
Echoes of the Drum: The Tap Kit
What if tap had developed its own family of instruments alongside the modern drum kit? This presentation explores that question through the creation of new instruments for tap dance that expand the possibilities of foot percussion. Featured works include the Tap Kit (Canada Council for the Arts), designed in collaboration with Joe Adamick, an instrument inspired by the modern drum kit that incorporates low, mid, and high toms alongside snare, and kick inspired components. Also presented are Brush Shoes (Shoe Dreams, DanceMakers), developed in collaboration with Sophie Moynan, which extend bristles beneath the toe to create sustained, sweeping textures inspired by drum brushes. Together, these instruments expand tap’s sonic palette beyond its traditional vocabulary. Through live demonstrations and discussion, this session explores how new approaches to instrument creation can open new directions for percussion through performance and interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning tap as an evolving musical instrument.



