CAPITAL UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION STUDIO

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1 CAPITAL UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION STUDIO Goal Statement Today s college percussion curriculum at the undergraduate level must present a wide variety of literature and opportunities to the student. At Capital University we strive for excellence in all aspects of percussion performance. We are dedicated to providing an educational environment that promotes a comprehensive understanding of a broad spectrum of percussion experiences that will translate to the development of applicable skills. Undergraduate Degrees Offered for Percussionists Composition Jazz Studies Music Performance Music Industry Music Technology Music Education

2 FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Audition Requirements Auditioning students must show competency in at least two of the following five areas: Snare Drum- Contest solo from Albright, Podemski, Wilcoxin, Cirone, Firth, or equivalent. Mallets - Contest solo or etude, employing two or four mallets. The student may also use improvisation to demonstrate keyboard skills. Timpani - Contest solo, etude or excerpt of at least moderate difficulty. Drumset - Demonstrate basic styles, i.e., Swing, Latin, Rock, etc. The student may play a short solo, fours, etc. to demonstrate improvisational skills. Hand Percussion - Performance of styles to demonstrate knowledge of fundamental patterns and styles. Additional Requirements for Audition: Snare Drum Rudiments Scales and Arpeggios Sight-Reading The student must supply all sticks, mallets and literature for the audition. Large instruments (drum set, timpani, marimba, etc.) will be supplied; students are encouraged to bring their own snare drum or any other equipment they feel is necessary to enhance their performance.

3 CAPITAL UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTION Course Meeting Time Percussion Students will receive a minimum of one academic hour of contact with percussion faculty per week, for a minimum total of 14 hours of contact for the semester. Primary Percussion Lessons - (1 credit) Prerequisite: Conservatory Major Primary Lessons, required of all Bachelor of Music degree majors, normally consist of 14 hours of private (one-on-one) studio instruction on the student s primary instrument, delivered one hour per week throughout the semester and are valued at one (1) academic credit each semester, plus an area jury at the end of each semester. Primary Lesson course numbers coincide with the student s performance level, as determined by the area jury process. Normally, students audition into the Conservatory at the 101 level, with normal progress consisting of advancement to 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402 in consecutive semesters. For students entering at a higher level (e.g. 201) advanced levels are offered as needed (403, 404, etc.). Minimum study and level achievement on the primary instrument is determined by the student s degree curriculum. Special fees are applied for oneon-one instruction. Performance Level Primary Lessons - (2 credits) Prerequisite: Conservatory Major and acceptance via 102 Level Jury or other means Performance Level Primary Lessons: Following the 102 Level of study, any student may audition to study on the primary instrument at the Primary Performance Level (201P, 202P, 301P, 302P, 401P, 402P). All BM in Performance and BM in Jazz Studies degree majors are required to study six semesters at the Performance Level Primary Lesson (2.0 credit hours) on the primary instrument. For composition majors, five semesters of Performance Level composition lessons are required. Performance Level lessons are valued at two (2) academic credits each semester. For additional details related to performance levels, see the current Conservatory Student Handbook. Special fees are applied for one-on-one instruction.

4 MUSIC Hour Lesson (1 credit) Optional hour lessons each week for music majors on a secondary instrument. Placement is subject to faculty load availability. Special fees are applied for oneon-one instruction. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: Music Major and acceptance by the studio instructor. MUSIC Half-Hour Lesson (0.5 credit) Half-hour lesson each week for non-music majors or music majors on a secondary instrument. This is the required minimum (4 semesters) for Bachelor of Arts in Music majors. Prerequisite: BA Music Major or acceptance by the studio instructor. Special fees are applied for one-on-one instruction. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: Acceptance by Studio Instructor and/or Area Head. Offered each semester. Course Goals and Objectives Students will learn the principles of percussion performance through the study of stroke, touch, tone, motion and other fundamental techniques essential to a comprehensive understanding of percussion performance on all instruments. Pedagogical principles will apply to developing excellence in both playing and teaching. Course Learning Goals (outcomes) - Students will learn fundamental skills applied to all percussion instruments - Students will apply musical elements, e.g., phrasing, tone, touch, etc. to all percussion instruments - Students will apply technical skills to musical application in both solo and ensemble settings - Students will become familiar with materials and repertoire appropriate for collegiate study at their various levels and will learn to apply those elements toward successful musical and career goals - Students will develop the analytical and communication skills applicable for percussion study through various writing and verbal assignments and presentations Assessment Plan Grading Scale: Consult the Conservatory Student Handbook for an explanation of how jury and semester grades are decided. It should be noted that the grade is based on work for the full semester and not just the performance at the jury. The Conservatory Grading Scale is as follows (Number or Letter Grades will be assigned): A= B+=88-91 C+=76-79 D+=64-67 A-=92-95 B=84-87 C=72-75 D=60-63 B-=80-83 C-=68-71 F=0-59

