solo – Kaylie Dunstan

White-Wash

Kaylie6132 — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:25:17 +0000

Improvising can be a daunting ask for many musicians. But with the right framework, it can be incredibly freeing. ‘White-Wash’ utilises bowing on cymbal and vibraphone and the performer employs a one-handed roll, serving as a nice initiation into 4-mallet technique. Independence between the hands is another feature of this work, placing it at a comfortable grade 3 level. It is also included in the Percussion Masters 13-17yrs Crash Course.

Off the Beaten Track

Kaylie6132 — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:59:16 +0000

Taken from the work ‘Trip Hazard‘, ‘Off the Beaten Track’ is the drumset realisation of the same material. Adding melody to rhythm, this sequel is a fitting rounding off to the snare drum solo version. Someone once told me to imagine my snare drum notes being scored across the other instruments in a symphony orchestra. The result is a fascinating reinvention of the sound, transforming what the listener hears based on what is imagined by the performer. Revisiting ‘Trip Hazard’ after this piece could very well have the same effect.

Trip Hazard

Kaylie6132 — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:44:38 +0000

This is a snare drum solo that is a precursor to Off the Beat Track. It’s around grade 8 level, requiring deliberately precise strokes and careful preparation in order to perform with clarity and phrasing. The twists and turns of constantly changing time signatures is what gives this piece it’s name, creating a very edgy feel throughout.

New Old Rag

Kaylie6132 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:20:14 +0000

This is a throw-back to the renowned ragtime style, first coming onto the music scene in the late 1800’s. The most famous composer being Scott Joplin and later in the 1930’s, popularised by the Green Brothers on xylophone. The solo part employs quintessential ragtime xylophone figures and plenty of syncopated accents. The off-beat chordal emphasis of the piano accompaniment provides that uplifting ‘oompah’ feel. Suitable for grade 4 standard.

Spiral of Innocence

Kaylie6132 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:00:39 +0000

This is a multi-percussion accompanied solo for the young percussionist. It’s centred around a drum kit, with added triangle, tambourine and glockenspiel. Beware of some quick mallet transitions and surprising rhythmic changes. Parts of this piece are rather whimsical and others more assertive, circling the notion of child-like innocence. The instrumentation is easily accessible and comes with piano accompaniment audio, as well as the piano score.

But Drummers Don’t Play Dynamics

Kaylie6132 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:19:08 +0000

The title for this piece is ironic, challenging the notion that drums are loud. Actually, a drummer can play soft as well as any other musician. This piece goes through various rock grooves and fills, including cross stick, open hi-hat, ride cymbal and half-time.

Could you Please go and Tidy your Room

Kaylie6132 — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 04:32:12 +0000

The volume of a person’s speech says a lot about the meaning. The same goes for musical statements. Ramp up the dynamic awareness with this theatrical solo that highlights just how important volume and dynamics are. The rhythms played on the rim are reminiscent of time ticking by uneventfully, followed by increasingly frantic rhythms played on the snare drum head doubling the spoken text. This piece is for the beginner percussionist.

Cadenza – for the One-Armed Percussionist

Kaylie6132 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:40:57 +0000

Accidents happen… But losing the functionality of a hand or arm shouldn’t stop you from playing drums. Students at various levels can be challenged by choosing their own tempo. The cymbal section is also ad lib. i.e. the performer can improvise on their own between the cymbals or adhere to the notated rhythms while experimenting with the orchestration of the cymbals. The final section is ideally faster than primo tempo, but would be most effective if the performer remains in control without appearing frantic.

https://kayliedunstan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cadenza.mp3

Benedict the Conqueror

Kaylie6132 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 04:38:37 +0000

Tap into your inner warrior with this grade 4 timpani piece. For 2 drums and backing track, this piece is high energy and packs a punch. Syncopation and accents play a key role in this battle, requiring strategic precision through every strike. This piece is included in the method book Percussion Masters 13-17yrs Crash Course.

https://kayliedunstan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Benedict-the-Conquerer-2.mp3

1 a-chu 3-4

Kaylie6132 — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:36:40 +0000

A quirky, original composition for multi (drum kit) solo featuring the dotted quaver+semiquaver rhythm. It travels through various simple time signatures and lands on different beats and instruments. Effective at reinforcing drum kit notation literacy, as well as rhythmic flexibility through shifting meter. A fun piece to learn with great rewards for a grade 2 player.