Anthem – Bill Molenhof

13. Foreign Films – Bill Molenhof

14. Internal Evidence, I. Intrigue – Martin P. Weir

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CHAPTER 12:


The last addition to Level 9 contains overlapping single independent rolls found

in both hands simultaneously. While all of the other technical considerations continue to

increase in difficulty through each level, some stroke types are found up to 200–220

BPM at this point in the analysis document. The most common reason for many of the

Level 9 pieces is due to the speed of the double vertical strokes and the single

independents strokes. Even though these strokes were the first two techniques introduced

in Level 1, composers have written extremely difficult passages that require a mature and

disciplined player that is able to execute their challenging music.

Mourning Dove Sonnet, Christopher Deane

Christopher Deane’s first vibraphone solo, Mourning Dove Sonnet (Earthshine

Publishing, 1983), has become one of the most popular vibraphone pieces performed by

professionals and graduate students. The work is listed in three of the four university

percussion handbooks, and it is included in the upper category repertoire lists for the

Percussive Arts Society Solo Vibraphone Competition and the International Percussion

Festival Vibraphone Competition in Poland. With traditional and non-traditional

performance techniques, the piece contains a transcription of an actual mourning dove

song. The publisher and PAS do not provide a grade level for this work, but the Steve

Weiss Music catalog lists the solo as 5+ out of 6, and the PMO database gives it their

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highest level of 5. Graded in this system as a Level 9 piece, the above sources place

Mourning Dove Sonnet in equivalent levels of difficulty. In addition to the standard

techniques found in the analysis document considerations, this discussion will explore the

extended techniques of bowing, harmonics, pitch bending, and random improvisation.

There are multiple tempo ranges given throughout the work: quarter-note = 80–88

BPM, quarter-note = 130–136 BPM, quarter-note = 130–140 BPM, quarter-note = 140

BPM, quarter-note = 136–140 BPM, quarter-note = 150–155 BPM, and half-note = 50

BPM. The only two stroke types analyzed in this solo are single independent and single

alternating strokes, placed up to Level 7 and Level 5, respectively. Dampening

considerations are only found at Level 4, and pedaling and rolling considerations are

analyzed at Level 2. While independence concepts and extended techniques are the

primary reasons for placing Mourning Dove Sonnet at the difficulty category of Level 9,

many of these unique techniques are not initially found within the analysis document.

Each of these considerations has been added to their most representative and appropriate

level of difficulty based in this research.

The highest consideration of independence requires an overlapping of the right

hand bending the pitches of specific notes, while the left hand performs eighth-note

single alternating five-let strokes at 136 BPM. Because pitch bending can be one of the

most demanding aspects of the piece, it is appropriate to place this extended technique

one level higher than the overlapping single alternating Alberti bass passages with a

single independent roll found on the analysis document. A discussion about the proper

execution of bending notes will be included in the following paragraph about extended

techniques. This uncommon independence technique of overlapping pitch bending with

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single alternating strokes played with a 2:5 polyrhythm is ultimately placed at Level 9; an

illustration of this passage can be seen in Example 12.1. Performing an overlapping

single alternating Alberti bass passage while bowing notes with the other hand is another

independence issue that adds to the extreme difficulty of this work, as seen in Example

12.2.

Musical Example 12.1: Measures 67–69 from Christopher Deane’s Mourning Dove Sonnet

© 1983 Earthshine Publishing, used with permission

Musical Example 12.2: Measures 105 & 106 from Christopher Deane’s Mourning Dove Sonnet


Deane provides specific descriptions and indications within the performance notes

and throughout the score for all of the extended techniques and unique set-up

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recommendations. The implements required for Mourning Dove Sonnet include two

double bass bows held as both outside mallets, a standard vibraphone mallet as the inside

left mallet, and a hard rubber mallet used for pitch bending as the inside right mallet. A

stick tray is also required to allow the performer to make quick mallet and bow changes.

Standard bowing indications used by string players are suggested by the composer, and

many variables regarding this type of implement affect the response of the sounds

produced. These up-bows and down-bows are illustrated in both staves of Example 12.3.

For the pitch bending technique, a hard rubber mallet is placed on the nodal point of the

keyboard bar. Once the standard vibraphone mallet strikes the bar, the other mallet

should be pressed down at an angle, while moving the mallet head toward the center of

the bar. The performer is suggested to experiment with this extended technique by

applying moleskin at the top of the rubber mallet to create an arrival point that contains

less contact to the bar. Example 12.1 above shows the pitch bending notation that

contains a descending arrow for the notes found on the upper staff.

Musical Example 12.3: Measures 20–23 from Christopher Deane’s Mourning Dove Sonnet


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Harmonics are an extended technique for vibraphone that was also discussed in

the annotation for Christopher Deane’s other solo, The Apocryphal Still Life. In this

piece, the harmonics are produced with a standard bow stroke and a finger from the other

hand lightly touching the center of the keyboard bar. This notation can be seen above in

Example 12.3 with parentheses around the given pitch. Also unique to this work, the

composer provides groups of given pitches that the performer uses to improvise random

patterns centered near the given range of the note grouping. Mourning Dove Sonnet is

one of the most distinctive and widely played vibraphone solos found in the instrument’s

repertoire. With clever and obscure techniques that help create new timbres, as well as

independence concepts not found in any other pieces, this work is appropriately placed

within one of the most difficult levels found in this research. Performed regularly by

professionals and graduate students, Mourning Dove Sonnet will continue to be found on

recital programs and contest lists for years to come.

Song Of The Libra, Mario Gaetano

Mario Gaetano’s Song Of The Libra (Music For Percussion, 1984) is a vibraphone

solo that contains several different sections and varying tempos. The publisher does not

provide a grade level, but the Steve Weiss Music catalog and the PAS review have

similar difficulty ratings with 5+ out of 6 and advanced, or V–VI out of VI+,

respectively. However, the PMO database lists the work as 1 out of 5; the difficulty level

from this source is clearly not an accurate assessment. Placed at a Level 9 in this

research, this solo contains an equivalent grading from the first two sources discussed.

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Four different tempo markings are found throughout this solo: quarter-note = 69

BPM, 72 BPM, 152 BPM, and 200 BPM. Both of the non-lateral stroke types performed

at 200 BPM are the primary reasons for placing Song Of The Libra at the difficulty

category of Level 9. The double vertical strokes occur as constant eighth-notes with 0–3

wrist turns per phrase with seconds being the smallest interval, as seen in Example 12.4.

The single independent strokes are played as two consecutive sixteenth-note strokes in

the same hand with little motion, as seen in Example 12.5. Both of these examples

performed at quarter-note = 200 BPM are clear indications of the speed required to

successfully execute this section of the solo.

Musical Example 12.4: Measure 86 from Mario Gaetano’s Song Of The Libra



Musical Example 12.5: Measure 88 from Mario Gaetano’s Song Of The Libra



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The other stroke type employed in this piece is the single alternating stroke, which

is found at Level 3. There are also techniques of independence and pedaling, but they

only require Level 5 skills found in the analysis document. While there is a combination

stroke that contains a Level 8 difficulty, it is important to illustrate this challenging

passage as seen in Example 12.6. This combination stroke consists of single alternating

strokes played consecutively with a double vertical stroke in the left hand at 200 BPM. In

addition to the Level 9 non-lateral strokes performed at extreme tempos, Song Of The

Libra is a substantially longer piece when compared to the majority of vibraphone solos

in this research. With many contrasting sections and brisk tempos, this work is placed

appropriately in one of the most challenging levels for vibraphone literature.

Musical Example 12.6: Measures 134 & 135 from Mario Gaetano’s Song Of The Libra



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“A Glorious Secret” (from Imageries), Jon Metzger

Written in three movements, Jon Metzger’s Imageries (C. Alan Publications,

2002) is a composition that contains both jazz and classical styles. All four sources have

contributed grade levels for this work. The publisher describes the piece as medium-

difficult, and the Steve Weiss Music catalog labels it as medium-advanced. Listed as 4

out of 5 in the PMO database and intermediate, or III–IV out of VI+, in the PAS review,

each of these sources contain comparable assessments that place the three-movement

work near the middle of their grading scales. This annotation will describe the Level 9

considerations found in the third movement, “A Glorious Secret.” While this last

movement is very challenging, the first two movements of Imageries contain techniques

at Level 4 and Level 2, respectively.

The tempo range for this movement is marked at quarter-note = 116–126 BPM,

and the stroke speed for triplets is converted to 174 BPM. Although this piece is placed in

the Level 9 category, there are multiple considerations found with Level 8 parameters,

including single independents, double laterals, and pedaling indications. The most

challenging single independent strokes occur as a sixteenth-note triplet linear line at 174

BPM. There are also double lateral strokes performed at an interval of a seventh at the

same tempo, as well as pedalings that occur approximately 2–4 pedals per measure.

The primary reason for placing “A Glorious Secret” at Level 9 is the speed of the

double vertical strokes. With several passages containing this stroke type as sixteenth-

note triplets with two consecutive strokes at intervals of fourths and fifths, the stroke

speed of these triplets is also found at quarter-note = 174 BPM. These rapid double

vertical strokes and considerable quantities of pedalings can be seen Example 12.7.

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Because so many technical considerations for Metzger’s third movement are placed in the

upper levels of the analysis document, this description provides an appropriate

assessment for a portion of the entire work. While Imageries is considered by several

databases as an intermediate piece, the technical requirements in the “A Glorious Secret”

movement place the entire work within an advanced level.

