The vibraphone is a relatively recent addition to the percussion family (just over 100 years old) and has the most diverse set of sonic capabilities of all the percussion keyboard instruments. As I work with students in lessons, coaching sessions, and masterclass settings, I strive to highlight a variety of extended performance techniques that exist for the vibraphone beyond simply striking a bar with a mallet, paying particular attention to muting, pitch bending, and bowing with a string bow. Despite a growing number of solo and ensemble pieces that require a performer to utilize these techniques, I often find that percussionists have little (if any) hands-on experience producing these wonderful sounds. This set of vibraphone solos is meant to address that problem. 

What you hold in your hands is a collection of original works that will help you increase your familiarity, technical facility, confidence, and enjoyment as you spend time with extended performance techniques. I structured each section of solos in a way that introduces a technique in a simple format and moves through progressively more intricate and complex pieces of music. My hope is that this collection will not only serve as an effective handbook for weekly lesson studies but also provide solos that are equally appropriate for performances in masterclass events, solo and ensemble festivals, recital or showcase concerts, and a lifetime of 

Lightning Bugs // Bend Bow Mute for Solo Vibraphone by Joshua D. Smith

Ox and Lamb Music

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