Offerings

Private lessons (Drum Set, Mallet, Snare, Timpani), Orchestra, Performance Class, Formal Recitals, Achievement Program

Beginning percussion students start with snare drum studies to develop technique and notation reading. Advanced students may choose among mallet, drum set and timpani as well as continuing snare drum studies. There is the opportunity for all students to work in ensembles.

What You Can Expect From Us

Welcome to the Percussion Department at City Music Center. You will learn from outstanding faculty in a stimulating environment. It is our philosophy that excellent music training should be available to every child who wishes it and to that end we accept every child who applies. We test young beginners for readiness and we audition all entering students for placement purposes. We believe that a good match between student and teacher is very important to the learning process.

What We Expect From You

In carrying out our program of excellence, we expect students to practice daily as well as complete any written homework given at the lesson. We expect students to take the appropriate musicianship classes and to demonstrate progress. Musicianship and studio faculty are in regular communication about student progress and problems. We suggest parental attendance at all private lessons, especially with young children; and daily supervision of home practicing. Finally, we suggest that each student or parent keep a practice journal.

The minimum time your child should practice each day at home:

4-8 years/30 minutes
9-12 years/45 minutes
12-18 years/60 minutes

Evaluation

At the end of each academic year, all percussion students must play for a panel composed of members of the percussion faculty. Each student will be expected to play the required material from memory with technical command and musicianship.

Orchestra

Please click here to visit our Ensembles page

Performance Class

The weekly Performance Class is part of the core curriculum. The purpose of this class is to give students even more experience performing in public. We often hear “I played perfectly at home, but I don’t know what happened on the stage.” No matter how well the piece is prepared, the mind may play tricks during a performance. To avoid unfortunate mistakes and memory slips students must learn how to focus, direct their thinking process to artistic goals rather than the notes, and most importantly to project confidence. I always tell my students “Doubt and criticize every note when you practice, but be the greatest on stage”. ”You can’t recreate the performance environment at home or even at your lessons because of the lack of an audience. This is why this class is irreplaceable for every performing student.

Formal Recitals

In addition to the weekly Performance Class, 3 formal recitals and 4 dedicated Suzuki Recitals are held during the year.

Achievement Program

City Music Center is proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Carnegie Hall and Royal Conservatory Achievement Program. This program is optional for all CMC students.

Please visit their website to learn more about the program.

Faculty

P.J. Gatch