Musical Example 12.7: Measures 14 & 15 from Jon Metzger’s Imageries, 3. A Glorious Secret


Level 9 Literature

1. Mourning Dove Sonnet – Christopher Deane

2. Song Of The Libra – Mario Gaetano

3. Imageries, 3. A Glorious Secret – Jon Metzger

4. A Family Of Teachers – Bill Molenhof

5. Three Sonorous Pictures, Tamara’s Tango – Luigi Morleo

6. Sonata: Periods Of The Life, 3. Lied - Song – Ney Rosauro

7. Six Poems, 4. a dancing shape – Robert Stright

8. Six Poems, 6. echo seeking of itself – Robert Stright

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CHAPTER 13:


The tenth and final level contains pieces that have techniques and passages that

are the most difficult to play in the vibraphone repertoire. There are no new technical

concepts or independence issues introduced at this level. Level 10 is determined strictly

by the extreme demands on tempo, stroke speed, wrist turns, manual changes, and

stamina.

“a new year’s fanfare” (from Reflections), Lynn Glassock

As discussed previously in the Level 7 annotations, Lynn Glassock’s Reflections

(Studio 4 Productions, 1992) was one of the performance pieces listed in the upper

category for the 2013 Percussive Arts Society Solo Vibraphone Competition. Each of the

three sources that provide their own difficulty levels is equivalent to each other. The

publisher lists the work as advanced, the Steve Weiss Music catalog lists it at their

highest level of 6, and PMO describes the piece at their highest level of 5. Because

Reflections contains three movements, a description of the first movement, “a new year’s

fanfare,” will reflect the same assessments from the sources discussed above.

This first movement contains all of the stroke types except for triple strokes. In

addition to having many complex stickings, the piece also contains several elements of

independence and specific dampening indications including the slide dampening

technique. The combination stroke is the consideration that has the highest level found on

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the analysis document. This stroke occurs during a passage with single independent

sixteenth-note triplets and double vertical eighth-notes as illustrated in Example 13.1.

The tempo is marked at quarter-note = 112 BPM, but the stroke speed of the sixteenth-

note triplets is found at 168 BPM (112 X 3/2). This combination stroke consideration

typically ends on the analysis document at Level 8, which contains double verticals with

intervals of thirds through fifths and sixteenth-note single independent strokes at 121–140

BPM. Since this particular passage in “a new year’s fanfare” is performed with a stroke

speed of 168 BPM, this consideration moved up two additional levels to Level 10. In

order to perform this passage, the sixteenth-note triplets are alternated, forcing an

extremely quick combination stroke in one of the hands to execute the two-handed

double vertical chord that follows in unison.

Musical Example 13.1: Measure 30 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, I. a new year’s fanfare


Regarding the other stroke types, double vertical strokes up to an octave are found

at Level 2 with simple rhythms played no faster than 112 BPM, double lateral strokes are

found at Level 4 with sixteenth-notes patterns, and single independent strokes are found

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at Level 5 with sixteenth-notes requiring two consecutive strokes at 112 BPM. The single

alternating considerations are slightly higher at Level 7, which asks the performer to play

alternating sixteenth-note triplets with an interval of an octave in the right hand; the

stroke speed for this single alternating stroke is at 168 BPM. The elements of

independence occur with non-lateral and lateral strokes containing several overlapping

motions, as well as overlapping lateral strokes with mirroring motion. The most difficult

skill involves overlapping lateral strokes performed in unison with parallel motion,

placing this consideration at a Level 5. Pedaling occurs during some sections of the

movement at approximately 2–4 times per bar, but the tempo is not fast enough to put

this technique beyond Level 2.

The composer specifically describes how mallet dampening is an integral part of

this first movement of Reflections. Slide dampening is notated with a small “s” attached

under the dampening sign, and it is executed by playing a note and then sliding the same

mallet laterally to dampen the previously played adjacent note. Because this form of

dampening is not often notated in many pieces, the particular technique was not given

additional considerations in the analysis document. According to the quantities listed in

the dampening portion of the analysis document, this technique would normally require a

Level 3 consideration with 1–2 dampens per bar at 112 BPM. Since slide dampening is

suggested in the score, this specific technique will move its dampening consideration to a

Level 4.

Pieces that fit into the higher levels of this systematic method will always contain

certain techniques that may fit better within a lower category. However, the ability to

accurately execute the combination stroke that occurs in Example 13.1 is at an extremely

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high level of technical difficulty. Although the printed formatting of the music is not

taken into consideration within the analysis document, the score can be difficult to read at

certain moments of the piece. Both hands are constantly going back and forth between

both staves written in treble clef, and there are many measures where the lower staff

contains higher pitches than those found in the upper staff. Example 13.2 illustrates a

moment where the performer must become acquainted with this type of notation and

often determine which stickings work best between the two staves. By requiring an

extreme attention to detail and technique, Glassock’s Reflections, I. a new year’s fanfare

is a remarkably challenging movement in the vibraphone literature.

Musical Example 13.2: Measures 37 & 38 from Lynn Glassock’s Reflections, I. a new year’s fanfare


Sonata Brevis, I., Raymond Helble

Listed in three of the four university handbooks’ suggested repertoire and

performed at various vibraphone competitions, Raymond Helble’s Sonata Brevis (Studio

4 Productions, 1978) is a standard vibraphone solo for advanced players. Each of the four

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sources that provide a level of difficulty have placed this three-movement work in the

highest category of their grading scale. The publisher describes the piece as advanced,

and it is listed as 6 out of 6 in the printed Steve Weiss Music catalog. Sonata Brevis is the

only vibraphone piece in this research to be marked as 5+ in the PMO database, and it is

one of only three works to be reviewed as difficult, or VI+, by the Percussive Arts

Society. While the second and third movements are found in earlier levels, the first

movement is placed in the Level 10 category due to its highly technical demands. The

aforementioned sources have provided accurate assessments on this extremely

challenging movement.

The composer describes the tempo as “allegro ma non troppo,” but this does not

give a clear indication of the most appropriate tempo. Throughout several measures of the

movement, the performer must perform sixteenth-note triplet rhythms with a single hand,

making this tempo marking extremely arbitrary. For this research, the numerical tempo

for the first movement is placed at quarter-note = 90 BPM, thus allowing these particular

one-handed triplet passages to be played as sixteenth-notes at 135 BPM. A two-measure

illustration of the sixteenth-note triplets can be seen in Example 13.3. The analysis

document places these single independent strokes as a Level 10 consideration with

constant sixteenth-notes at 135 BPM and 4+ manual changes per bar. In addition to the

speed of these rhythms in the left hand, the right hand must execute overlapping octave

double vertical strokes, including a 4:6 polyrhythm that is shown in the musical example

on the second beat of the second measure.

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Musical Example 13.3: Measures 5 & 6 from Raymond Helble’s Sonata Brevis, I.


Other techniques included through the first movement of Sonata Brevis include

double vertical strokes at Level 8, single alternating strokes at Level 5, combination

strokes at Level 7, independence up to Level 6, and overlapping single independent rolls

at Level 9. While the piece contains a grand staff, some interpretation is still required

when determining the most appropriate stickings. In addition to the rapid one-handed

single independent strokes that ultimately place this movement at a difficulty category of

Level 10, there are also moments where both hands are required to perform sixteenth-

note triplets in rhythmic unison with different pitches moving in a mirroring motion. This

challenging passage can be seen in Example 13.4, as well as sixteenth-note unison

rhythms that contain large leaps within a short duration. Helble’s popular vibraphone

work is without a doubt one of the most challenging pieces in the instrument’s repertoire.

Although the other two movements are placed at Level 8 and Level 6, respectively, the

advanced technical demands found in the first movement place Sonata Brevis in the

highest level of difficulty.

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Musical Example 13.4: Measure 9 from Raymond Helble’s Sonata Brevis, I.


“Ajax Men Of Science” (from Solo), Gary Burton/Steve Swallow

Regarded by many as one of the world’s best vibraphonists, Gary Burton

composed and adapted a collection of six unaccompanied pieces, titled Solo (Creative

Music, 1966), early in his professional career. Found on one prescribed state music list

and two university handbooks, Burton’s works have remained popular due to his stature

in the percussion and jazz community. The publisher does not provide a grade level, but

the PMO database lists the set as 5 out of 5. The Steve Weiss catalog describes the

collection’s level of difficulty as 5 out of 5 and ranging from moderately difficult to very

advanced. Of the pieces analyzed for this research, the grade levels have varied from one

work to another. With this system, “Ajax Men Of Science” has been graded as the most

difficult piece in the collection, containing technical considerations found in the Level 10

category. Because the other sources provide an assessment on the entire book as a whole,

this annotation will provide a clear description about the demands found in this specific

solo. It is unclear whether Steve Swallow composed “Ajax Men Of Science” specifically

! 136

for Gary Burton’s vibraphone, but the importance of Burton’s collection of works allows

this work to be included within the parameters of this research.

