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Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music

Percussion Performance

» Percussion Performance

The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Percussion Performance is an intensive program that focuses on classical training for solo, chamber and orchestral experience. You'll also build a strong liberal-arts foundation to become a well-rounded, thinking musician with a firm grasp of both performance and theory. We welcome your interest in our program and look forward to helping you live your dream!

In this program you will:

  • hone your musical skills
  • learn music theory
  • perform in your first year
  • take electives
  • have the choice to double-major or minor in an additional music or non-music discipline

Program Faculty

The Percussion program is led by Dr. Nicholas Terry, a multi-nominated, GRAMMY®-winning percussionist and educator specializing in contemporary classical chamber music. Currently based in Los Angeles, since 2005 his multi-faceted creative output has received critical acclaim from the Recording Academy (winner in 57th GRAMMY Awards, official nominee in 55th GRAMMY Awards), Percussive Arts Society (invited performer 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018 International Conventions), iTunes (2014 Best of Classical Music) and National Public Radio (2017’s Top 10 Classical Albums). His music has been called “mesmerizing, atmospheric, and supremely melodic” by the New York Times and “representing the next generation in the evolution of modern percussion” by conductor Pierre Boulez.

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Performance Opportunities From the First Day

Not only are there ample performance opportunities for you in a variety of venues throughout the year, including our state-of-the-art Musco Center for the arts, you'll be able to audition and participate in ensembles from day one. That's because we select and seat ensemble musicians based on talent and level of commitment—so a first-year student has as much opportunity as a senior to participate in any given ensemble. In addition to large ensemble opportunities, chamber music is encouraged and is a required part of the major's curriculum.

Learn more about our music ensembles »

Guest Artists and Master Classes

Our students have enjoyed master classes with world-renowned artists such as Brightwork newmusic, PARTCH ensemble. And in spring 2024, Swiss percussionist Fabian Zeigler will give a concert recital which is free to our students.

Other Perks

  • Opportunities to attend local music industry events such as NAMM.
  • You can choose to double-major in another music or non-music program and complete both in four years thanks to full support from your faculty.
  • You'll have career support from our dedicated performing arts career advisor from day one and beyond graduation.
  • Free admission to any concert or event presented by the College of Performing Arts.
  • Student discount on tickets to any event presented by Musco Center for the Arts.

Career Connections for Life

We support the paths our pianists choose after graduation from Chapman, whether that be graduate school to pursue advanced degrees in piano performance, pedagogy, music education, arts management, music therapy, or non-music degrees; launch a teaching studio; perform in classical or non-classical genres (accompanying, self-created ensembles, jazz, musical theater, popular music), or work in the music industry. Your dedicated career advisor will help you define your goals and develop a plan to reach them.

Admission and Tour Information

Want to learn more about Chapman? We are always available for tours and information sessions and we’d love to meet you! You may also request a complimentary private lesson or arrange to shadow a music class. Visit the links below to learn more about applying to the conservatory, including information about auditions and deadlines, or check out the percussion curriculum on our catalog page.

Related Programs

BM (Pre-Music Education Certification)

Music Minors