| The Timpani is one of the most important | | | | unacceptable. Most Timpanists have perfect pitch, |
| instruments in the percussion family. It is used in | | | | but tuning forks can also be used. As with the |
| orchestras, various ensembles, bands, and even in | | | | mallet techniques, developing perfect pitch takes |
| popular music. Timpani is an Italian word (and plural | | | | lots of practice and ear training. |
| - the singular is timpano) but in America it is | | | | Muffling is also a distinct skill Timpanists must |
| always referred to as a Timpani, regardless of | | | | master - when musical scores were written years |
| how many drums are being played; normally, you'll | | | | ago, the Timpani sound did not resonate as long |
| never find a single timpani all alone, for two, three, | | | | as they do today. A good timpanist will be able to |
| or four are usually played together. | | | | look at the music and determine how long each |
| The Timpani is a large drum that can produce | | | | note should actually last. In addition, the timpanist |
| various pitches. The timpanist (a person who plays | | | | must also be able to muffle the sound |
| the timpani) is responsible for making sure the | | | | successfully, on time, without producing any |
| pitch is correct, and the pitch can be adjusted | | | | sounds with their fingers to muffle the initial drum |
| using various foot pedals. The drumhead is usually | | | | resonations. It's very tricky but over time it |
| made of animal skin or plastic - although | | | | becomes second nature. Sympathetic resonance |
| professional timpanists usually prefer animal skins | | | | (when one timpani softly vibrates and produces |
| for its high quality sounds. | | | | sound because another Timpani has been struck) |
| There are special mallets designed solely for the | | | | is also an obstacle Timpanists must overcome - |
| Timpani. Timpani mallets are able to produce soft | | | | on the professional or higher learning level, |
| or loud tones on the timpani, depending on the | | | | sympathetic resonance is usually unacceptable. |
| power of each strike. In many pieces, the | | | | Most percussionists know how to play the |
| timpanist is required to perform crescendo drum | | | | Timpani, with varying levels of success. If you are |
| rolls - no easy feat. The techniques used for | | | | interested in percussion, you will inevitably become |
| playing the Timpani are numerous and require a | | | | acquainted with the Timpani. If the Timpani really |
| great deal of dedication and practice. | | | | holds your interest, it would behoove you to find |
| Timpanists also have the daunting task of making | | | | a Timpani-specific instructor that is considered an |
| sure every inch of their timpani drum heads are in | | | | expert on the instrument. There are many highly |
| pitch with each other. If the drum heads are | | | | qualified people to teach, so learning should not be |
| inconsistent, as the performance wears on, the | | | | a problem; however, owning a timpani is very |
| drum will become out of tune; because the | | | | expensive. Most people practice their timpani skills |
| Timpani are the only drums that can produce | | | | at music stores, universities, or with private |
| distinctive pitches, have inconsistencies would be | | | | instructors that own timpani. |