F.A.Q.

What is Band Music Center and where does it come from?

Band Music Center is a division of the successful European publishing company Concert & Marching Music that, in addition to their own band and percussion publication, takes care of the European distribution for Row-loff Production, Tapspace Publication, C. Alan Publications and Salyers Percussion.

Who is the initiator of band music center?

The founder and creative director of Band Music Center is Dirkjan van Groningen He's a professional percussionist, educator, composer and musical entrepreneur from Zwolle, The Netherlands. He loves to Help percussionists to function more effectively in bands and ensembles by providing valuable additional resources with his method books and ensemble sheet music!

What’s the reason behind this special Band Music Center website for the USA?

Despite the growing interest in our band an percussion ensemble publications we found out that it was sometimes difficult for US musicians to order through our European website. The exchange rate with the Euro and shipping costs from Europe are the main obstacles. On bandmusiccenter.com all prices are in US dollars and all scores are printed in and shipped from the US. Payments can be made with all major credit cards.

Who are the people behind Band Music Center?

Our staff, writers, composers and arrangers are all professional, experienced, well educated and inspirational music teachers. Because they are all active in the band and percussion ensemble scene they know exactly what’s needed in the field of sheet music and educational material for the activity.

What is Band Music Center doing differently from other publishers?

Besides a printed score (on your doorstep in a couple of days) all our publications are coming with downloadable:

Individual Parts (PDF)
→ to start rehearsing straight away

Full Recordings (MP3)
→ to make preparations easier

Practice Software (WIN/MAC)
→ to slow down recordings

Practice Tracks (optional)
→ solo and karaoke tracks with click

How do I work with the Slow Down Audio Practice Software

Download and install Java if you don’t have it.
Download slow_down_audio.jar to your computer (win/mac)
Right click it to open the application
Drag your mp3 to the screen
Slow down or loop the track

Where does the Band Music Center slogan “More than just percussion literature to safe you time and simplify your process!” come from?

We’d love to do as much as we can to help music teachers and students to simplify the entire process, from picking to purchase and performing a piece of sheet music. We’re constantly working on creative solutions for the stumbling blocks we encounter in our work as a music educator.

Does Band Music Center Provide Festival Scores?

We're working on a way to purchase festival scores directly from our website. Until then you can contact us and we'll make sure your extra festival scores will arrive on your doorstep within a few days.

Are Your Pieces On Any State Music Lists?

We're very proud to let you know that a couple of our compositions are added the the Texas Prescribed Music List and the Florida State Music List.

Why are some pieces available on the European website but not on Band Music Center?

The copyright rules in America and Europe differ quite a bit. Sometimes we can get a license for an arrangement for Europe while we don't get permission for the USA. If you buy via Band Music Center, you can be sure that the copyrights for the respective arrangement are organized for the USA.

Let customers speak for us

from 9 reviews

Great Percussion Writing!

We recently programmed "Dvorak's Bossa" and it was a hit with the students as well as the audience! Dirkjan has taken a familiar melody and created a very playable arrangement that came together in a hurry with our ensemble. There are parts in this arrangement for students of different levels of playing ability (within the stated grade level) which was definitely a plus for my group. The additional technology resources were also very beneficial to the learning process. I'm looking forward to programming additional music from Dirkjan in the future.

Shawn Sandersfeld

05/21/2024

Dvorak's Bossa

Every 8th note and 16th note combination that I want my students to know.

Dirkjan's new guides are well done and I appreciate the fact that they are "quick". In a matter of minutes, students can work on their technique and sight-reading by playing through these simple exercises. If they have time, they can play along with the background tracks to make them a little more enjoyable than just playing along with a metronome. The Sight-Reading Skills present every 8th note and 16th note combination that I want my students to know. I appreciate that the stickings are written in to continue to reinforce best practices. Well Done!

05/18/2024

Quick Guide To Develop Essential Technical Skills.

Fun to practice to!

Digging the book. It's nice to practice to something more than a metronome when working on rudiments. Thanks!

Daria

06/21/2023

Practicing Rudiments & Technique is Fun!

Interesting

A fun new way to practice rudiments. I recommend it!

John Krantz

04/29/2023

Your book is like a treasure chest!

I have been taking percussion lessons for about 5 years. So, my rudiments are still developing. Before discovering your book, I would practice paradiddles while listening to music ( like Vivaldi's Gloria or The Wellerman) and had almost figured out their mm settings. So, your book is like a treasure chest!

Jenny White

04/28/2023

This was the book I ever wanted to write myself.

When I saw your book, I realized that this was the book I ever wanted to write myself. I am teaching for a couple of years know, but I always had to manage with the existing methods. There was always something; right left indications, counting, structure and always without play-along tracks. But in your book contains everything the way I like it! Thanks a lot for that. In the new season I'm going to use it for all new students.

Paul van der Heijden

08/31/2022

Snare Drum Basics Starter Kit

It's organized and structured well

It is organized and structured well and presents the beginning rudimental snare drummer with all the techniques required for developing into more advanced playing. The play-along CD contains high quality accompaniment tracks that are fun to listen to and play with. I highly recommend this book to teachers and students alike.

Jeff Moore

Outstanding tool for the young percussionist!

Dirkjan has used his experience developing solid percussionists to create an outstanding tool for the young percussionist. The pace and sequence of the book is perfect for developing necessary reading skills and rudiment techniques and the play-along cd is a fun way for students to build a solid sense of time. Make sure you check out the book of Recital Pieces which give students an opportunity to perform the skills learned in the Method book in a fun and educational setting. I give Snare Drum Basics my highest endorsement!

Scott Brown