Percussion History and Literature is designed for Percussion Performance Majors and Music Educations Majors at the College/University level or anyone interested in the world of percussion instruments in Western Music. This course is perfect for any graduate student preparing for written and/or oral exams. Undergraduate students will learn about the most important aspects of their instruments' history, as well as becoming familiar with the most important pieces in the musical literature.
The course contains a very thorough overview of the history and literature of percussion instruments from the early influence of Janissary Music to the 21st Century. There are six main modules to the course: Background and Essential Information, Instrument Histories, Orchestral Literature, Chamber Literature, Percussion Ensemble Literature, and Solo Percussion Literature.
All course materials are available online. EVERYTHING you need to complete the course is all here. While there are suggested texts that students are encouraged to purchase, all required and suggested materials are available on the website. Percussion History and Literature is taught entirely online, using a combination of media-rich files such as video, audio, musical scores, articles, timelines, Powerpoint presentations, and photographs. In addition, there are suggested assignments and self-graded exams that are available to those taking the course outside of the college/university setting.
Click here for a FAQ about Percussion History and Literature.
Click here for an example Syllabus over a 15-week semester.
"This course is a must-have for every collegiate percussion student and instructor! The content is expertly selected, and the included resources (such as recordings and pdf scores) are wonderful to have in one place. Providing a well-organized and flexible format, this course can be implemented as a semester-long class, or as a supplemental study for comprehensive exams. We have enjoyed using Dr. Weinberg's Percussion History & Literature course here at the University of Missouri!"
——Megan E. Arns, Assistant Professor of Percussion, University of Missouri School of Music
“Norm Weinberg has created THE most inclusive, informative, and all-encompassing resource covering percussion history and literature. Instructors and students will discover incredible depth through the research-intensive video lessons, scores, audio files, articles, and more.”
——Dr. Brian Zator, Director of Percussion, Texas A&M University-Commerce, President, Percussive Arts Society
"Dr. Weinberg's on-line Percussion History and Literature course is a remarkable contribution to percussion education. We have used this course at the University of North Texas for eight years and the results have been excellent. This course gives an overview of historic percussion instrument developments, important composers in many genres, examples of solo, chamber and orchestral percussion music and wonderful recordings and videos to support the information shared. Teaching the history of our percussive art can be daunting. This course provides an important base of knowledge that will inspire further investigation by every student participant and make the teaching of this important information direct, focused and organized, and memorable. I highly recommend this resource!"
—— Christopher Deane, Professor of Percussion, University of North Texas College of Music
Dr. Weinberg¹s on-line Percussion History and Literature course is an outstanding contribution to percussion education. The depth and breadth of the information presented, as well as the organization of the materials in lecture, readings, audio/video files and score study formats is really a one of a kind resource that is essential for all people interested in percussion. The course utilizes best practices in on-line education including varied forms of assessment that help ensure learning outcomes. I use the on-line materials within with my face to face percussion history and literature course to create a mixed mode type of class. I have also worked with students who took the course completely on-line and have seen outstanding learning results in both environments. I give this course my highest and most enthusiastic recommendation both as an introduction or refresher course on the subject.
—--Jeffrey M. Moore, Dean University of Central Florida
"I am currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with Dr. Dave Hall. Last year I took a percussion literature and pedagogy class that used your online course, and I just wanted to say thank you for compiling such a comprehensive resource! I learned so much from that class, and I am appreciative to have a working knowledge about the field in which I am studying."
——Paige DeDecker, Graduate Student, University of North Florida
“Norm’s course materials are incredibly informative and thorough. Content is structured logically, and ample details about specific literature is provided. Prof. Weinberg does a good job of distilling the most relevant and interesting information on the subject for the collegiate percussionist.”
——Phillip R. O’Banion, Associate Professor, Director of Percussion Studies, Temple University
"This course is a must for the serious percussionist. Dr. Weinberg's online percussion history and literature course is an incredible resource for today's percussionist. Thorough in content and creatively designed, this course allows the flexibility to accommodate a demanding schedule."
——Ryan Frost, Instructor of Percussion, University of Northern Iowa
PERCUSSION HISTORY AND LITERATURE - 12-Month University License
This is the 12-month University License for the online Percussion History and Literature course by Norman Weinberg. This license allows Percussion History and Literature to be taught at a college or university on a "for-credit" basis. Please contact Norman Weinberg at [email protected] if you have any questions about this license.
PERCUSSION HISTORY AND LITERATURE - 12-Month Student license
This is the 12-Month Student License for the online Percussion History and Literature course by Norman Weinberg. This particular license is only for those taking the course with a professor in a college or university for-credit course.
PERCUSSION HISTORY AND LITERATURE - Individual License WITHOUT University License
This is the Individual License for the online Percussion History and Literature Course by Norman Weinberg. This particular version is only for those NOT taking the course with a professor in a college/university for course credit.