Program Overview

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Percussion Performance Program

The Percussion Performance Program prepares students with the training and background to succeed as a professional musician. Students graduate with comprehensive musicianship skills, performance capability, analytic abilities, and stylistic knowledge.

Percussion Education in the Heart of Chicago

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.

Experienced 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.

A Well-Rounded Arts Curriculum

Students learn how music works in conjunction with art and literature, become acquainted with historical performance practice, develop a hunger to discover excellent contemporary music, and, most importantly, develop their own individual artistry and musical vision.

Admission Info

Location

• Chicago
• Start Term: Fall, Spring

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

Master’s 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 master's 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.

Sample Percussion Courses

• The History of Western Music
• Form and Analysis
• Advanced Study of Rhythm/Intonation
• Percussion Performance
• Percussion Ensemble

Career Opportunities for Percussion

CCPA’s Percussion program prepares students for a performance career in musical theater, concert performance, and studio recording.

Faculty

• Vadim Karpinos: Artist Faculty Music, Percussion
• Edward Harrison: Artist Faculty Music, Percussion

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