xylophone solo – Kaylie Dunstan

Pizza Taco

Kaylie6132 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:27:39 +0000

Percussionists might not be able to pluck their xylophone to get a ‘pizzicato’ sound like stringed instruments, but we can at least make fun of the name and play with the some energy. Playing ‘staccato’ on percussion can be achieved by short, sharp up strokes, which are present through this entire composition. The performer’s counting and sense of beat will also be tested, as this music is quite spacious. Set at a grade 1 level, it’s enjoyable to learn for someone who has some reading skills under their belt.

Ode to Joe

Kaylie6132 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:10:49 +0000

Ode to Joe is a variations on a theme starting in 3/4 and goes through various other time signatures alterations. It involves rolls, fast arpeggios and several flats in the key signature. Rated at approximately grade 5 level, the performer gets to demonstrate their control and dexterity across the instrument.

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.

Mallet Drop

Kaylie6132 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:06:24 +0000

Make a statement with this simple, but catchy 2-mallet solo. Written at a grade 1 level, the opening is cheery enough, but builds with heightened anticipation towards the end, finishing with a quasi ‘mic drop’ emphasis.

Luca’s March

Kaylie6132 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:42:33 +0000

An upbeat, feel-good 2-mallet solo in the style of a march. The performer showcases their rolling ability, as well as parallel octaves. The all-familiar chromatic tag transitioning into the final section is testament to musical clichés that don’t go out of style. Flair is also achieved with some glissandi, which are always fun to play. This piece approaches grade 4 level.

Chasings

Kaylie6132 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 06:35:17 +0000

A fun, intermediate piece for 2-mallet xylophone. Show off your performance flair with glissandi galore in this playful solo. The imagination doesn’t have to stretch very far to see this age-old game playing out with the notes twisting and turning and anticipation bubbling. The percussionist is challenged to fluidly work the mallets around each other while maintaining optimal mallet placement and note accuracy during the fast-paced passages. This piece is considered grade 5 level.

Valerie’s Panda

Kaylie6132 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:39:17 +0000

If you love watching panda videos as much as I do, you’ll agree that this piece provides a fitting soundtrack to their playful antics. A cute, simple waltz in sound, however challenging in execution. There are times where the performer finds themselves in slightly awkward chord positions or needing to consider best sticking choices. Keeping a light-hearted sound while being agile is a challenge worth overcoming for such a delightful setting.

The Outsider

Kaylie6132 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:17:51 +0000

The title ‘The Outsider’ is a direct reference to the 2 outside mallets playing a prominent role throughout. The technique takes great care and control, hence the predominantly laboured tempo. The meaning of the title also doubles as a solemn circumstance that is ideally captured by the performer. While simplistic in its presentation, consideration should be given to the delicate presentation of this piece. The range extends down to a low C3 in the bass stave.

The Insider

Kaylie6132 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:51:21 +0000

Performers use their inside mallets almost exclusively throughout this piece. Independent rotation is a difficult yet crucial component of 4-mallet technique, leading to true independence from the non-playing mallet. This composition gives off a spy mystery type vibe, while perfecting the smooth rotation of mallets 2 and 3 at various dynamic levels.

The Four-Legged March

Kaylie6132 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:25:41 +0000

Why are marches always in 2/4? Well, this one isn’t. A fun and light-hearted composition for every dog-lover. The performer gets to use extended playing techniques in order to produce sound effects for this highly impressionistic piece. In addition to a 3.5 octave mallet keyboard, the instrumentation also involves high-pitched drum/s in order to replicate the sound of a ‘yappy’ dog. Utilising only double vertical strokes, this entry-level composition will give the student a ‘leg-up’ as they begin their 4-mallet journey.