Frank Epstein is a frequent clinician, having presented cymbal master classes throughout the country and around the world. His master classes focus on developing a well functioning cymbal technique and its application in the standard orchestral cymbal repertoire.
A typical master class is given to a group of 10 to 20 students, after an initial discussion of cymbals, how they are made, how to select them, what to listen for in the selection process, what size, how many cymbals are necessary, the role and function of cymbals in an orchestra, the process of building a cymbal technique is discussed. No one leaves a session without a thorough understanding of what is a beautiful sound and how to best produce and achieve it. Specific technical steps are learned and each step is calculated to be achievable before the next step is added. At the conclusion of the session, the student has a clear idea of how to practice and will have a clearer concept of sound and how it is best produced. Follow up sessions will delve into Cymbalisms (explained in his book of the same name) which are specialized techniques developed over years and specifically adapted for use in the orchestral repertoire.
