|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percussion Studies
Eastern Michigan University has an excellent, comprehensive percussion program that helps prepare students for the world of professional music. Our objectives are to develop professional educators, performers or other music professionals who are proficient on a wide variety of percussion instruments so that they will be prepared for whatever opportunities arise in the field of professional music, music education or music therapy. Our aim is also to cultivate the percussionist’s level of musicianship, artistry and technique, as well as illuminate elements of pedagogy, history, practical theory, music business and other relevant components of music.
In addition to other music and general education classes, percussion majors study in private lessons (applied music) for a one-hour lesson once a week (minors receive a half-hour lesson/week), where emphasis is on learning about all of the major percussion instruments including snare drum, mallet keyboard instruments, timpani, drum set, and a myriad of accessory items such as cymbals, tambourine, triangle, congas, etc. Applied percussion lessons are a basic element of the percussion curriculum at Eastern Michigan University. Applied music study is essential in every music degree program as the avenue for the development of personal musicianship, competence in performance, and pedagogical understanding. In applied music courses, students integrate and apply theoretical, historical, and philosophical music information and concepts learned elsewhere in the curriculum. Applied music is comprised of intensive study of the instrument in private lessons, studio and technique classes, solo and small ensemble rehearsals and performances. Musical, technical, and pedagogical issues are addressed in weekly private lessons and studio classes through the study, performance and pedagogical analysis of solo and small ensemble repertoire, etudes, and related literature. Students are assessed in performance examinations before the music faculty and in public performance.
Percussion students usually participate in the Percussion Ensemble, a great (and fun) experience for playing music written exclusively for percussion instruments and which also provides for supplemental instruction. In addition, once a week, applied percussion students participate in Studio Class, meeting as a group for the purposes of discussion, announcements, group lessons/demonstrations, master classes, music study, informal student performances with constructive peer critiques, and occasionally for extra rehearsal time.
Performance experiences in the Department of Music and Dance are rich and varied. Students may perform in an assortment of university ensembles including the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, Basketball Band, African Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble or a Jazz Combo. All ensembles are open by audition to any university student. Percussion students also have many solo and chamber music performance opportunities in departmental recitals and programs.
|