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Bachelor's, Master's, or Diploma in Percussion (BM, MM or Diploma)

Chicago College of Performing Arts

The Percussion Performance Program prepares students with the training and background to succeed as a professional musicians. Students graduate with comprehensive musicianship skills, performance capability, analytic abilities and stylistic knowledge.
DifferentiatorsExpectationsOutcomesOpportunitiesFacultyTestimonialsAdmission RequirementsRelated Programs
Roosevelt University's Wabash tower and Auditorium building in Chicago


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​​
eharrison@roosevelt.edu
312-341-6472

What Differentiates Us

Location

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, the CCPA Percussion Program 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.

Faculty

Faculty

The percussion faculty at CCPA 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.

Expectations & Requirements

Standards

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

Outcomes

See gainful employment disclosures for the Performance Diploma mandated by the Department of Education.

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

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.

Learn more about CCPA admission