Percussion H.S. freshman

anhydrite
Sat, 23 May 2015 15:32:52 +0000

I could suggest a few things for percussion. The idea of teaching is very good, as it is difficult to rely solely on performance as a career – unless he is exceptional, and is hired on, for example, in an established symphony. A combination of performance and pedagogy would be beneficial, and perhaps even composition or conducting as well later on. I think the broader and more well-recognized education the better, as percussion is not often a lucrative career option.

You may want to check out the Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, as a potential place for study of performance and education in New York. In the city, there is Julliard and Manhattan School of Music, and others. There are many conservatories around the country. Perhaps the best all-around percussion program is at the University of North Texas-Denton. Many percussionists in high school and college participate in marching arts, and some of the best also participate in competitive drum and bugle corps later on until the age of 21, such as member corps of DCI (Drum Corps International). The latter is an example where percussion outside the academy still offers very high-caliber instruction as a corollary to accredited programs.

He may ultimately also become a member of P.A.S., the Percussive Arts Society, which has a conference each year (I think it is PASIC, the international convention). That organization is supportive and features all aspects of percussion, and can lead to more connections, education and resources. Perhaps his teachers will help him participate in some of these activities.