There are two tempo markings that continually shift back and forth throughout

this work: half-note = 120 BPM, usually described as “double time,” and quarter-note =

120 BPM, described as “1/2 time.” During the sections that are played at half-note = 120

BPM, the tempo must be converted to quarter-note = 240 BPM for this analysis. Near the

end of “Ajax Men Of Science,” a passage containing a descending line of sixteenth-notes

is performed at the double time tempo of 240 BPM; this extreme speed is placed at a

Level 10 consideration as seen in Example 13.5. Of the other stroke types, double vertical

and single alternating strokes are found at Level 7, and pedaling techniques are placed at

Level 8 due to the frequency of markings required during the fast tempo.

Musical Example 13.5: Measure 39 of Gary Burton/Steve Swallow’s “Ajax Men Of Science” from Solo

© 1966 Creative Music, used with permission

The other primary reason for placing this piece at Level 10 is the speed and

interval size of a combination stroke containing a single independent stroke followed by a

double vertical with an interval of a sixth at 240 BPM. An illustration of this combination

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stroke is seen going into the third beat on the bottom staff in Example 13.6. While this

consideration is not originally found on the analysis document due to the extreme stroke

speed, the tempo requires two additional levels added for this particular stroke that places

the consideration at Level 10. Similar to the other works found in Burton’s Solo

collection, “Ajax Men Of Science” is written primarily with the melody on the top line

and double vertical chords providing the harmony on the bottom line. With expanded

chord changes and sections for optional improvisation, this collection of pieces is

appropriate for an aspiring jazz vibraphonist looking for a great challenge. Solo is the

oldest set of works studied in the research, and “Ajax Men Of Science” is realized as the

most challenging piece in Burton’s collection and one of the most difficult solos in the

entire database.

Musical Example 13.6: Measure 13 of Gary Burton/Steve Swallow’s “Ajax Men Of Science” from Solo

© 1966 Creative Music, used with permission

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Level 10 Literature

1. Ajax Men Of Science – Gary Burton/Steve Swallow

2. Reflections, I. a new year’s fanfare – Lynn Glassock

3. Sonata Brevis, I. – Raymond Helble

4. Schickstück – William Hibbard

! 139

CHAPTER 14:

CONCLUSION

Having a standardized method in objectively grading the level of difficulty in solo

vibraphone literature creates several opportunities to promote the instrument and its

music. Similar to the goals of the World Vibes Congress gatherings, this research project

hopes to encourage more students to play this literature, provide new and better methods

for educators, and prompt composers to write more music for the medium. With an

extensive graded database for vibraphone literature, this resource can serve as a starting

point for many student percussionists in selecting pieces to study and perform. It will also

provide educators with a wealth of information that allows them to help students choose

appropriate pieces within the proper progression from one work to another. In the future,

an up-to-date online database accessible to performers, educators, students, and scholars

will be available for them to find this information at their fingertips. In addition, a

potential step-by-step series of vibraphone technique method books could blossom from

this research, equivalent to Julia Gaines’ pedagogical materials for four-mallet marimba

technique.

Having parameters and technical considerations that determine ten different levels

have allowed for pieces to be placed into a database within their most appropriate

category based on the highest level of difficulty. This database provides evidence of

particular levels that lack literature. The quantity of pieces from Level 1 to Level 10 is

shaped in a bell curve, and this proves that we are most importantly lacking appropriate

! 140

elementary-level pieces, especially at Level 1. Whether a student begins learning four-

mallet keyboard percussion techniques on the vibraphone or the marimba, our field needs

quality pieces that focus on the most basic skills from the very beginning. This research

can help lead to commissioning projects based on the grading criteria. With the exact

technical considerations shown for each level found in the analysis document, composers

can use that information to create new works that fall within the elementary levels that

need more literature.

As an advocate for percussion pedagogy, I hope to share this method and

information with students and educators at university programs, private percussion

studios, and music conferences throughout the country. Presenting this material will lead

to the discovery of new composers and works that will continue to keep this research

fresh and relevant. With over seven hundred known vibraphone pieces containing the

parameters specific for the project, this research topic will continue throughout my career

as a percussion educator and performer. Approximately twenty percent of the literature

has been analyzed for the database found in this document, which leaves hundreds of

other published pieces waiting to be studied and placed into their proper level. As long as

composers continue to write for the vibraphone, this area of research will last for a

lifetime.

! 141

APPENDIX A:

LEVELED DATABASE OF ANALYZED PIECES

142

LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, & LEVEL 3 LITERATURE

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub2Grade SW2Grade PMO2Grade PAS2Grade JH2Grade Primary2Reason(s)Daybreak((4"mallet(section(only) Chapman,(Clifford(K. Music(for(Percussion 1974 NA 5 NA NA 1 DV,(SI,(IndependenceAnna((from(Songs(For(Vibes) Fink,(Ron Fink 1981 NA 4+ 3 ElemMInt 1 DV,(SI,(Independence,(PedalingX(for(Abby((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(2) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 1 DV,(SI,(Independence,(Pedaling

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub2Grade SW2Grade PMO2Grade PAS2Grade JH2Grade Primary2Reason(s)Closer((from(All(Alone(By(The(Vibraphone) Feldman,(Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 2 DVTrevor's(Waltz((from(All(Alone(By(The(Vibraphone) Feldman,(Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 2 SI,(PedalingLori((from(Songs(For(Vibes) Fink,(Ron Fink 1981 NA 4+ 3 ElemMInt 2 SI,(Dampening,(PedalingRuth(Ann((from(Songs(For(Vibes) Fink,(Ron Fink 1981 NA 4+ 3 ElemMInt 2 DV,(SI,(IndependenceA(Fragment((from(Trilogy) Huesgen,(Tim Meredith 1985 NA 4(&(MMMA NA NA 2 DV,(IndependenceCrystal(Light Kastuck,(Steve Ludwig 1979 NA 3 NA Intermediate 2 SISuite,(II. Lang,(Michael Southern 1977 5 NA NA IntMAdv 2 DVSuite,(IV. Lang,(Michael Southern 1977 5 NA NA IntMAdv 2 DV2.(Ur((from(Solo(Jazz(Vibraphone(Etudes) Lipner,(Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3(&(M/Int NA NA 2 DV,(SA2.(The(Sunnier(Side(Of(Doubt((from(Imageries) Metzger,(Jon C.(Alan 2002 MD MA 4 Intermediate 2 DV,(SA,(Independence,(PedalingErnst(Elegy((from(Three(Sonorous(Pictures) Morleo,(Luigi HoneyRock 2005 HS/C NA 3 NA 2 DV,(SI,(IndependenceMy(Dear(Friend((from(Vibes(Etudes(And(Songs) Rosauro,(Ney Pró(Percussão(Brasil 2002 Beg NA 3 ElemMInt 2 DampeningI.(Prelude((from(Prelude(and(Blues) Rosauro,(Ney Pró(Percussão(Brasil 1994 Int 4+ NA Advanced 2 DV,(Dampening,(PedalingI(for(Ben((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(2) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 2 DV,(Dampening,(PedalingIII(for(Adella((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(2) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 2 DV,(DampeningV(for(Gabriel((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(2) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 2 DVVIII(for(Pedro((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(2) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 2 DVIn(The(Stillness(Of(Twilight Steinquest,(David RowMLoff 2000 5(&(M/A MA NA NA 2 DV,(Dampening5.(Inaudible(As(Dreams((from(Six(Poems) Stright,(Robert Ludwig 1991 NA 5(&(A 4 Difficult 2 DVHickory(Trail((from(Solo(Vibraphone(Collection) Tachoir,(Marlène(&(Jerry Riohcat 1992 IntMAdv 4 NA NA 2 SI,(SA,(IndependenceVI.(Erinnerungen/Memories((from(Funny(Vibraphone(Book(I) Živković,(Nebojša(Jovan Gretel(Verlag 1994 E/Int 2(to(3 2 Elementary 2 DV

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub2Grade SW2Grade PMO2Grade PAS2Grade JH2Grade Primary2Reason(s)Lament((from(Recital(For(Vibraharp) Davis,(Thomas(L. C.L.(Barnhouse 1975 NA 4(to(5 4 NA 3 DV,(IndependenceValse(Trisque'((from(Recital(For(Vibraharp) Davis,(Thomas(L. C.L.(Barnhouse 1975 NA 4(to(5 4 NA 3 DV,(IndependenceDanny(Boy((from(All(Alone(By(The(Vibraphone) Feldman,(Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 3 IndependenceFinale(In(Five((from(All(Alone(By(The(Vibraphone) Feldman,(Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 3 Independence,(Dampening,(PedalingManhattan((from(All(Alone(By(The(Vibraphone) Feldman,(Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 3 Independence,(DampeningMax((from(All(Alone(By(The(Vibraphone) Feldman,(Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 3 DampeningChristina((from(Songs(For(Vibes) Fink,(Ron Fink 1981 NA 4+ 3 ElemMInt 3 IndependenceJill(Anne((from(Songs(For(Vibes Fink,(Ron Fink 1981 NA 4+ 3 ElemMInt 3 IndependenceLinda(Gail((from(Songs(For(Vibes) Fink,(Ron Fink 1981 NA 4+ 3 ElemMInt 3 IndependenceBop(On(The(Top Houllif,(Murray Kendor 2001 4+ NA NA Intermediate 3 IndependenceSuite(For(Solo(Vibraphone,(II. Lepak,(Alexander Windsor 1976 Diff 4(to(5 NA Advanced 3 DL,(Independence6.(Back(Porch(Swing((from(Solo(Jazz(Vibraphone(Etudes) Lipner,(Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3(&(M/Int NA NA 3 Pedaling11.(In(The(Stars((from(Solo(Jazz(Vibraphone(Etudes) Lipner,(Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3(&(M/Int NA NA 3 IndependenceA(January(Snowfall((from(Places(To(Visit) Lipner,(Arthur MalletWorks 1995 MD 3(to(5 4 Intermediate 3 DV12.(Marigolds((from(Solo(Jazz(Vibraphone(Etudes) Lipner,(Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3(&(M/Int NA NA 3 Independence1.(Nocturne((from(Solo(Jazz(Vibraphone(Etudes) Lipner,(Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3(&(M/Int NA NA 3 RollsEtude(in(Bossa((from(Vibes(Etudes(And(Songs) Rosauro,(Ney Pró(Percussão(Brasil 2002 Beg NA 3 ElemMInt 3 PedalingI(for(Willow((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(1) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2009 MD NA NA Intermediate 3 Independence,(DampeningII(for(Skylar((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(1) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2009 MD NA NA Intermediate 3 IndependenceIV(for(Pulico((from(Canções(Infantis(Book(2) Souza,(Ricardo(A.(Coelho(de C.(Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 3 SAAsk Spencer,(Julie Spencer(Blume(/(Norsk 1993 E/Int 4 NA NA 3 IndependenceLost(&(Found((from(Solo(Vibraphone(Collection) Tachoir,(Marlène(&(Jerry Riohcat 1992 IntMAdv 4 NA NA 3 Independence

