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

Accent on Achievement – Book 1 (Percussion) by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams is a comprehensive beginner method book tailored to students learning snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, and other essential orchestral accessories. Designed for first-year percussionists, this method offers a clear, engaging, and effective approach to rhythm, technique, and ensemble playing. As part of Alfred Music’s renowned Accent on Achievement series, it is a go-to choice for school band programs and private instructors alike.

Materials and Build Quality

Published by Alfred Music, this book is printed with durable materials for ease of use during practice and performance. In addition, the layout is intuitive and includes diagrams and visual guides that support younger learners. Whether used in a school band room or a home studio, it stands up to frequent use and travel.

Performance and Use Case

This edition is ideal for beginners aged 8 and up, introducing essential percussion rudiments, sticking technique, music reading, and dynamic control. Furthermore, the progressive structure allows students to build confidence step-by-step while integrating into full band settings. Each unit contains warm-ups, technical exercises, performance pieces, and review sections. As a result, teachers can adapt the pacing and content to suit both group and individual lessons. In particular, the well-sequenced skill development has made it a favorite among percussion instructors worldwide.

Key Features

• Comprehensive beginner method for snare, bass drum, and accessories
• Includes rudiments, reading, and ensemble-style performance pieces
• Progressive lesson structure supports confidence and technique
• Ideal for classroom and private instruction
• Written by John O’Reilly and Mark Williams

More Information

Explore more beginner titles in our Books About Percussion collection. For publisher resources, audio tracks, and digital downloads, visit the official Alfred Music website.

Conclusion

Accent on Achievement – Book 1 (Percussion) offers a time-tested, engaging pathway to percussion success. With clear instruction, structured progression, and musical variety, it’s the ideal first method book for students learning orchestral percussion. Whether used in group classes or private study, this book lays the groundwork for confident, skilled playing from the very beginning.