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.
Why Study Percussion at Oberlin?
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.
Ensembles for Percussionists
Performance is central to the percussion studies curriculum. In addition to the Oberlin Percussion Group, which is dedicated to presenting contemporary music written for percussion, our students perform with most of the large ensembles—Oberlin Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra, and the Contemporary Music Ensemble. Other ensembles include the Symphonic Band, jazz ensembles, the Collegium Musicum, the Javanese Gamelan, and the African Mandinka Ensemble.
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.
Sample Courses
- APST 140 - Internalizing Rhythms 1 credit
- APST 235 - Percussion Instruments 2 credits
- APST 821 - Ensembles for Percussionists 2 credits
- APST 825 - Oberlin Percussion Group 2 credits
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.
Explore Faculty within PercussionSee Profile“I do more than teach students to play percussion – I give them the courage to own it.”
Michael Rosen, Ruth Strickland Gardner Professor of Percussion
Percussion News
