How many students are in the MSU Percussion Studio? There are approximately 25 students in the studio. This includes 18-20 undergraduate performance, music education and composition majors and 5-7 graduate students (MM and DMA.)
Will I get to play in a Large Ensemble? Yes! MSU large ensembles include the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band and Concert Band. Everyone participates in at least one large ensemble each semester.
Will I get to participate in chamber music/percussion ensemble? Yes! Every member of the studio participates in the percussion ensemble each semester. The percussion ensemble repertoire is geared towards giving all students an experience with chamber music. Most groups are small (2-6 players), work together all semester and perform un-conducted. Our repertoire includes classic percussion ensemble works as well as newer pieces and commissioned works. Examples of recent repertoire include: Rain Tree by Toru Takemitsu, Peaux from Pleiades by Iannis Xenakis, Third Construction by John Cage, Threads by Paul Lansky, Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion by Bela Bartok, Ritual Music by David Skidmore, Ogoun and Ku Ka Ilimoku by Christopher Rouse…etc.
Will I have the opportunity to perform new music? Yes! MSU has a new music group – Musique 21 that puts on four concerts per year. The percussion ensemble also performs new music on a regular basis. In addition, MSU has a thriving composition program and there are many opportunities to work with composers and ad hock chamber music groups.
Will I be able to study with a professor if I come to MSU? Yes! Everyone in the studio studies with one of the professors. Graduate students in the studio to have opportunities to co-teach some private lessons and percussion ensembles, but all students will have the majority of their lessons with a professor.