Mallet Percussion Solos

Autumnal Overture is an unaccompanied marimba solo that intermixes slow chorale textures with small pockets of groove and a mathematical harmonic style that is dissonant but not abrasive.

A classic holiday tune from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" brilliantly arranged for solo vibraphone.

This vibrant etude by Clair Omar Musser shows off the player's hand speed and ability to work with moving block chords. A classic!

Probably the most well-known of Clair Omar Musser's etudes for solo marimba. A four-mallet piece with brilliant colors!

A flourish of broken and arpeggiated chords moving up and down the instrument form the basis of this flamboyant etude by Clair Omar Musser. Short and sweet, it makes a terrific audition piece or recital

Here is and unaccompanied four-mallet solo for the intermediate marimba player. It is in a quick 12/8 meter and works fundamental four-mallet techniques. Excellent for a first marimba recital!

Friday's Cascara is an excellent unaccompanied three-mallet solo written for the developing marimba player. The piece opens with a short section that calls for playing on the instrument's

Michael Charles Smith wrote and dedicated Grapes Grandma to Shirley B. Smith, his grandmother, who was a source of inspiration and support throughout his life. The piece requires even single

This medium level arrangement for vibraphone comes from one of Satie's most treasured works for piano.  The arrangement adheres to the original work rather closely, although the key has been changed

Showy and fun, this arrangement of a work originally written for violin has become standard piece in the keyboard percussion repertoire.

Hummingbird is an intermediate four-mallet solo for marimba by Portland artist Michael Charles Smith. It is propelled by a constant 6/8 rhythm that runs throughout the piece. It also features a

Marimba Re(mix) is a set of five intermediate four-mallet marimba solos, each made to strengthen various performance techniques in a variety of musical styles. Optional electronic accompaniments

Eighteen beautiful unaccompanied solo arrangements of classical works by Bach, Handel, Mozart and others!  

Musings for Xylophone is a set of four short, contrasting vignettes for two mallet, unaccompanied xylophone. Perfect for lessons, studio class, and recitals!

Classical work set for unaccompanied solo marimba.

Written as a lullaby to the composer's baby daughter, Penelope features a sweet, simple melody and brief harmonic and thematic departures.

With all the spice, snap, and passion that makes us love marimba solos inspired by the music of Mexico, Suite Mexicana entertains and impresses! It is in three short movements all requiring four

Tequila Sunrise is a fun to play marimba solo concert piece. Many students have used it for audition and competitions for scholarships over the years when it was only available in manuscript

The Two-Mallet Traveler invites players and their audiences to savor scenes, sights, and sounds from around the world. Written for two mallets and ranging from 3 to 4 1/3 octaves in range, these