Graduate Student Percussion Course of Study (MME)

1. Graduate students will create an individualized plan with the major professor to meet individual professional goals and correct any deficiencies in core instruments.
2. Graduate students will consult with the major professor to determine elective credits as appropriate to the student’s professional goals and comprehensive/qualifying exam content.

Undergraduate Percussion Course of Study (BME, BA)
(subject to individual student strengths/weaknesses)
 
Freshman
            Fall – snare drum / keyboard percussion
            Spring – timpani / keyboard percussion
Sophomore
            Fall – snare drum / drum-set
            Spring – timpani / keyboard percussion (complete sophomore barrier jury with research paper)
Junior
            Fall – student choice: jazz vibraphone, orchestral excerpts, multiple percussion, advanced solo repertoire, or other
            Spring – same as above
Senior
            Fall – recital preparation / graduate school preparation (if applicable)
            Spring – recital / graduate school auditions (if applicable)
 
Suggested Student Activities

1. Professional Development
   1. Membership in professional societies (PAS, NAfME, CMS)
   2. Participation in statewide PAS events (Day of Percussion, Competitions)
   3. Participation in national PAS events (Competitions, Masterclasses, etc.)
   4. Participation in PAS Student Delegate program – undergraduate only
2. Teaching and Community Service
   1. Local public school percussion (band camps, lessons, concert section coaching)
   2. University Community Music School
   3. Apply for public school, community college, and university teaching positions – graduate only
3. Performance
   1. Regional orchestras and ensembles
   2. Student-led chamber groups
   3. Solo performances in the community (schools, churches, community centers, etc.)
   4. Summer festivals
   5. Orchestral and service band auditions
4. Research and Scholarly Activity
   1. Collaboration with student composers
   2. Submit proposals for CMS, PASIC, NAfME presentations
   3. Submit articles to Percussive Notes, Rhythm Scene, etc.
   4. Submit compositions/arrangements for publication

 
Percussion Studio Grading Policy

1. Lesson/Studio Class
   1. Attendance
      1. Absences only excused if instructor is notified at least 24 hours in advance, or if the situation is serious. 
         1. If the student arrives at any time after the beginning of the lesson, they will be counted as late. 
         2. Two unexcused late occurrences = one unexcused absence
      2. Greater than ten minutes late = unexcused absence
         1. Student is allowed one unexcused absence. The final grade will drop one letter for each subsequent unexcused absence
   2. Preparation
      1. A high level of preparation is expected for all assigned literature
      2. Students are expected to acquire needed music, books and sticks/mallets within the time frame given by the instructor.
      3. A weekly letter grade will be given for preparation
         1. “A” (95%): A high level of understanding and achievement demonstrated
         2. “B” (85%): A high level of understanding is demonstrated with minor weaknesses evident in execution
         3. “C” (75%): Marginal understanding and demonstration of concepts in performance
         4. Credit will not be given for preparation resulting in a grade of “D” or “F”
   3. Midterm Technique Exam
      1. Scales, Modes, 7th Chords, and Arpeggios
      2. Rudiments
      3. Orchestral Accessories
      4. Sight Reading
   4. Final Jury Exam
      1. Two prepared pieces or etudes (complete)
      2. Independent study piece (assigned by instructor)