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Location: Chicago
Start Term: Fall, Spring
Program Type: Major, Master's, Diploma

Students in CCPA's Percussions Program are fully immersed in their chosen area of study through private lessons and coaching, performing ensembles, and seminars, developing professional competence and the capacity to make effective artistic and intellectual judgments.

Edward Harrison
,  Head of Percussion Program and Artist Faculty of Percussion

What Differentiates Us

Opera

LOCATION

For students who are looking for an intensive music conservatory experience paired with the rich musical and cultural experiences provided by living in a major city, CCPA will prepare help prepare students for a successful career in music. CCPA's emphasis on entrepreneurial activities also prepares students for multiple career opportunities after graduation.

Teach

FACULTY

CCPA's faculty is comprised of passionate teachers and performers who can be seen/heard on stages around the world, including here in Chicago with organizations such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Grad Hat

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Yi-Mei Ciou (MM '18) -- Won 2018 position at Miami Music Festival. Logan Fox (MM '19) – Winner of the 2018 Aeolian Classics Emerging Artist Award. Logan will record a debut CD for the Aeolian Classics catalogue and performed a series of concerts/recitals in Spring 2018.

Madison Shake (BM '18) -- Won full fellowships to both Music Academy of the West and National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) for Summer 2018. Madison will attend the Music Academy of the West this summer after graduation.

 

 

Expectations & Requirements

Standards

  • Study and performance of standard repertory encompassing all stylistic periods
  • Systematic development of technical skills
  • Development of collaborative and practical skill

More Opportunities

Performance Opportunities

Chamber music, chamber orchestra, symphony orchestra and wind ensemble

Testimonials

percussion tympani student

The percussion faculty at CCPA comprises passionate teachers and performers who can be seen/heard on stages around the world, including here in Chicago (including the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera). Students in the percussion program will enhance their musicianship by learning and developing performance skills on their instrument under the tutelage of master artists. Students will also learn pedagogical techniques for teaching students while working in a cooperative-learning environment. Plus, if you are a student at CCPA you will get to live in the heart of Chicago, which is one of the most culturally and artistically diverse cities in the world.

​Ed Harrison
Head of Percussion Program and Artist Faculty, Percussion, Roosevelt University

Admission Info

Chicago skyline

Percussion Audition Requirements

All instruments will be supplied; students may bring their own snare drum and tambourine.

Freshman (BM)

A solo piece for keyboard percussion; a solo piece for timpani; a solo piece for snare drum

Sophomore, Junior, Senior (BM)

An advanced solo from any area of percussion, and: 

  • Snare drum: a rudimental roll mf>p<ff, and an orchestral roll mf>p<ff.
  • Keyboard percussion: A four-mallet etude.
  • Timpani: an etude from The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth, or an etude of similar difficulty

Masters in Performance (MM)

Mallet, timpani, and snare drum or multi-percussion solo pieces at the level of a final senior recital. Due to set-up constraints, applicants can submit a videotape of a multi-percussion solo at the live audition.

Performance Diploma

Mallet, timpani, and snare drum or multi-percussion solo pieces at the level of a final masters recital. Due to set-up constraints, applicants can submit a videotape of a multi-percussion solo at the live audition.

Masters in Orchestral Studies / Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies

  • All of the following excerpts (five of these excerpts will be picked by the faculty at the audition):
    • Snare Drum: Solo or etudé          
    • Marimba/Vibraphone: 4 mallet and 2 mallet solo 
    • Timpani: 4 drum solo or etudé
    • Orchestral Excerpts:

      Applicants should choose material that shows their best musical attributes.
      Standard orchestral excerpts from the major orchestral and/or opera literature
      on snare drum, timpani, xylophone and bells.  The applicant may also perform
      excerpts on tambourine, cymbals and accessories.

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