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Percussion Studies
Applied Lessons

Administration

  1. Students receive one forty-five minute lesson per week. Lesson times should be scheduled with Dr. Buyer during the first week of classes.
  2. At the first lesson of each semester, students will be given a “goal sheet” to complete and turn in, listing professional, personal, and musical goals.
  3. Lessons and lesson assignments will be recorded each week on a memory card.
  4. All applied percussion students are required to participate in one of the following large ensembles: Tiger Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, or Basketball Pep Band.
  5. Percussionists performing a piece requiring piano accompaniment should contact Dr. Linda Li-Bleuel at llibleu@clemson.edu. Students are allowed two twenty-minute rehearsals before a performance. This includes lesson time. The student and instructor may decide how they want to use those rehearsals. All applied students are allowed two one-hour rehearsals for a half or full recital.

Lesson Expectations

  1. Students are expected to complete their lesson assignments each week.
  2. Students are expected to practice on a consistent basis to prepare for their lesson.
  3. Students are expected to be sufficiently warmed-up prior to their lesson time.
  4. Students are expected to be set-up prior to their lesson time.
  5. Students are expected to come to lessons prepared with proper materials (sticks, mallets, music, folder, memory card, etc.).
  6. All major percussionists are required to be an active member of the Percussive Arts Society (www.pas.org) and attend the SCPAS Day of Percussion.
  7. All students are required to attend guest masterclasses, clinics, and percussion concerts during the semester.

Lesson Content

A. Educational objectives and musical skills:

  • Developing technique required for artistic expression on all percussion instruments
  • Producing a good tone quality on all percussion instruments
  • Becoming proficient on snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani, multi-percussion, drumset, world percussion, and accessory percussion
  • Learning how to practice effectively
  • Reading rhythms and counting
  • Interpretation, musicianship, phrasing
  • Development of sight reading skills
  • Music theory and ear training • Improvisation
  • Feedback using video and audio recording

B. Components of percussion performance:

  • Recital performances/solo repertoire
  • Large ensemble experience
  • Percussion ensemble
  • Performance preparation
  • Professionalism
  • Stage presence and choreography
  • Concert attendance and etiquette

C. Areas of percussion pedagogy:

  • Percussive Arts Society
  • Listening to recordings
  • Method books
  • Instructional videos
  • Clinic and masterclass attendance (required)
  • Convention/conference attendance (PASIC)
  • Instrument history
  • Instrument maintenance
  • Percussion industry

Attendance Policy

Regular lesson attendance is required. Unexcused absences are not allowed. Each unexcused absence will result in one lowered final letter grade. Absences may be excused with the prior notification of the instructor. For excused absences, lessons will be made up with Dr. Buyer at a mutually agreed upon time.

Required Materials

The following list of materials for majors and non-majors is the minimum required for percussion students at Clemson University. Comparable substitutions are acceptable with instructor’s approval.

Non-Majors
1 pair Pro-Mark Tom Freer or Tim Adams general orchestral snare drum sticks
1 pair Pro-Mark Jonathan Haas JH4 general timpani mallets
1 pair Mike Balter #23 blue cord vibraphone mallets
1 Metronome
1 Practice pad
1 Stickbag, malletbag, or briefcase
1 Folder

Majors
1 pair Pro-Mark Tom Freer or Tim Adams general orchestral snare drum sticks
1 pair Pro-Mark Tom Freer light orchestral snare drum sticks
1 pair Pro-Mark TB5 brushes
1 pair Pro-Mark Bill Bruford or Michael Carvin drumset sticks
1 pair Pro-Mark Elvin Jones or Joe Morello drumset sticks
1 pair Mike Balter #22 green cord vibraphone mallets
1 pair Mike Balter #23 blue cord vibraphone mallets
1 pair Mike Balter #24 red cord vibraphone mallets
2 pairs Mike Balter #183 brown yarn marimba mallets (birch handles)
1 pair Mike Balter #105 dark green rubber xylophone mallets
1 pair Mike Balter #10A bell mallets
1 pair Encore Nick Petrella disc NPX1 xylophone mallets
1 pair Pro-Mark Jonathan Haas JH3 staccato timpani mallets
1 pair Pro-Mark Jonathan Haas JH4 general timpani mallets
1 pair Pro-Mark Jonathan Haas JH6 roller timpani mallets
1 Stickbag, malletbag, or briefcase
1 Metronome
1 Practice pad
1 Folder