Which of the following is important for coordination in percussion students?

Coordination in percussion students is heavily reliant on sticking independence, which refers to the ability to control each hand independently while performing rhythms and patterns. This skill is fundamental for drummers and percussionists, as they often need to execute complex coordination between their limbs. For instance, many percussion pieces require a performer to play contrasting rhythms or to perform different sticking patterns on the drum kit or other percussion instruments simultaneously. Sticking independence allows musicians to develop the necessary fine motor skills and brain connectivity to perform these tasks fluidly and expressively.

The other choices also play roles in musicianship but address different aspects of performance. Finger dexterity is crucial for fine motor skills, but it primarily affects how quickly and accurately a student can execute notes rather than their overall coordination between limbs. Breath control is essential for wind instrument players to manage airflow and sustain notes, which does not apply to percussion. Pitch recognition is vital for identifying musical notes but is less about coordination in the physical execution of rhythm and more about aural skills. Therefore, sticking independence stands out as the key factor for developing coordination in percussion students.