5 Evaluation Methods The student will be evaluated through lessons, studio class and jury settings. Appropriate progress is required for the student to matriculate through the various performance levels. Assignments and Examinations Lesson Attendance: Attendance at all scheduled lessons is required. Students must notify the instructor if a lesson will be missed and provide a reason for the absence; the instructor will determine if the stated reason is reasonable. If a student misses a lesson and does not notify the instructor in advance, the lesson grade will not be made up, and the student will not receive a passing grade for that lesson. Studio Class/Jury Examination: Because performance ability is an essential part of the Music degree programs, the student is required to demonstrate performance ability before faculty during the course of the semester and at the end of each semester of applied instruction. The purpose of this is to assess the student s progress and to serve as the prerequisite for advancing to the next level of applied instruction. Please refer to the Conservatory Student Handbook for information on the jury grading system. Lesson/Performance Evaluations: The student will be graded on each week s performance. (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0). Level of Musicianship: The general level of instrumental skill and musical artistry in relation to expectations for the registered course number, e.g., 201, 202, etc. Performance level lessons: In addition to the requirements for all students, performance majors will demonstrate a greater depth and breadth of knowledge through a variety of methods, e.g., higher level performance on both half and full recitals, more difficult repertoire during each semester, and higher level of expectation in seating of ensembles, etc. Capital s percussion faculty will provide guidelines to differential between 1.0 and 2.0 credit hour lessons on an individual student basis. Progress: Appropriate progress must be demonstrated throughout the semester. Students may be held at level due to the lack of overall progress consistent with level advancement, e.g., lack of comprehensive progress in overall percussion study, not simply progress on an individual instrument such as marimba or drum set, etc.. For example, a student who demonstrates progress in one or more areas (ex: snare drum, marimba), but does not demonstrate appropriate progress in another (drum set, timpani) may be held at level until faculty determine that the comprehensive development is adequate to constitute level advancement.

6 Master Class/Recital Attendance and Performances Attendance at all percussion master classes and studio performances, including percussion studio member s recitals are required. Students may be excused from these events only with the prior permission of the instructor. Reasons for missing an event could include a previously scheduled academic class, ensemble rehearsal or performance, or an event that the instructor determines is substitute for the event, or an emergency. University Policies University Policies governing drop dates, penalties, plagiarism, incompletes and academic integrity as detailed in the Capital University Undergraduate Bulletin Undergraduate Academic Policies, Regulations and General Information will be observed. University policies may be found at: Academic Success Support This service provides valuable support services and resources for students as they study and work to meet their academic goals. Regular drop-in and appointment hours and available for the Math, Science, and Writing Centers. Students can schedule an appointment ahead of time by calling Academic Success at , ing academicsuccess@capital.edu, or stopping by the Academic Success location on the second floor of the Blackmore Library. A wide range of subject area tutoring is also available; consult the Tutor Yellow Pages (available in the Academic Success office and on the Academic Success website at to find a tutor for a particular course. In addition, online etutoring ( is available in accounting, anatomy/physiology, biology, chemistry, math, physics, statistics, and writing. Students can also contact Academic Success to schedule individualized study strategies consultations or peer academic advising sessions. For additional information about Academic Success programs and services, contact Director Bruce Epps at bepps@capital.edu or Percussion Department Chair Contact Students may contact Robert Breithaupt at any time for any issue: rbreitha@capital.edu; cell:

7 Disability Services Capital University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you are seeking academic accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, you are required to register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). To receive academic accommodations for this class, please register with ODS and meet with me at the beginning of the semester. Further information may be obtained by contacting Latesha Bigford, MA, CRC, Disability Services, in the Center for Health and Wellness by phone (614) or The syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. MUSIC LIBGUIDE AT CAPITAL UNIVERSITY The Music LibGuide is a one-stop shop interface providing access to Music resources available through the Blackmore Library. It is designed to help students and faculty find music books, articles, CDs, DVDs, scores and other appropriate material for research. To access the guide, go to the Library home page and choose the Libguide tab in the middle of the screen. On the next page choose the Music link, which will take you to the home page of the Music LibGuide. There are separate tabs at the top of the page for a broad range of features. These include pathways for finding books, articles, music materials (including audio streaming files from the Naxos Music Library), internet resources, biographies, career/job help resources, the use of MLA style for citing resources in papers, and the use of RefWorks. The latter allows one to export citations of books and journal articles from databases and the catalog into a research paper, and to create bibliographic references. The internet resources section includes links to professional music associations, reference websites, and digital scores and special collections in the public domain.

