Accent on Achievement – Book 1 (Combined Percussion) By John O’Reilly and Mark Williams

Accent on Achievement – Book 1 (Combined Percussion) by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams is an all-in-one method book for beginning percussionists. This edition combines instruction for both snare drum and mallet percussion, making it ideal for students learning to play the full range of orchestral percussion instruments. As a result, it is a preferred resource in school band programs and studio teaching environments where students develop well-rounded percussion skills.

Materials and Build Quality

Published by Alfred Music, this book is printed on durable stock and bound for longevity and ease of use. In addition, the clear, large-format notation and instructional diagrams support younger students in their reading and playing. Each section of the book is laid out to encourage logical progression and confidence-building with every lesson.

Performance and Use Case

This combined edition is perfect for students aged 8 and above who are learning both sides of the percussion section—snare, bass drum, and cymbals, as well as glockenspiel and xylophone. Furthermore, the book introduces fundamental techniques such as sticking, note reading, rudiments, dynamics, and scales. Students progress through units that include warm-ups, exercises, performance pieces, and assessments. Consequently, instructors can build ensemble readiness while addressing individual technical needs. Because it unifies multiple percussion disciplines, this version is widely recommended for school-based group instruction and independent learning alike.

Key Features

• Combined method for snare drum, mallets, and accessory percussion
• Progressive lesson format with assessments and repertoire
• Ideal for school band, studio teaching, or home study
• Develops balanced percussion skillsets from the start
• Written by experienced educators John O’Reilly and Mark Williams

More Information

Explore more educational tools in our Books About Percussion collection. For audio tracks, sample pages, and teacher guides, visit the official Alfred Music website.

Conclusion

Accent on Achievement – Book 1 (Combined Percussion) is an efficient, engaging way to build foundational skills across all major percussion instruments. Whether used in classrooms or private lessons, it helps young percussionists grow into versatile, confident musicians. Its comprehensive design makes it a valuable tool from the first lesson onward.