High School Percussion

High School Percussion

Percussion at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts focuses on discovering your unique voice as an artist. As a student in this program, you'll benefit from one-on-one private lessons, studio classes, chamber music coachings, guest artist master classes, and numerous opportunities to showcase your skills.

High School Diploma

As a high school percussion student, you will have weekly private lessons with your teacher to develop a personalized plan of study to meet your professional goals. You will become proficient in all four areas of instrument study: snare drum, keyboard instruments, timpani and drum set. Instruments available in the percussionist studio include those for concert and classic orchestral pieces, Latin/Afro Cuban style performances, contemporary music and commercial percussion.

You will be able to focus on your music while also studying traditional academic courses. You will have weekly private lessons, group master classes, theory and sight reading lessons and can be assigned to chamber and large ensembles as appropriate. The School of Music requires a weekly Performance Hour where music students and faculty perform a wide range of musical styles and genres. Your performance opportunities in the School of Music are many, including ensemble participation and instruments assigned by your instructor. As a student, you will also participate in the annual Days of Percussion festival hosted by the Percussive Arts Society, and can compete in concerto competitions.

The high school academic program is highly valued as an integral component in the education of our students. The high school music intensive curriculum is balanced by the academic classroom – 9th and 10th graders are required to take at least four academic courses, 11th graders at least three academic courses and 12th graders at least two. There are no academic classes held on Wednesdays to allow for group and large ensemble rehearsals, individual practice and lessons. High school musicians graduate with a diploma, with the option to work toward an additional “Concentration in Music” designation.

Related Programs

UNDERGRADUATE PERCUSSION     GRADUATE PERCUSSION