8 Instrument Competencies Please Note: Any literature listed is representative only. Choices may vary by instructor approach, student needs and other factors. Snare Drum Goal: To demonstrate competency in the musical and technical elements of basic snare drumming and the relationship to other percussion instruments: grip, strokes, the level system, rolls, rudiments, sight reading, etc. To perform standard literature in both the concert and rudimental style and to understand the correct application. Competency: Will be demonstrated through completion of lesson materials, jury/mid-term performance and/or practical application in concert ensembles. 101/102 Requirements Understanding and application of stroke/rebound technique Application of concert and rudimental technique (PAS rudiments) Cirone Etudes Wilcoxin Solos Pratt Solos Albright Solos 201 Requirements Understanding and demonstration of Level System and various systems, e.g., Moeller, Stone, etc. Cirone Albright Pratt Firth 202 Requirements Synthesis of knowledge of stroke, performance technique as applied on snare drum and other instruments Application of concert and rudimental style to literature Albright Etudes Cirone Etudes Delecluse Etudes

9 Marimba Goal: To demonstrate competency in musical and technical elements of both two mallet and four-mallet marimba performance: sight-reading, two/four-mallet grips, stroke, motion, rolls, scales/arpeggios, exercises, literature etc. Competency: Will be demonstrated through the completion of lesson materials, solo literature, jury and recital performances. 101/102 Requirements Understanding and application of two/four-mallet technique Bach - Chorales Kreisler - Tambourine Chinois Leavitt Classical Studies for Pick-Style Guitar Musser - Etudes Stevens - Method for Movement 201 Requirements Two/four mallet dexterity exemplified through lesson/solo literature Sight reading skills confident in various keys and tempos Abe - Frogs Bach - Chorales Burritt - Etudes Green - Xylophone Solos Smadbeck - Etudes 202 Requirements Literature choices reflective of recital preparation Abe - Wind in the Bamboo Grove Burritt - October Night Smadbeck - Etudes Rosauro - Preludio Stout - Mexican Dances

10 Drum Set Goal: To demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of styles, coordination and reading on drum set. Competency: Demonstrate styles through performance experiences and the discussion/transcription of various elements, including the completion of lesson materials and/or the successful participation in a university jazz ensemble or professional drum set performance experience. 202 Requirements Styles: Demonstrate various swing, rock and Latin styles through performance of literature and/or ensemble/professional experience. Transcription and style presentations in a lecture setting can contribute to the evaluation of competency. Coordination: Demonstrate understanding of coordination studies. Presentation/analysis of such can be considered in evaluation of competency. Reading: Demonstrate an understanding of chart terminology and application through lesson materials and/or ensemble performance. Chaffee, Riley - Methods Reed - Syncopation Fonseca - Brazilian Rhythms for Drum Set Uribe - Afro Cuban/Caribbean Rhythms for Drum Set CD - Turn It Up & Lay It Down (play-a-long) Comping Exercises Timpani Goal: To demonstrate competency in the technical and musical elements of fundamental timpani performance: grip, stroke, rolls, dampening, pedaling, tuning, etc. To perform standard pedagogical literature in the studio; application of techniques in a musical/ensemble context. Competency: Will be demonstrated through completion of lesson materials, jury performance and/or practical application in concert ensembles. Carter - Eight Solos Firth - The Solo Timpanist Goodman - Modern Method for Timpani Peters - Timpani Method (Reading Assignments) Orchestral Excerpts

11 Vibraphone Goal: To demonstrate competency of pedaling, dampening and fundamental chord voicing techniques. Competency: Demonstrate skill through private study, transcriptions of solos, midterm exams and juries and/or successful participation of university jazz ensemble or professional experience. Friedman - Dampening/Muffling for Vibraphone Standard Tunes Hand Drums Goal: To demonstrate competency of fundamental hand drumming technique. Competency: Participation of at least one semester in ensemble setting where hand drums are utilized.

