I wrote Etude Percussive to illustrate two main points for my Higher Music pupils. Firstly, it is an example of minimalism, with all the material built from just one or two rhythmic cells. Secondly, it shows how technology can be used to create contemporary music. I played several ’drum kit’ rhythms onto a computer based sequencer, then used a random cut and paste method to assemble the whole piece. I then changed the playback instrument from drums to those in this score.