Maracas in the Venezuelan joropo

Abstract

Venezuelan maraca players are highly skilled musicians who must learn many techniques in order to play the instrument properly. To date, there is no notational system that takes into account the myriad of techniques needed to play this instrument. This document proposes a notational system for Venezuelan maracas. The history of the instrument and its use in indigenous music is examined along with notational problems inherent in percussion writing. Transcriptions of performances utilizing this new notation conclude this document.