143

LEVEL 4 & LEVEL 5 LITERATURE

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub2Grade SW2Grade PMO2Grade PAS2Grade JH2Grade Primary2Reason(s)Puerto'Vallarta Brown,'Thomas'A. Kendor 1999 6 5 2'&'4 Intermediate 4 IndependenceCatapult'(from'Solo) Burton,'Gary Creative 1966 NA 5 5 NA 4 SI,'SA,'Combo'stroke,'IndependenceBackwoods'Blues'(from'All'Alone'By'The'Vibraphone) Feldman,'Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 4 SIHaunted'Ballroom'(from'All'Alone'By'The'Vibraphone) Feldman,'Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 4 Combo'strokeMirror'From'Another'(from'Mirror'From'Another) Friedman,'David Alfred 1987 NA 5+ 4 IntSAdv 4 SA,'Combo'stroke,'IndependenceOlana Gann,'Kyle Frog'Peak 2007 NA NA 5 NA 4 IndependenceSnowbird'(from'Wallflower,'Snowbird,'Carillon) Gibson,'Gary Studio'4 1985 Int 6 3 Advanced 4 SIWallflower'(from'Wallflower,'Snowbird,'Carillon) Gibson,'Gary Studio'4 1985 Int 6 3 Advanced 4 Combo'stroke,'DampeningMotion Gottry,'Josh Studio'4 2000 NA NA 3 NA 4 SI,'TS,'IndependenceMist Houllif,'Murray Kendor 1982 4.5 4+ NA Intermediate 4 DV,'Combo'stroke,'IndependenceTranquility Houllif,'Murray Ludwig 1979 NA 4+ NA IntSAdv 4 TSWith'A'Hazy'Motion'(from'Trilogy) Huesgen,'Tim Meredith 1985 NA 4'&'MSMA NA NA 4 IndependenceFantasy'On'A'Shona'Theme Kotche,'Glenn Alfred 2006 3'(Medium) 4 NA NA 4 Combo'stroke,'Independence4.'A'Beach'Scene'(from'Solo'Jazz'Vibraphone'Etudes) Lipner,'Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3'&'M/Int NA NA 4 SI,'SA,'Independence,'Pedaling3.'Foreign'Intrigue'(from'Solo'Jazz'Vibraphone'Etudes) Lipner,'Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3'&'M/Int NA NA 4 SI,'IndependenceLullaby Long,'Patrick Longsound.com 1992 NA NA NA NA 4 DV,'SA,'Independence1.'Minister'Of'Grace'(from'Imageries) Metzger,'Jon C.'Alan 2002 MD MA 4 Intermediate 4 IndependenceVI'for'Henrique'(from'Canções'Infantis'Book'1) Souza,'Ricardo'A.'Coelho'de C.'Alan 2009 MD NA NA Intermediate 4 SAVII'for'Brenda'(from'Canções'Infantis'Book'1) Souza,'Ricardo'A.'Coelho'de C.'Alan 2009 MD NA NA Intermediate 4 DampeningEarth'Poem'(from'Solo'Vibraphone'Collection) Tachoir,'Marlène'&'Jerry Riohcat 1992 IntSAdv 4 NA NA 4 SI,'SA,'IndependenceIX.'Ballade'(from'Funny'Vibraphone'Book'I) Živković,'Nebojša'Jovan Gretel'Verlag 1994 E/Int 2'to'3 2 Elementary 4 SA,'IndependenceX.'RockSSong'(from'Funny'Vibraphone'Book'I) Živković,'Nebojša'Jovan Gretel'Verlag 1994 E/Int 2'to'3 2 Elementary 4 IndependenceVII.'Walzer/Waltz'(from'Funny'Vibraphone'Book'I) Živković,'Nebojša'Jovan Gretel'Verlag 1994 E/Int 2'to'3 2 Elementary 4 SA,'Independence,'Pedaling

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub2Grade SW2Grade PMO2Grade PAS2Grade JH2Grade Primary2Reason(s)V.'Light'and'Airy'(from'Reminiscence) Briggs,'Thomas Pioneer 1991 NA 4 4 Advanced 5 DV,'SIII.'Tonal'Succession'(from'Reminiscence) Briggs,'Thomas Pioneer 1991 NA 4 4 Advanced 5 DV,'SIEssence Brown,'Thomas'A. Southern 1984 2'&'4'&'5.5S6 3 2 NA 5 SA,'IndependenceFelicidade'(from'All'Alone'By'The'Vibraphone) Feldman,'Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 5 DVLooking'Back'(from'Mirror'From'Another) Friedman,'David Alfred 1987 NA 5+ 4 IntSAdv 5 Combo'stroke,'DampeningCaribe'Vibe'(from'Places'To'Visit) Lipner,'Arthur MalletWorks 1995 MD 3'to'5 4 Intermediate 5 SACrystal'Mallet Lipner,'Arthur MalletWorks 1995 M 4+'&'Int 3'&'4 Intermediate 5 SA,'DL8.'Heartsong'(from'Solo'Jazz'Vibraphone'Etudes) Lipner,'Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3'&'M/Int NA NA 5 IndependenceNightcrawler'(from'Places'To'Visit) Lipner,'Arthur MalletWorks 1995 MD 3'to'5 4 Intermediate 5 Independence5.'Tranquille'(from'Solo'Jazz'Vibraphone'Etudes) Lipner,'Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3'&'M/Int NA NA 5 SA9.'Two'Bass'Vibes'(from'Solo'Jazz'Vibraphone'Etudes) Lipner,'Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3'&'M/Int NA NA 5 Combo'stroke,'Dampening,'PedalingV.'Call'Back'To'Me'(from'Five'Pieces'For'Vibraphone) Metzger,'Jon C.'Alan 2000 E/M NA 1 Intermediate 5 DLMayflower'(from'Music'Of'The'Day) Molenhof,'Bill Kendor 1977 5 5'&'MSA NA Advanced 5 SIPrecision'(from'Music'Of'The'Day) Molenhof,'Bill Kendor 1977 5 5'&'MSA NA Advanced 5 DL,'TSWaltz'King'(from'Music'Of'The'Day) Molenhof,'Bill Kendor 1977 5 5'&'MSA NA Advanced 5 SI,'Combo'strokeChildren'Song'(from'Vibes'Etudes'And'Songs) Rosauro,'Ney Pró'Percussão'Brasil 2002 Beg NA 3 ElemSInt 5 SIFirst'Steps'(from'Vibes'Etudes'And'Songs) Rosauro,'Ney Pró'Percussão'Brasil 2002 Beg NA 3 ElemSInt 5 Combo'strokeII'for'Johnny'(from'Canções'Infantis'Book'2) Souza,'Ricardo'A.'Coelho'de C.'Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 5 DL,'TS,'Combo'strokeVII'for'Adelaide'(from'Canções'Infantis'Book'2) Souza,'Ricardo'A.'Coelho'de C.'Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 5 SAX'for'Zachary'(from'Canções'Infantis'Book'1) Souza,'Ricardo'A.'Coelho'de C.'Alan 2009 MD NA NA Intermediate 5 DL1.'Brought'Forth'in'Purple'(from'Six'Poems) Stright,'Robert Ludwig 1991 NA 5'&'A 4 Difficult 5 DV,'SIGlass'House'(from'Solo'Vibraphone'Collection) Tachoir,'Marlène'&'Jerry Riohcat 1992 IntSAdv 4 NA NA 5 SI,'Combo'strokeIII.'Justice'(from'Internal'Evidence) Weir,'Martin'P. HoneyRock 1997 HS/C 4+ 3 Advanced 5 DLVIII.'Heinz'On'Hawaii'(from'Funny'Vibraphone'Book'I) Živković,'Nebojša'Jovan Gretel'Verlag 1994 E/Int 2'to'3 2 Elementary 5 DV,'Pedaling

