The World of Handheld Percussion

It's a universal truth: A sad person can't hold a percussion instrument in their hand and stay sad. Shakers, blocks, clackers, and the like may provide the purest path to expressing a person's inner music. No, handheld percussion does not lend itself to solo performance, but it is essential garnish and flourish for many types of music ensembles. For the uninformed, the names of many percussion instruments are foreign. The sounds, however, are completely familiar, as they've been used for sound effects and cues in many television programs and movies. Some of these sounds are unmistakable and unmissable. They aren't necessarily louder than the drums, but the character of these instrument's sound is such that it cuts clearly through any level of drum, wind, or string layer. They're like jewelry on a well-dressed woman. They get noticed, no matter what

From a player's point of view, handheld percussion can function as an extension of a person's body, a direct link to musical expression. It's such a a satisfying experience to add your own kind of sparkle to a ensemble, enjoying the other musicians and even drummers, adding and not competing.

Handheld percussion is accessible, too. Naturally, perfect selection, operation, and timing of any instrument requires talent and skill, but maracas, blocks, rasps, and many other supplemental rhythm instruments present no technical obstacles to a first attempt. Further, in a group setting where other instruments are dictating the beat, a newcomer has more freedom to experiment with, say maracas or castanets and learn technique and timing without throwing others off.

Great benefits of handheld percussion:

1. Add some sparkle, variation, and punch to the main rhythm of a performance.
2. Add subtle rhythm to an otherwise solo performance.
3. Give a dancer a sound to make.
4. Teach children about rhythm and help develop motor skills.
5. It can foster wellness and healing in a rhythm therapy setting..