Murray Houllif

Studio Drum Set Duos

While the 9 duets in this collection are certainly suitable for recitals, they were primarily designed for studio teaching and pedagogy. Various contemporary styles of drum set playing are represented including jazz, rock, funk, Latin and rudimental. By playing from the score, a teacher and student can see what the other is playing, something that serves as an incentive for the student (grade 1-3) to eventually learn the teacher's more challenging part (grade 4-5). This music also allows the teacher to provide an integrated performance experience that models and reinforces the vital concepts of solid time-keeping, listening for good blend and balance, phrasing, contrasting dynamics and even developing an ear for what a good tone sounds like.