Percussion Frameworks: Practical Pedagogy for the Non-Percussionist

Many music educators are trained primarily as wind, string, or vocal specialists, yet are expected to teach and develop percussionists with confidence and effectiveness. This session offers a clear, practical pedagogical framework designed specifically for the non-percussionist teacher, helping educators approach percussion instruction with clarity, consistency, and confidence. Through a structured and transferable approach, participants will learn how to teach fundamental percussion concepts, diagnose and correct common technical issues, and build consistent technique across the percussion family. The session focuses on simplifying percussion pedagogy while strengthening overall ensemble sound, improving student independence, and supporting more effective rehearsal environments. Educators will explore a six-element pedagogical model that connects percussion technique to familiar concepts from wind and string instruction, allowing teachers to teach through already known musical frameworks.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for immediate classroom implementation, tools for improving percussion student outcomes, and a clearer understanding of how to support balanced, high-quality ensemble performance. This session is designed for band directors, orchestra directors, general music educators, and pre-service teachers seeking to strengthen their confidence and effectiveness in teaching percussion.

James L. Robinson, II, is entering his eighth year in education and serves as the Director of Bands at North Wilkes Middle and High School in North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Limestone University and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. He has been recognized with the Limestone University Early Career Educator Impact Award, the Department of Music Alumni Achievement Award, and as a quarterfinalist for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Band Association (NBA), World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE), and the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA).

NAfME presents this live virtual event at no charge to all as a service to the music education profession. To register, you must enter your NAfME member information or create a nonmember account. After registering, check your email for instructions. A recording of this program will be available to all registrants for one week following the live event. Members can also view archived NAfME webinars in the NAfME Academy.

The views expressed are those of the presenter; they do not necessarily reflect the views of NAfME.