BACHELOR OF MUSIC - Percussion
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The Bachelor of Music degree is designed for those who want to be: (a) professional performers (b) university-level teachers. This degree is focused in the area of classical music but usually includes study in other areas (jazz vibes, hand percussion, etc.). (If it is your intention to pursue a career in the jazz/popular music idiom, you should audition for entrance into the Jazz Area instead.)
Forty music units are required of all B.M. students; 32 additional units are specified under Percussion Option C in the University catalog.
B.M. students receive 16 units of state-paid percussion lessons.
To enter the B.M. program in percussion, one must pass an entry audition. Expectations are that the applicant will perform at an exceptional level on two of the "major" instruments (a mallet instrument, snare drum, timpani, etc.) Note: It is extremely unusual for a self-taught percussionist to pass the B.M. percussion audition.
Typical materials used by students for this audition include: (a) a major solo piece, or, (b) a demanding exercise/etude taken from a method book. It is strongly suggested that one's audition materials be selected in consultation with a professional teacher if at all possible.
Additional expectations:
(a) Applicants must be able to read music
(b) Applicants will be asked to sight-read at the audition
Percussion Faculty
Click here to access the Percussion Area Handbook {coming soon]
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC - Percussion
The Bachelor of Arts degree (with an emphasis in music/percussion) is designed for those who want to continue their music training at the university while earning a degree. This degree is focused in the area of classical music. (If it is your intention to pursue a career in the jazz/popular music idiom, you should audition for entrance into the Jazz Area instead.)
B.A. students receive 6 units of state-paid percussion lessons.
To enter the B.A. program in percussion, one must pass a playing audition with the percussion faculty plus an interview in a major area (i.e., music education, music industry, music therapy). Expectations are that the applicant will perform at an exceptional level on one of the "major" instruments (a mallet instrument, snare drum, timpani, etc.) Note: It is unusual—but not impossible—for a self-taught player to pass the B.A. percussion audition.
Typical materials used by students for this audition include: (a) a solo piece, or, (b) an exercise/etude taken from a method book. It is strongly suggested that one's audition materials be selected in consultation with a professional teacher if at all possible.
Additional expectations:
(a) Applicants must be able to read music
(b) Applicants may be asked to sight-read at the audition
Course Offerings
Check the university catalog for a complete listing of all percussion-related courses.
Click here to access the Percussion Area Handbook {coming soon]