How to Play the Marimba

A marimba can produce a beautiful sound when played correctly. The instrument is part of the percussion family and consists of wooden keys set atop pipes that make the sound resonate. The keyboard of a marimba closely resembles a piano.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Marimba
• Rubber-core yarn mallets
• Sheet music

1. Learn the basics of reading music. Purchase a beginners book to sheet music that includes tutorials on notes, beats and the musical staff. Practice on a piano.
2. Find a marimba to play. Marimbas can cost several thousand dollars and are not easily transportable. Schools are a good place to start when searching for a marimba.
3. Work with an instructor. Take private lessons at a music school or organization in your area. In the absence of a music school, call the local high school and ask the band teacher if he would be willing to tutor you for a fee.
4. Learn the scales on the marimba. Developing a solid understanding of the basics of the instrument will help you succeed.
5. Master the art of holding two mallets in each hand. Many pieces of marimba music require you to hit four keys at the same time. Place one mallet between the pinky and ring fingers of your hand. Support the shaft with your palm. Place the other mallet between your index finger and thumb. Grip the shaft tightly between the tip of your thumb and the second knuckle of your index finger.
6. Practice each lesson you learn. Set a schedule for practice time. Devote a minimum of 30 minutes to rehearse, 2 times per week.

Tips & Warnings

• Use wrists to control mallet movements. Playing from the wrist instead of the elbow will increase speed and nimbleness for complex pieces. Practice mallet technique on the floor.
• Keep wrists at an angle, away from the marimba. Angling wrists will prevent you from playing from the elbow.
• Practice learning notes and scales on a piano when you do not have access to a marimba.