Single Stroke Rolls and
The Open/Close Technique

by Gordy Knudtson

The open/close technique is a multi-note stroke technique that has been around for many years. Its primary use has been as a method of producing a fast steady stream of notes from one hand at a time. But even though this technique has been around for a long time it has always lacked for, and been in desperate need of: a commonly accepted name; notation and nomenclature for hand movements and strokes; and a method of synchronizing it in both hands at the same time to fulfill its most obvious potential use, creating single stroke rolls. It was into this void that Gordy Knudtson introduced Books One & Two of The Open/Close Technique in 2001.

Single Stroke Rolls is a NEW compilation book that combines the best of the original books and video (now in DVD form) with several helpful new pages to create an even more effective method book. (96 pages with 45 minute DVD)

Book/DVD: $24.95 plus S&H (MN residents add 7.25% sales tax)

Special Package Deal — Save 40%
Book/DVD and Metal Practice Sticks ($84.90 list): $49.95 plus S&H (MN residents add 7.25% sales tax)

"Gordy Knudtson's Open/Close Technique is a pedagogical breakthrough in percussion instruction. The ergonomic way the wrists and especially the fingers move with the sticks revolutionizes the teaching of technique."

Jeffery M. Moore

Associate Professor of Music — University of Central Florida
Percussion Director — Madison Scouts

"Gordy Knudtson has developed an historically important form of technique that ranks with the Moeller system."

Ed Shaughnessy

The Tonight Show Band, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame

"Gordy Knudtson's Open/Close method is a brilliant extension of drum technique. His development of intertwined rebounds into a variety of rolls adds a wonderful virtuosity to common feels and fills."

Greg Goodall

LA Studio Timpanist & Percussionist, Los Angeles Opera — Timpanist
Hollywood Bowl Orchestra — Percussionist

"The open/close technique is a technical breakthrough in drumming. The greatest invention since the Paradiddle!"

Elliot Fine

Co-Author — Four Way Coordination and Accent on Accents
Minnesota Orchestra Percussionist — Retired

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