12 Progress Continuum Name: Major: Semester: Level: The categories under each primary area are level 202 goals. Position on the continuum is based on the students current comprehension of these categories. Snare Drum Knowledge/application of stroke techniques, style, reading, tuning, construction / / / / / Keyboard Percussion Knowledge/application of grips, stroke techniques, literature, reading / / / / / Timpani Knowledge/application of grips, stroke technique, literature, tuning, reading, construction / / / / / Drum Set Knowledge/application of basic coordination, style, chart reading, tuning / / / / / PRIVATE INSTRUCTOR(S) SIGNATURE

13 OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE STUDIO Special Project in Percussion The Special Project in Percussion is designed to allow any full-time percussion major at Capital University the opportunity to study, in-depth, any area of percussion at the 301 level or beyond. To participate in the Special Project, one must present to their percussion instructor a proposal that will discuss the area of study, the reason for studying that area and in what manner the student will present the final project. Requirements during the project semester will be: A. Outline of project proposal B. Lecture/demonstration at the end of the semester C. Progress discussion and demonstration at each studio class D. Research paper of at least 25 pages in length The Special Project does not exclude the student from the possibility of participation in any ensemble, recital or any other activity during that semester, but does assume that all effort toward the studio lessons for that semester be directed toward the project. Please note that this is optional and not required in the curriculum. Internships Students at the junior or senior level who have completed an adequate number of courses in the major and supporting areas to be prepared to meet the requirements of the internship. Students must have attained the 301 performance level prior to beginning the internship and have attained a 2.5 GPA overall. A student must apply for the internship by scheduling an interview with the department chair or by providing the department chair a one page, typed request for consideration for an internship. A typed resume for possible submission to potential supervisors should also be prepared. A recommendation from a faculty member or former employer must also accompany the application.

14 Frequently Asked Questions How many percussion majors are enrolled? Capital's percussion enrollment usually varies between majors, in all degrees. What is the focus of the majors in the percussion studio? The focus of our percussion majors varies from orchestral performance to hand drumming. Each student will ultimately excel in one or more areas, but the curriculum is designed to promote a broad-based experience in percussion. One distinction about our program is that we consider drum set to be one of the essential elements of fundamental percussion performance, along with mallet percussion, snare drum and timpani. How are ensemble auditions held? Each fall, students participate in a performance review, which helps the faculty determine the progress of students returning over the summer and affirms the performance level of new students. Concert ensemble assignments are made following this event. Jazz ensemble auditions are held during the first week of class. What is the accessibility of practice room space? We are blessed with a model percussion facility, featuring thirteen separate practice spaces dedicated to the percussion area. These spaces include a large percussion ensemble rehearsal room and a teaching studio, all separate from the percussion office. There are practice spaces dedicated to drum set, hand drumming, timpani and mallet percussion. What is the frequency/length of private lessons? Each student receives an academic hour of contact with a percussion faculty each week. We will use a variety of experiences to achieve that goal. For example, freshmen will participate in a one-hour group lesson/class per week, along with a half-hour private lesson. This allows certain topics, e.g. basic timpani stroke, cymbal/accessory instruments, etc. to be delivered in an efficient way, allowing us to say the same thing to all students. In addition, two/three times a semester we engage in a percussion studio class, where all majors perform a solo, which is graded by the instructors and serves as the private lesson for that week. This allows all students the experience of performing in front of their peers and hearing a large quantity of literature in one setting. These sessions are generally held on Monday evenings, scheduled in advance and attendance is required, as they serve as a substitute for the private lesson for that week.

15 Do ensembles travel and tour? Our percussion ensembles have a long history of touring, performing in various venues. Our Jazz Percussion Ensemble has won numerous honors at regional and national collegiate jazz festivals, and some of our percussion ensembles have been honored with invitations to perform at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in 1997, 1999, 2005, 2007 and Are there performing opportunities off campus? One of the tremendous features of Capital University is its proximity to the Columbus metropolitan area, a community of over 1.8 million people. Specifically for drummers and percussionists, this area features an unusually high number of outstanding performers (many of them Capital graduates), allowing young players a unique opportunity to gauge their skills. Those that have decided to leave Columbus have also met with great success. Where are Capital s percussion graduates employed? Our graduates have achieved success in all facets of the music business, including performance, teaching, publishing, recording, arts management, manufacturing and the music products industry. Capital s faculty is a reflection of the opportunity for today s young musician to develop into a viable music professional.

University of West Florida Department of Music Levels of Attainment Percussion

University of West Florida Department of Music Levels of Attainment Percussion Entry Level: Incoming students prepare standard works in TWO of the four main areas of percussion: Keyboard Percussion, Snare