144

LEVEL 6 & LEVEL 7 LITERATURE

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub2Grade SW2Grade PMO2Grade PAS2Grade JH2Grade Primary2Reason(s)Absolute)Journey)Music Bridge,)Robert Kendor 2006 6 6 3 Advanced 6 SI,)Combo)stroke,)Independence,)RollsSun)Shadows Brown,)Thomas)A. Kendor 1985 6 4+ NA NA 6 SA,)Combo)strokeChildhood)(from)Solo) Burton,)Gary Creative 1966 NA 5 5 NA 6 DL,)DampeningGoldengate)Park)(from)Three)Brothers) Combs,)J.C. C.)Alan 2000 M 5 4 NA 6 SITrance)(from)Mirror)From)Another) Friedman,)David Alfred 1987 NA 5+ 4 IntVAdv 6 DVCarillon)(from)Wallflower,)Snowbird,)Carillon) Gibson,)Gary Studio)4 1985 Int 6 3 Advanced 6 SA,)Combo)strokeBroken)Silence)(from)Vibraphone)Suite)No.)1) Glentworth,)Mark Glentworth)/)KPP 2002 A 5 NA Advanced 6 DVSonata)Brevis,)III. Helble,)Raymond Studio)4 1978 A 6 5+ Difficult 6 DV,)TS,)Combo)strokePaint)Me)A)Sky Hunter,)Jeff C.)Alan 1992 M 5 3 Advanced 6 SASuite,)V. Lang,)Michael Southern 1977 5 NA NA IntVAdv 6 DVThree)Caprices)for)Vibraphone,)II. Leibowitz,)René BoelkeVBomart)/)Schott 1977 NA NA NA NA 6 SA,)DL,)TSThree)Caprices)for)Vibraphone,)III. Leibowitz,)René BoelkeVBomart)/)Schott 1977 NA NA NA NA 6 SA,)Combo)strokeSuite)For)Solo)Vibraphone,)I. Lepak,)Alexander Windsor 1976 Diff 4)to)5 NA Advanced 6 DLSuite)For)Solo)Vibraphone,)III. Lepak,)Alexander Windsor 1976 Diff 4)to)5 NA Advanced 6 Combo)stroke7.)S'a)Mambo)(from)Solo)Jazz)Vibraphone)Etudes) Lipner,)Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3)&)M/Int NA NA 6 Dampening,)PedalingEver)Inward Macbride,)David Paul)Price 1978 M/D 5 NA NA 6 DV,)SI,)"Variable)phrases"Beach)Street)Years,)II.)Jungle)Talk)V)Wasted)Talk)(from)New)Works...) Molenhof,)Bill Kendor 1981 6 4 5 Advanced 6 SAWave)Motion)(from)Music)Of)The)Day) Molenhof,)Bill Kendor 1977 5 5)&)MVA NA Advanced 6 SI,)DL,)Combo)strokeFrida's)Tango)(from)Three)Sonorous)Pictures) Morleo,)Luigi HoneyRock 2005 HS/C NA 3 NA 6 SARipples)In)The)Water Muñiz,)Jessica HoneyRock 2008 HS/C 4 NA Elementary 6 DVII.)Blues)(from)Prelude)and)Blues) Rosauro,)Ney Pró)Percussão)Brasil 1994 Int 4+ NA Advanced 6 SI,)Combo)strokeIV)for)Izabela)(from)Canções)Infantis)Book)1) Souza,)Ricardo)A.)Coelho)de C.)Alan 2009 MD NA NA Intermediate 6 DVIX)for)Blake)(from)Canções)Infantis)Book)1) Souza,)Ricardo)A.)Coelho)de C.)Alan 2009 MD NA NA Intermediate 6 DVSonata)for)Solo)Vibraphone Steiner,)Gitta Somers 1984 NA 5+ NA NA 6 Combo)stroke,)Arpeggiated)chords3.)Abstruser)Musings)(from)Six)Poems) Stright,)Robert Ludwig 1991 NA 5)&)A 4 Difficult 6 Independence,)Rolls,)Extended)techniques2.)A)Freshening)Lustre)(from)Six)Poems) Stright,)Robert Ludwig 1991 NA 5)&)A 4 Difficult 6 DLSpring)Hill)(from)Solo)Vibraphone)Collection) Tachoir,)Marlène)&)Jerry Riohcat 1992 IntVAdv 4 NA NA 6 SISuomineito Živković,)Nebojša)Jovan Gretel)Verlag 2004 NA 5 5 NA 6 SI,)Independence

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub2Grade SW2Grade PMO2Grade PAS2Grade JH2Grade Primary2Reason(s)III.)Fugue)(from)Reminiscence) Briggs,)Thomas Pioneer 1991 NA 4 4 Advanced 7 SIEnihs)(from)Solo) Burton,)Gary Creative 1966 NA 5 5 NA 7 SA,)Combo)strokeNashville)Vibe)(from)Three)Brothers) Combs,)J.C. C.)Alan 2000 M 5 4 NA 7 SIReflections Combs,)J.C. C.)Alan 1992 M 5 4 NA 7 SIEncantada Daughtrey,)Nathan C.)Alan 2010 M/MD 4)&)M 4 Intermediate 7 IndependenceThe)Apocryphal)Still)Life Deane,)Christopher Innovative 1996 NA 5+ 5 Advanced 7 SA,)Independence,)Extended)techniquesRockavibabe)(from)All)Alone)By)The)Vibraphone) Feldman,)Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 7 DV,)Combo)strokeToo)Blue)(from)All)Alone)By)The)Vibraphone) Feldman,)Victor Gwyn 1971 NA NA 5 Advanced 7 Combo)strokeKoda Freicher,)Jan HoneyRock 2009 C/P NA NA Intermediate 7 SI,)Combo)strokeVienna)(from)Mirror)From)Another) Friedman,)David Alfred 1987 NA 5+ 4 IntVAdv 7 Combo)strokeWind)(from)Mirror)From)Another) Friedman,)David Alfred 1987 NA 5+ 4 IntVAdv 7 Combo)strokeII.)A)Spring)Day)(from)Reflections) Glassock,)Lynn Studio)4 1992 A 6 5 NA 7 SA,)Combo)strokeIII.)The)Wind)(from)Reflections) Glassock,)Lynn Studio)4 1992 A 6 5 NA 7 DV,)Combo)stroke,)IndependenceA)Vision)In)A)Dream)(from)Trilogy) Huesgen,)Tim Meredith 1985 NA 4)&)MVMA NA NA 7 SA,)Combo)strokeThree)Caprices)for)Vibraphone,)I. Leibowitz,)René BoelkeVBomart)/)Schott 1977 NA NA NA NA 7 SI,)DLSoho)(from)Places)To)Visit) Lipner,)Arthur MalletWorks 1995 MD 3)to)5 4 Intermediate 7 DV,)SI10.)Solo)Accompaniment)(from)Solo)Jazz)Vibraphone)Etudes) Lipner,)Arthur Ludwig 1990 3 3)&)M/Int NA NA 7 DV,)Pedaling(Almost))The)Amazing)Spiderman)(from)New)Works)For)New)Times) Molenhof,)Bill Kendor 1981 6 4 5 Advanced 7 SI,)SA,)Combo)strokeBeach)Street)Years,)III.)So)Far)To)Go)(from)New)Works)For)New)Times) Molenhof,)Bill Kendor 1981 6 4 5 Advanced 7 Combo)strokeMusic)Of)The)Day)(from)Music)Of)The)Day) Molenhof,)Bill Kendor 1977 5 5)&)MVA NA Advanced 7 SI,)Combo)strokeVisual)Image)(from)Music)Of)The)Day) Molenhof,)Bill Kendor 1977 5 5)&)MVA NA Advanced 7 SIXI)for)Gavin)(from)Canções)Infantis)Book)2) Souza,)Ricardo)A.)Coelho)de C.)Alan 2010 MD MD NA Intermediate 7 SA

145

LEVEL 7 (continued), LEVEL 8, LEVEL 9, & LEVEL 10 LITERATURE

Circle'Blue'(from'Solo'Vibraphone'Collection) Tachoir,'Marlène'&'Jerry Riohcat 1992 IntCAdv 4 NA NA 7 Combo'strokeTears'Of'Long'Lost'Love Ukena,'Todd'A. Southern 1994 4 4 NA Intermediate 7 SI,'PedalingII.'In'The'Shadows'(from'Internal'Evidence) Weir,'Martin'P. HoneyRock 1997 HS/C 4+ 3 Advanced 7 SI

