28th Annual Student Research Conference
The History and Progression of Brushes for Drum Set
Matthew S. Musselman♦
Dr. Michael Bump, Faculty Mentor
Many wide-ranging implements are used in todays world of drumming. Mallets, beaters, and sticks of all kinds are seen in one percussionists stick bag. One very common tool for the percussionist is the brush. These thin metal strands, however, were not always used for hitting a drum. The history of the brush is a very intriguing one that mainly relies on treacherous oral history. Boastful individuals like Jelly Roll Morton and Vic Berton lay claim to the spread and innovation of the brush. However, the innovation of the brush and the true progression of the brush are due to the trap drummer. The goal of this presentation is to explore the validity of several of these claims, find the precursors of the brush, and analyze why the brush became such a common percussion implement.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 412-1
Location: OP 2117
Time: 2:30