What is the difference between a Marimba and a Xylophone?

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

This is part of the percussion fundamentals series of Articles on the Percussion Education Blog. One of the most often mis-understood differences is the difference between a Marimba and a Xylophone. This article aims to clarify those differences, and also point out the similarities between the two. The Marimba and the Xylophone both have wooden [...]

Glockenspiel Instructions

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

A Glockenspiel or “Orchestral Bells” can be one of the most beautiful instruments – but it can also be one of the most demanding and taxing on the ears for the classroom or percussion teacher. Here are some tips and tricks on keeping the glockenspiel under control in any band! 1) Always go for one pair [...]

A New Mallet Percussion Resource Guide

Monday, April 7th, 2008

  I’ve just discovered a brand new website – this is everything that a website should be..  its clean, uncluttered and full of useful and relevant information! You can learn about the history of the Vibraphone, the Marimba and Glockenspiel, and listen to mp3 excerpts of them being played. Theres also a list of the [...]

What is the difference between a glockenspiel and a marimba?

Friday, March 28th, 2008

This is a question I’ve been asked many times by non-percussionists, and its quite easy to understand why people get confused by it! The key difference is in what the bars are made from – A Glockenspiel has metal bars, whereas a Marimba has wooden ones. The Marimba: The Marimba always has a large frame [...]