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub3Grade SW3Grade PMO3Grade PAS3Grade JH3Grade Primary3Reason(s)I.'Forceful'(from'Reminiscence) Briggs,'Thomas Pioneer 1991 NA 4 4 Advanced 8 Combo'strokeChiCTown'Monk'(from'Three'Brothers) Combs,'J.C. C.'Alan 2000 M 5 4 NA 8 DVOne'For'Paquito Combs,'J.C. C.'Alan 1998 M 4 3 NA 8 SIMidnight'Star'(from'Mirror'From'Another) Friedman,'David Alfred 1987 NA 5+ 4 IntCAdv 8 DVBlues'For'Gilbert Glentworth,'Mark Zimmermann 1983 NA 5+'&'MA 4 Intermediate 8 SI,'RollsIlmo'(from'Vibraphone'Suite'No.'1) Glentworth,'Mark KPP 2004 A 5+ NA Difficult 8 Combo'stroke,'RollsSonata'Brevis,'II. Helble,'Raymond Studio'4 1978 A 6 5+ Difficult 8 Combo'strokeContemplation Houllif,'Murray Permus 1977 NA 5+ 5 Int/Adv 8 SIKaleidoscope Lipner,'Arthur MalletWorks 1995 M/MA 5'&'Int/Adv 4'&'5 Advanced 8 DVKayak'(from'Places'To'Visit) Lipner,'Arthur MalletWorks 1995 MD 3'to'5 4 Intermediate 8 Combo'strokeAnd'The'Mountains'Remain'(from'New'Works'For'New'Times) Molenhof,'Bill Kendor 1981 6 4 5 Advanced 8 SA,'Combo'strokeBeach'Street'Years,'I.'Anthem'(from'New'Works'For'New'Times) Molenhof,'Bill Kendor 1981 6 4 5 Advanced 8 DV,'Combo'strokeForeign'Films'(from'New'Works'For'New'Times) Molenhof,'Bill Kendor 1981 6 4 5 Advanced 8 Combo'strokeI.'Intrigue'(from'Internal'Evidence) Weir,'Martin'P. HoneyRock 1997 HS/C 4+ 3 Advanced 8 DV

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub3Grade SW3Grade PMO3Grade PAS3Grade JH3Grade Primary3Reason(s)Mourning'Dove'Sonnet Deane,'Christopher Earthshine'/'Innovative 1983 NA 5+ 5 NA 9 Independence,'Extended'techniquesSong'Of'The'Libra Gaetano,'Mario Music'for'Percussion 1984 NA 5+ 1 Advanced 9 DV,'SI3.'A'Glorious'Secret'(from'Imageries) Metzger,'Jon C.'Alan 2002 MD MA 4 Intermediate 9 DVA'Family'Of'Teachers'(from'New'Works'For'New'Times) Molenhof,'Bill Kendor 1981 6 4 5 Advanced 9 SA,'Combo'strokeTamara's'Tango'(from'Three'Sonorous'Pictures) Morleo,'Luigi HoneyRock 2005 HS/C NA 3 NA 9 DV3.'Lied'C'Song'(from'Sonata:'Periods'Of'The'Life) Rosauro,'Ney Zimmermann 1986 Int 5'&'MA 3 Advanced 9 DV4.'A'Dancing'Shape'(from'Six'Poems) Stright,'Robert Ludwig 1991 NA 5'&'A 4 Difficult 9 SI6.'Echo'Seeking'Of'Itself'(from'Six'Poems) Stright,'Robert Ludwig 1991 NA 5'&'A 4 Difficult 9 DV

Title Composer Publisher Date Pub3Grade SW3Grade PMO3Grade PAS3Grade JH3Grade Primary3Reason(s)Ajax'Men'Of'Science'(from'Solo) Burton,'Gary Creative 1966 NA 5 5 NA 10 SI,'Combo'strokeI.'A'New'Year's'Fanfare'(from'Reflections) Glassock,'Lynn Studio'4 1992 A 6 5 NA 10 Combo'strokeSonata'Brevis,'I. Helble,'Raymond Studio'4 1978 A 6 5+ Difficult 10 SISchickstück Hibbard,'William ACA 1981 NA NA 4 NA 10 SI'(16th'linear'lines)

KEY:

M'='Medium DV'='Double'Vertical'StrokesMA'='Medium'Advanced SI'='Single'Independent'StrokesMD'='Medium'Difficult SA'='Single'Alternating'StrokesHS/C'='High'School'/'College DL'='Double'Lateral'StrokesE/Int'='Elementary'/'Intermediate TS'='Triple'StrokesC/P'='College'/'ProfessionalNA'='Not'Available

! 146

APPENDIX B:

LETTERS OF PERMISSION

Permissions From Publishers

Original message requesting for permission from publishers of musical examples: To Whom It May Concern: My name is Jeff Hewitt, and I am currently completing my final research document in partial fulfillment of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Arizona. My research is titled “The Objective Grading of Original Unaccompanied Four-Mallet Solo Vibraphone Literature,” and I have analyzed some of your published pieces to determine their difficulty levels. Within the annotations of several selected pieces that I am writing, I also wish to include brief examples of the actual music that will include approximately 1–4 measures of an excerpt. I am contacting you to ask for permission to use these excerpts in my research document. The works that I plan to annotate (with musical examples) include the following from your catalog: (Title of composition – Composer) Sincerely, Jeff Hewitt

Alfred “Mirror From Another” (from Mirror From Another) – David Freidman

from: Troy Schreck <[email protected]>

to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]> date: Tue, May 13, 2014 at 3:04 PM

subject: RE: Permission Request Hi Jeff, Thanks for your request to use excerpts from our score. I am attaching a letter of permission allowing you to use these examples as outlined in your email below at no charge. Please read over the license and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much for your interest in our music and best of luck with your paper and degree!

! 147

Best regards, Troy Schreck Contract and Licensing Administrator Alfred Music P.O. Box 10003 • Van Nuys, CA 91410-0003 (818) 891-5999 x183 | (818) 895-4875 fax

REPRINT AUTHORIZATION LETTER May 13, 2014 Jeffrey A Hewitt Doctoral Candidate University of Arizona Email: [email protected] Re: Mirror From Another (0335B) – Research Paper Dear Jeffrey, With respect to your request, this letter will serve as our authorization to you to reprint music from the above referenced Composition(s) into your research paper in partial fulfillment of your Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Arizona. This item is not be sold or made available to the general public without further permission. This permission is granted to you at no charge. Any copies made must include the following copyright notices:

MIRROR FROM ANOTHER By DAVID FRIEDMAN

© 1987 BELWIN-MILLS PUBLISHING CORP., A Division of ALFRED MUSIC

All Rights Reserved

In the event your project is canceled, please write VOID and return this letter to us. If we might be of service in the future, please let us know. Sincerely,

! 148

ALFRED PUBLISHING CO., INC. Troy Schreck Business & Legal Affairs Contract & Licensing Administrator (818) 891-4875 Fax [email protected]

C. Alan Encantada – Nathan Daughtrey

“3. A Glorious Secret” (from Imageries) – Jon Metzger “II for Johnny” (from Canções Infantis Book 2) – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza “X for Abby” (from Canções Infantis Book 2) – Ricardo A. Coelho de Souza

from: Cort McClaren <[email protected]>

to: [email protected] date: Tue, May 6, 2014 at 7:59 AM

subject: Permission Dear Jeff: You are hereby granted permission to insert excerpts in your dissertation as described in your email May 5, 2014. The excerpts must accurately represent the published product. All copyright considerations are considered understood and includes, but are not limited to, sale of the document or receiving compensation in any way. We look forward to receiving a complimentary copy of the document. Best to you in the successful completion of your degree. Respectfully, Cort McClaren, President C.Alan Publications Cort McClaren C. Alan Publications PO Box 29323 Greensboro, NC 27429 www.c-alanpublications.com

! 149

C. L. Barnhouse “Lament” (from Recital For Vibraharp) – Thomas L. Davis

from: [email protected]

to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]> date: Wed, May 7, 2014 at 7:14 AM

subject: Re: Permission Request Jeff:

No problem. Please credit "(c) C. L. Barnhouse Co.; used with permission" below the excerpt.

--- Andrew Glover Executive Vice President C. L. Barnhouse Co. P. O. Box 680 Oskaloosa, IA 52577-0680 (641) 673-8397 Fax (641) 673-4718 [email protected]

Creative “Ajax Men Of Science” (from Solo) – Gary Burton


to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]> date: Sat, Aug 16, 2014 at 8:24 AM

subject: Re: Permission Request As publisher of the Gary Burton SOLO - Six Unaccompanied Solos for Vibes, Creative Music hereby grants you permission to reproduce selected measures from the solo "Ajax Men of Science" in your research work titled; "The Objective Grading of Original Unaccompanied Four-Mallet Solo Vibraphone Literature." Thank you for your interest in Gary Burton works. We would appreciate a copy of your final research. Personal regards, Dick Schory Owner of Creative Music

! 150

Earthshine Mourning Dove Sonnet – Christopher Deane

from: Deane, Christopher <[email protected]>

to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]> date: Wed, May 7, 2014 at 12:15 PM

subject: Re: Permission Request Greetings Jeff, You can us the following sentence to prove you have my permission: Jeff Hewitt has my permission to use printed excerpts of any length of my vibraphone compositions The Apocryphal Still Life and Mourning Dove Sonnet in his research. Christopher Deane Associate Professor of Percussion UNT College of Music

Fink “Anna” (from Songs For Vibes) – Ron Fink

from: ron fink <[email protected]>

to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]> date: Tue, May 6, 2014 at 4:36 PM

subject: Re: Permission Request Jeff, you have my permission. I have 6 titles of tunes that I did for vibes, so I assume you have seen all of them. Let me know how it comes out. Good luck on your pursuit of the degree and best to Professor Weinberg. Regards, Ron

Gretel Verlag “Waltzer/Waltz” (from Funny Vibraphone Book I) – Nebojša Jovan Živković

from: Werner Bornhorst <[email protected]>


subject: AW: Permission Request

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Dear Jeff Hewitt, with this E-mail if give the permission of Gretel Verlag Germany and N.J. Zivkovic, to use excerpts of Waltzer/Waltz (from Funny Vibraphone Book I) - N.J. Zivkovic in your research document “The Objective Grading of Original Unaccompanied Four-Mallet Solo Vibraphone Literature,” ! Thank you for asking and best regards Werner Bornhorst G. Stengert & W. Bornhorst Gretel Verlag • Maximilianstr. 3 • 49413 Dinklage • Germany Phone + 49 44 43 31 45 • Fax + 49 44 43 37 94 Email: [email protected]

