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 (sophomore barrier jury with research paper)
Junior
Fall – student choice: jazz vibraphone, orchestral excerpts, multiple percussion, advanced solo repertoire, etc.
Spring – same as above
Senior
Fall – recital preparation / graduate school preparation (if applicable)
Spring – recital / graduate school auditions (if applicable)
Summer Graduate Student Percussion Course of Study (MME)
Suggested Student Activities
Percussion Studio Grading Policy
(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 (sophomore barrier jury with research paper)
Junior
Fall – student choice: jazz vibraphone, orchestral excerpts, multiple percussion, advanced solo repertoire, etc.
Spring – same as above
Senior
Fall – recital preparation / graduate school preparation (if applicable)
Spring – recital / graduate school auditions (if applicable)
Summer Graduate Student Percussion Course of Study (MME)
- Graduate students will create an individualized plan with the major professor to meet individual professional goals and correct any deficiencies on core instruments.
- Graduate study can also include topics such as pedagogy, percussion arranging/composition, and literature.
Suggested Student Activities
- Professional Development
- Membership in professional societies (PAS, NAfME, CMS)
- Participation in statewide PAS events (Day of Percussion, Competitions)
- Participation in national PAS events (Competitions, Masterclasses, etc.)
- Participation in PAS Student Delegate program – undergraduate only
- Teaching and Community Service
- Local public school percussion (band camps, lessons, concert section coaching)
- University Community Music School
- Apply for public school, community college, and university teaching positions – graduate only
- Performance
- Regional orchestras and ensembles
- Student-led chamber groups
- Solo performances in the community (schools, churches, community centers, etc.)
- Summer festivals
- Orchestral and service band auditions
- Research and Scholarly Activity
- Collaboration with student composers
- Submit proposals for CMS, PASIC, NAfME presentations
- Submit articles to Percussive Notes, Rhythm Scene, etc.
- Submit compositions/arrangements for publication
Percussion Studio Grading Policy
- Lesson/Studio Class (65%)
- Attendance
- Absences only excused if instructor is notified at least 24 hours in advance, or if the situation is serious.
- If the student arrives at any time after the beginning of the lesson, they will be counted as late.
- Two unexcused late occurrences = one unexcused absence
- Greater than ten minutes late = unexcused absence
- Student is allowed one unexcused absence. The final grade will drop one letter for each subsequent unexcused absence
- Absences only excused if instructor is notified at least 24 hours in advance, or if the situation is serious.
- Preparation
- A high level of preparation is expected for all assigned literature
- Students are expected to acquire needed music, books and sticks/mallets within the time frame given by the instructor.
- A weekly letter grade will be given for preparation
- “A” (95%): A high level of understanding and achievement demonstrated
- “B” (85%): A high level of understanding is demonstrated with minor weaknesses evident in execution
- “C” (75%): Marginal understanding and demonstration of concepts in performance
- Credit will not be given for preparation resulting in a grade of “D” or “F”
- Midterm Technique Exam (10%)
- Scales, Modes, 7th Chords, and Arpeggios
- Rudiments
- Orchestral Accessories
- Sight Reading
- Final Jury Exam (15%)
- Two prepared pieces or etudes (complete)
- Independent study piece (assigned by instructor)
- Concert Attendance (10%)
- Students must attend 10 concerts throughout the semester in which they are not performing
- Students may attend off campus concerts for credit, but must gain approval from Dr. Baker beforehand.
- Attendance