Percussion
Our Percussion Studies Program provides individualized, rigorous instruction led by Professor Michael Rosen, a full-time faculty member and active performer and clinician. Coursework includes music theory and aural skills with an emphasis on developing technique and musicianship through the study of both contemporary solo literature and orchestral repertoire. Because of our undergraduate focus, Oberlin percussionists are assured of playing opportunities in our many ensembles.
Program Facts
- Program Type: Major
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- Bachelor of Music (BM)
- Division: Winds, Brass, and Percussion
Division Director
Michael Rosen,
Professor of Percussion
Quick Links
Rosen Percussion Studio
Professor Rosen’s percussion studio is a sonic laboratory and hands-on museum of instruments. It’s packed with all manner of mallet instruments and drums, as well as the orchestral battery needed for performance in Oberlin’s ensembles, alongside exotic gongs and drums collected from his travels across Asia.
Percussion Faculty
Conservatory faculty maintain active performance schedules while remaining accessible and committed to their students. Individual instruction is paramount to helping students develop their mechanical, technical, stylistic, psychological, and musical skills.
“I do more than teach students to play percussion – I give them the courage to own it.”
Michael Rosen, Professor of Percussion
Percussion News
Conservatory Percussion Department Prepares for Life After a Legend
March 8, 2021
Oberlin Percussion Group Takes on Daunting Work by James Wood on New Oberlin Music Release
August 7, 2020
Phlox Ensembles Give Underrepresented Groups a Voice
January 19, 2020
Performance Groups
Students have opportunities to perform with faculty-led and student-led performance groups that perform in a variety of venues on and off campus. Many of these groups use student percussionists.
