At DePauw, our goal is to develop well-rounded percussionists who can function in a wide variety of musical roles – as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral players – and in a wide range of musical genres – contemporary solo and ensemble music, classical repertoire, jazz and popular music, and experimental and improvisatory music. We concentrate on developing each percussionist’s technique and musicianship to the highest possible level.
The percussion studio is small and select, enabling all students to receive a great deal of individual attention and a wide range of performing opportunities. All lessons, studio classes, and the percussion ensemble are taught by our percussion faculty. We regularly invite guest artists to perform and present workshops and master classes for the percussion studio.
Degree Options
- Bachelor of Music in Performance Degree Options
- Bachelor of Music in Performance
- Bachelor of Music in Performance with a Second Major
- Bachelor of Music in Performance with an Emphasis in Business
- 5-Year Double Degree: Bachelor of Music in Performance and Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Musical Arts Degree Options
- Bachelor of Musical Arts
- Bachelor of Musical Arts with a Second Major
- Bachelor of Musical Arts with an Emphasis in Business
- Bachelor of Music Education Degree Options
- Bachelor of Music Education: Instrumental/General
- Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music (College of Liberal Arts)
- Minor in Musical Theatre
Opportunities
There are a variety of opportunities for percussion majors. Students may elect to participate in large ensembles – DePauw University Orchestra, DePauw University Band, or DePauw Jazz Ensemble – through auditions held at the beginning of each semester. Additionally, a variety of chamber ensembles are offered each semester.
DePauw Percussion Ensemble
The DePauw Percussion Ensemble is a chamber music group open to percussionists by audition. Music majors and liberal arts students are welcome to audition. The ensemble performs contemporary music of many styles, ranging from ragtime and jazz to “classic” works and the newest works composed by composers from all over the world. Playing in the Percussion Ensemble helps students to become effective chamber music players, and to learn contemporary playing techniques and musical styles. In addition to a concert on campus each semester, the Percussion Ensemble also performs in the Percussion@Peeler series in the Peeler Art Gallery, plays run-out concerts at area high schools, and appears at other events.
Off-Campus Study
There are opportunities for both international and domestic off-campus study. Locations recently selected include Vienna, Milan, Paris, London, Dresden, New York, Philadelphia, and Florence.
Degree Specific Courses
Symphonic Literature, Pedagogy, Junior & Senior Recital (required for B.M. students), Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combos