GWYN / Good Vibes Music “Finale in Five” (from All Alone By The Vibraphone) – Victor Feldman

from: Josh <[email protected]>

to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]> date: Tue, Jun 17, 2014 at 12:54 PM

subject: Re: Victor Feldman publishing question Hi Jeff, I hereby grant you permission to use the excerpts from Finale In Five in your research document. All the best! Josh Feldman Good Vibes Music

Innovative The Apocryphal Still Life – Christopher Deane

from: Alex Liou <[email protected]>

to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]> date: Wed, May 7, 2014 at 7:42 AM

subject: RE: Permission Request Hello Jeffrey,

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You are correct about contacting Christopher directly for permission. He owns the copyright to these publications, we simply distribute them for him. Here is his email: [email protected]. Sincerely, Alex Liou Customer Service 470 Metroplex Drive, Suite 214 Nashville, TN 37211 Phone: 615.333.9388 Fax: 615.333.9354

from: Deane, Christopher <[email protected]> to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>

date: Wed, May 7, 2014 at 12:15 PM subject: Re: Permission Request

Greetings Jeff, You can us the following sentence to prove you have my permission: Jeff Hewitt has my permission to use printed excerpts of any length of my vibraphone compositions The Apocryphal Still Life and Mourning Dove Sonnet in his research. Christopher Deane Associate Professor of Percussion UNT College of Music

Kendor Absolute Journey Music – Robert Bridge

Mist – Murray Houllif “And The Mountains Remain” (from New Works For New Times) – Bill Molenhof

“Waltz King” (from Music Of The Day) – Bill Molenhof

from: Mendy Varga <[email protected]> to: [email protected]

date: Thu, May 8, 2014 at 6:50 AM subject: RE: Permission Request

Mr. Hewitt,

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Thanks for your email. You have our permission to include brief excerpts of the Kendor publications listed below. All fees for this permission have been waived. Thank you for your interest in Kendor Music publications. Sincerely, Mendy Varga Copyright Administrator Kendor Music, Inc. 518.280.1000

Ludwig “Two Bass Vibes” (from Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes) – Arthur Lipner

“3. Abstruser Musings” (from Six Poems) – Robert Stright

from: Brian Stanley <[email protected]> to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>

date: Wed, May 7, 2014 at 4:35 AM subject: Re: Permission Request

Permission granted as requested. We ask that you give credit to the publisher in your document. EF Kalmus/LMP

MalletWorks Kaleidoscope – Arthur Lipner

from: Arthur Lipner Music <[email protected]>

reply-to: Arthur Lipner Music <[email protected]> to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>


Hey Jeff I was on tour in Iceland and Turkey..Sure use the piece as you have described. Thanks and best Arthur ps - where did you find the [email protected], address? It's about 10 yrs old and should be corrected if it still resides somewhere..

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Arthur Lipner Vibes/Marimba/Educator/Composer PO Box 302 Wilton CT 06897 USA www.arthurlipner.com studio: 212.288.1133 cell: 203.918.2916 skype: arthurlipner

Music For Percussion / Colla Voce Daybreak – Clifford K. Chapman

Song Of The Libra – Mario Gaetano

from: Chris Matthews <[email protected]> to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>

date: Thu, May 8, 2014 at 4:40 AM subject: Re: Permission Request

Jeff: Here is your permission letter. If you have any questions concerning this document, please do not hesitate to ask. Chris Matthews Operations Manager www.collavoce.com 317.466.0624 [email protected] Permission Letter

Jeff Hewitt 415 E. University Blvd., #127 Tucson, AZ 85705

May 8, 2014

Permission is hereby granted for Jeff Hewitt to use excerpts from the following title(s) in his research document entitled “The Objective Grading of Original Unaccompanied Four-Mallet Solo Vibraphone Literature”. This permission is granted free-of-charge.

Daybreak (55-75007)

Measures 24-27

Music by Clifford K. Chapman Copyright © 2001, 2013 Transferred to Colla Voce

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Music

Song of the Libra (55-75033)

Measures 86, 88, 134-135

Music by Mario Gaetano Copyright © 2001, 2013 Transferred to Colla Voce Music

Frederick M. Hatfield, Jr., President

/cm

Pró Percussão Brasil “Prelude” (from Prelude and Blues) – Ney Rosauro

from: Pro Percussao Brasil <[email protected]>

reply-to: [email protected] to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>

date: Thu, May 8, 2014 at 9:06 AM subject: re: Permission Request

Dear Jeff, Mr. Rosauro' grants you herewith the permission to use an excerpt of approximately 1 - 4 measures of his piece Prelude (from Prelude and Blues) for your final research document for the University of Arizona. Mr. Rosauro says Hi. He remembers you well and sends you a hug and congratulations for your DMA. Let me know if you need any further assistance. Warm Regards, Carolina Orders PPBR

Riohcat “Hickory Trail” (from Solo Vibraphone Collection) – Marlène & Jerry Tachoir

from: Jerry Tachoir <[email protected]>

to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>

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date: Tue, May 6, 2014 at 2:44 PM subject: Re: Permission Request

Jeff You have permission to use Hickory Trail for your research. Best of luck. Sincerely, Jerry Tachoir

Row-Loff In The Stillness of Twilight – David Steinquest

from: Chris Crockarell <[email protected]>

to: [email protected] date: Tue, May 6, 2014 at 2:38 PM

subject: Re: Permission Request Yes, Jeff. You have our permission to use a 4 bar excerpt from this piece. Good luck on the paper. Chris Crockarell President/ Row-Loff Productions [email protected] 800-624-8001

Studio 4 “Carillon” (from Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon) – Gary Gibson “I. A New Year’s Fanfare” (from Reflections) – Lynn Glassock

“III. The Wind” (from Reflections) – Lynn Glassock Sonata Brevis, I. – Raymond Helble

from: MPI <[email protected]>


subject: Re: Permission Request Dear Mr. Hewitt, Marimba Productions Inc. grants the permission to use 1-4 measure excerpts from the following pieces: "Carillon" by Gary Gibson

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"Reflections" by Lynn Glassock "Sonata Brevis, I" by Raymond Helble Please include the following next to each excerpt: ©(copyright year) Studio 4 Music by Marimba Productions Inc., used with permission Keep this email for your records and please send a copy of the document upon completion. Thank you. Sincerely, Alex Cofone ------------------------------------------ Marimba Productions, Inc. [email protected] www.mostlymarimba.com Phone: 732-774-0011 Fax: 732-774-0033

Windsor Suite For Solo Vibraphone, II. – Alexander Lepak


to: [email protected] date: Tue, May 13, 2014 at 3:35 PM

subject: Re: Permission Request Hi Jeff, We just sold Windsor Music publications to the Pro Drum Shop in Hollywood California. Please forward to Stan at [email protected]. Thanks, Peter Lepak

from: [email protected] to: [email protected]

date: Thu, May 15, 2014 at 7:31 AM subject: Re: Permission Request

Hi Jeff....Yes you can use a few measures for your examples......Stan

! 158

Zimmermann

Blues For Gilbert – Mark Glentworth

from: Musikverlag Zimmermann - Saskia Bieber <[email protected]> to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>


Dear Mr. Hewitt, Musikverlag Zimmermann is the sole copyright holder of Mark Glentworth, Blues for Gilbert. Permission is granted for the insertion of approx. 4 measures of an excerpt in your doctoral dissertation. The use is free of charge if the following criteria are fulfilled:

The material will not be published and cannot be reproduced. Any other use is specifically prohibited. Full acknowledgment must be given to the author, title, and publisher and the following statement will be added: “Copyright 1982 by Musikverlag Zimmermann, Germany”.

This e-mail serves as Zimmermann's official permission for using the above material in this way. This free permission is not applicable when an additional fee is charged for the material or when the material is reprinted in a commercial publication or published in any other way. For reprint, photocopy, or digital/electronic permission, contact us again. One complimentary photocopy of the part (article) of dissertation, including the excerpts, shall be sent to the Licensor on date of completion. Yours sincerely, Saskia Bieber Copyright Dept. Saskia Bieber Print Licensing Manager Rechts- und Lizenzabteilung Musikverlag Zimmermann GmbH & Co. KG Am Dornbusch 24-26 64390 Erzhausen • Germany Phone +49 (0) 6150/86775-0 Fax +49 (0) 6150/86775-19 [email protected] www.musikverlag-zimmermann.de

! 159

Permission from Julia Gaines

Original message requesting for permission to use Gaines’ marimba research as a model for the research found in this document: Dear Dr. Gaines, Having served as a research assistant for you on grading marimba literature, I have used this topic as a model for my own research document titled "The Objective Grading of Original Unaccompanied Four-Mallet Solo Vibraphone Literature." Because several aspects of these two areas of research are similar, I am requesting a statement of permission from you to include within the appendix of my document. Sincerely, Jeff Hewitt

from: Gaines, Julia R. <[email protected]> to: Jeffrey A Hewitt <[email protected]>

date: Mon, Sep 22, 2014 at 3:13 PM subject: Re: Permission Request

You have my permission to use the model created for my research of four-mallet marimba literature in your own research. Julia Gaines

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REFERENCES

Lectures

Gaines, Julia. “An Objective Grading System for Four-Mallet Marimba Literature: The Creation of Performance Levels.” Research presented at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Austin, Tex., November 7, 2008. ________. “The Objective Grading of Four-Mallet Marimba Literature: The Creation of Performance Levels (2011 Update).” Research presented at the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, Lubbock, Tex., May 24, 2011.

