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For band directors, percussion instructors, and percussionists of all ages, Simply Four is a clear-cut method on the fundamentals of four-mallet percussion technique! Four-mallet technique has become standard in the world of modern percussion and this method is perfect for youngsters or beginning mallet players just starting out. This book is sure to take the fear out of playing with four mallets!
Included in this book:
• Step-by-step breakdown of the Stevens and Burton style grips
• Technique-enhancing exercises
• Progressive and inventive etudes
• Tons of detailed photos
• Video examples (online)
Yamaha artist Gifford Howarth has received accolades for his methods demonstrated in hundreds of clinics and workshops across the globe. Now you can take these methods with you!
FREE VIDEO LESSONS: Below are a series of online video lessons with demonstrations by Howarth himself further illustrating his methods. These lessons were previously made available on an included DVD in the book, but we're now making them available online for free! Special thanks to Vic Firth Inc. for producing these videos and making them available to the world!
Ted Rounds
Professor of Percussion
Kent State University
“Simply Four is exactly that: a simple way to learn to play with four mallets. The format couldn’t be any more clear- accurate descriptions of every detail with accompanying photographs showing how to hold the sticks and execute the strokes. The exercises and etudes are totally appropriate to each facet of the technique that is explained. Gifford Howarth covers the basic techniques of Steven’s method of movement and the “Burton” style with such clarity that anyone can use this book including band directors and percussion instructors. Beginning keyboard percussionists could use this book to teach themselves. There is an excellent list of suggested repertoire in the appendix culled from Howarth’s considerable experience in teaching percussionists of all skill levels. I strongly recommend that instructors and students get their hands on a copy of this book, and then get busy!”
Gordon Stout
Internationally renowned marimbist
Professor of Percussion - Ithaca College, NY
“Gifford Howarth is one of the most exciting and dynamic young marimbists and educators on the scene today!”
Mark Ford
Internationally renowned educator and marimbist
Professor of Percussion - University of North Texas
“Simply Four is a common sense approach to introducing marimba technique to younger players. The pictures are great and the musical notation is over-sized for beginning readers. Simply Four is a great starter book for four mallet marimba technique!”
Steve Ulicny
Band Director/Percussion Specialist
Ft. Bend ISD, Sugar Land, TX
“As a Band Director and Percussionist, its a pleasure to see an extremely well put together and comprehensive approach to performing with 4 mallets. Gifford has a lot to offer the world of percussion education. I look forward to seeing more of his materials.”
Tony Steve
Adjunct Prof. Percussion Studies
Jacksonville University
“I love the book. It has great concepts and I am so glad it covers both grips for kids in a practical and clear manner. The exercises, the short pieces and reminders of the what, how and why to practice a specific skill makes this a must-own book for any young student or the entering college level player that may be afraid of the mallet instruments. This is a text that solves a lot of problems under one roof and will get a lot of use in my studio.”
For band directors, percussion instructors, and percussionists of all ages, Simply Four is a clear-cut method on the fundamentals of four-mallet percussion technique! Four-mallet technique has become standard in the world of modern percussion and this method is perfect for youngsters or beginning mallet players just starting out. This book is sure to take the fear out of playing with four mallets!
Included in this book:
• Step-by-step breakdown of the Stevens and Burton style grips
• Technique-enhancing exercises
• Progressive and inventive etudes
• Tons of detailed photos
• Video examples (online)
Yamaha artist Gifford Howarth has received accolades for his methods demonstrated in hundreds of clinics and workshops across the globe. Now you can take these methods with you!
FREE VIDEO LESSONS: Below are a series of online video lessons with demonstrations by Howarth himself further illustrating his methods. These lessons were previously made available on an included DVD in the book, but we're now making them available online for free! Special thanks to Vic Firth Inc. for producing these videos and making them available to the world!
Ted Rounds
Professor of Percussion
Kent State University
“Simply Four is exactly that: a simple way to learn to play with four mallets. The format couldn’t be any more clear- accurate descriptions of every detail with accompanying photographs showing how to hold the sticks and execute the strokes. The exercises and etudes are totally appropriate to each facet of the technique that is explained. Gifford Howarth covers the basic techniques of Steven’s method of movement and the “Burton” style with such clarity that anyone can use this book including band directors and percussion instructors. Beginning keyboard percussionists could use this book to teach themselves. There is an excellent list of suggested repertoire in the appendix culled from Howarth’s considerable experience in teaching percussionists of all skill levels. I strongly recommend that instructors and students get their hands on a copy of this book, and then get busy!”
Gordon Stout
Internationally renowned marimbist
Professor of Percussion - Ithaca College, NY
“Gifford Howarth is one of the most exciting and dynamic young marimbists and educators on the scene today!”
Mark Ford
Internationally renowned educator and marimbist
Professor of Percussion - University of North Texas
“Simply Four is a common sense approach to introducing marimba technique to younger players. The pictures are great and the musical notation is over-sized for beginning readers. Simply Four is a great starter book for four mallet marimba technique!”
Steve Ulicny
Band Director/Percussion Specialist
Ft. Bend ISD, Sugar Land, TX
“As a Band Director and Percussionist, its a pleasure to see an extremely well put together and comprehensive approach to performing with 4 mallets. Gifford has a lot to offer the world of percussion education. I look forward to seeing more of his materials.”
Tony Steve
Adjunct Prof. Percussion Studies
Jacksonville University
“I love the book. It has great concepts and I am so glad it covers both grips for kids in a practical and clear manner. The exercises, the short pieces and reminders of the what, how and why to practice a specific skill makes this a must-own book for any young student or the entering college level player that may be afraid of the mallet instruments. This is a text that solves a lot of problems under one roof and will get a lot of use in my studio.”
