Kirk Gay has published a book of timpani etudes and solos for beginning to advanced players. The book, titled Pedal to the Kettle, addresses the demands of today’s emerging timpanists, bringing new, modern life to performing on this unique instrument. The etudes (written for 2 or 4 drums) are presented in a sequence that graduates in difficulty and focuses on common challenges faced in modern and classic repertoire, all while maintaining a musical approach that is fun for young students to play. The book concludes with a collection of creative concert solos.
Several selections from this book have just recently been added to the Florida Bandmasters prescribed music list. Pedal to the Kettle is, “one of the best collections of timpani pieces I have seen,” states Dr. Paul Buyer, director of Percussion at Clemson University. Full details on this collection can be found on the Tapspace Web site at www.tapspace.com.