Method Books Bobo, Kevin. Permutations For the Advanced Marimbist. Asbury Park, N.J.: Keyboard Percussion Publications, 2007. Friedman, David. Vibraphone Technique: Dampening and Pedaling. Boston: Berklee Press, 1973. Gaines, Julia. Sequential Studies for Four-Mallet Marimba: Level 1, …the Very Beginning. Edited by Brian Tate. Columbia, Mo.: Gaines, 2011. Magrath, Jane. The Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature: An Invaluable Resource of Piano Literature from Baroque through Contemporary Periods for Teachers, Students and Performers. Van Nuys, Calif.: Alfred, 1995. Peters, Mitchell. Fundamental Method for Mallets: Book 1. Van Nuys, Calif.: Alfred, 1995. Stevens, Leigh Howard. Method of Movement for Marimba: Revised and Expanded. Asbury Park, N.J.: Keyboard Percussion Publications, 1990.

Musical Scores Bridge, Robert. Absolute Journey Music. Delevan: N.Y.: Kendor, 2006. Briggs, Thomas. Reminiscence. Burke, Va.: Pioneer, 1991. Brown, Thomas A. Essence. San Antonio: Southern, 1984.

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________. Puerto Vallarta. Delevan, N.Y.: Kendor, 1999. ________. Sun Shadows. Delevan, N.Y.: Kendor, 1985. Burton, Gary. Solo. Glenview, Ill.: Creative, 1966. Chapman, Clifford K. Daybreak. New York: Music For Percussion, 1974. Combs, J.C. One For Paquito. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 1998. ________. Reflections. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 1992. ________. Three Brothers. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 2000. Daughtrey, Nathan. Encantada. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 2010. Davis, Thomas L. Recital For Vibraharp. Oskaloosa, Iowa: C. L. Barnhouse, 1975. Deane, Christopher. The Apocryphal Still Life. Nashville: Innovative, 1996. ________. Mourning Dove Sonnet. Rolesville, N.C.: Earthshine, 1983. Feldman, Victor. All Alone By The Vibraphone. Sherman Oaks, Calif.: Gwyn, 1971. Fink, Ron. Songs For Vibes. Denton, Tex.: Fink, 1981. Freicher, Jan. Koda. Everett, Pa.: HoneyRock, 2009. Friedman, David. Mirror From Another. Edited by Anthony Cirone. Van Nuys, Calif.: Alfred, 1987. Gaetano, Mario. Song Of The Libra. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: Music For Percussion, 1984. Gann, Kyle. Olana. Lebanon, N.H.: Frog Peak, 2007. Gibson, Gary. Wallflower, Snowbird, Carillon. Sherman Oaks, Calif.: Studio 4, 1985. Glassock, Lynn. Reflections. Northridge, Calif.: Studio 4, 1992. Glentworth, Mark. Blues For Gilbert. Frankfurt, Germany: Zimmermann, 1983. ________. Broken Silence. United Kingdom: Glentworth Music, 2002. ________. Ilmo. Asbury Park, N.J.: Keyboard Percussion Publications, 2004.

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Gottry, Josh. Motion. Granada Hills, Calif.: Studio 4, 2000. Helble, Raymond. Sonata Brevis. Northridge, Calif.: Studio 4, 1978. Hibbard, William. Schickstück. New York: American Composers Alliance, 1981. Houllif, Murray. Bop On The Top. Delevan, N.Y.: Kendor, 2001. ________. Contemplation. Columbus, Ohio: Permus, 1977. ________. Mist. Delevan, N.Y.: Kendor, 1982. ________. Tranquility. Cleveland: Ludwig, 1979. Huesgen, Tim. Trilogy. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: Meredith, 1990. Hunter, Jeff. Paint Me A Sky. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 1992. Kastuck, Steve. Crystal Light. Cleveland: Ludwig, 1979. Kotche, Glenn. Fantasy On A Shona Theme. Van Nuys, Calif.: Alfred, 2006. Lang, Michael. Suite For Vibraphone. San Antonio: Southern, 1977. Leibowitz, René. Three Caprices For Vibraphone, Op. 70. Paris: Boelke-Bomart, 1977. Lepak, Alexander. Suite For Solo Vibraphone. Windsor, Conn.: Windsor, 1976. Lipner, Arthur. Crystal Mallet. Stamford, Conn.: MalletWorks, 1995. ________. Kaleidoscope. Stamford, Conn.: MalletWorks, 1995. ________. Places To Visit. Stamford, Conn.: MalletWorks, 1995. ________. Solo Jazz Vibraphone Etudes. Boca Raton, Fla.: Ludwig Masters, 1990. Long, Patrick. Lullaby. Selinsgrove, Pa.: Longsound.com, 1992. Macbride, David. Ever Inward. Teanick, N.J.: Paul Price, 1978. Metzger, Jon. Five Pieces For Vibraphone. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 2000. ________. Imageries. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 2002. Molenhof, Bill. Music Of The Day. Delevan, N.Y.: Kendor, 1977.

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________. New Works For New Times. Delevan, N.Y.: Kendor, 1981. Morleo, Luigi. Three Sonorous Pictures. Everett, Pa.: HoneyRock, 2005. Muñiz, Jessica. Ripples In The Water. Everett, Pa.: HoneyRock, 2008. Rosauro, Ney. Prelude and Blues. Santa Maria, Brazil: Pró Percussão Brasil, 1994. ________. Sonata: Lebensabschnitte-Periods Of The Life. Frankfurt, Germany:

Zimmermann, 1986. ________. Vibes Etudes and Songs. Santa Maria, Brazil: Pró Percussão Brasil, 2002. Souza, Ricardo A. Coelho de. Canções Infantis (Children’s Songs), Book 1. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 2009. ________. Canções Infantis (Children’s Songs), Book 2. Greensboro, N.C.: C. Alan, 2010. Spencer, Julie. Ask. n.p., Spencer Blume, 1993. Steiner, Gitta. Sonata For Solo Vibraphone. Somers, Conn.: Somers, 1984. Steinquest, David. In The Stillness Of Twilight. Nashville: Row-Loff, 2000. Stright, Robert. Six Poems. Cleveland: Ludwig, 1991. Tachoir, Marlène and Jerry Tachoir. Solo Vibraphone Collection. Hendersonville, Tenn.: Riohcat, 1992. Ukena, Todd A. Tears Of Long Lost Love. San Antonio: Southern, 1994. Weir, Martin P. Internal Evidence. Everett, Pa.: HoneyRock, 1997. Živković, Nebojša Jovan. Funny Vibraphone Book I. Dinklage, Germany: Gretel Verlag, 1994. ________. Suomineito. Dinklage, Germany: Gretel Verlag, 2004.

Repertoire Databases and Lists Campbell, James. “University of Kentucky Percussion Studies 2013–2014: Repertoire.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://finearts.uky.edu/music/percussion/handbook/.

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Florida Bandmasters Association. “2010 Solo/Ensemble Music List.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://www.flmusiced.org/fba/dnn/Portals/0/MusicLists/

2013SoloEnsembleMasterList.pdf. 2013/. Indiana State School Music Association. “Percussion Solo and Ensemble Manual.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://www.issma.net/downloads/

percmanualgrp1.pdf/. Missouri State High School Activities Association. “MSHSAA Prescribed Graded Music List.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://festivalmanager.com/mshsaa/src/

top.htm/. Moore, Jeffrey M. “University of Central Florida Percussion Studio Handbook & Curriculum: Performance Repertoire.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://music.cah.ucf.edu/media/percussion/files/applied-percussion- curriculum.pdf/. Percussion Music Online. “Catalogue: Tuned Percussion.” Accessed May 15, 2013. http://www.percussionmusiconline.com/tuned-percussion.chtml/. Percussive Arts Society. “Compositions Research: Literature Reviews.” Accessed November 5, 2013. http://www.pas.org/Learn/compresearch.aspx/. Smith, J.B. “Arizona State University Percussion: Graduate Recital Pieces.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://music.asu.edu/percussion/students/documents/

gradrecitals1007.pdf/. ________. “Arizona State University Percussion: Undergraduate Recital Pieces.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://music.asu.edu/percussion/students/

documents/undergradrecital1007.pdf/. Steve Weiss Music. “Sheet Music, Books & Recordings: Mallet Instrument – Unaccomp. Solo.” Accessed May 15, 2013. http://www.steveweissmusic.com/

category/mallet-solo/. University Interscholastic League. “Prescribed Music List.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://www.utexas.edu/uil/pml/. Weinberg, Norman. “University of Arizona Percussion Studies Handbook:

Representative Materials.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://www.uapercussion.org/Information/Percussion%20Handbook%20Complete%20Summer%2013.pdf/.

Wisconsin School Music Association. “2013–2014 WSMA Music Festival List: Event

5321 – Vibraphone Solo.” Accessed September 6, 2013. http://scripts.wsmamusic.org/music_list/pdf/Events_5000.pdf.zip/.

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