College Catalog

Description:

In the percussion program, students have numerous performance opportunities, including the Percussion Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Orchestra, as well as collaborative opportunities with the other conservatories and schools at Purchase.

All percussion students are required to perform solo recitals in their junior and senior years, and are encouraged to present their own projects and participate in off-campus performances in New York City and surrounding areas. In addition, students participate in the annual Purchase College Day of Percussion, which features world-class clinicians and many concerts.

The percussion facilities at Purchase are among the most outstanding in the nation, with six private practice rooms exclusively for the use of the percussion program, plus a separate rehearsal room for the Percussion Ensemble. Purchase College owns a vast array of percussion instruments, and the conservatory continually expands and updates the collection.

Bachelor of Music Requirements:

In addition to meeting General Education requirements and other degree requirements, undergraduate music performance majors who concentrate in percussion must complete the following conservatory requirements (104 credits). Of the 104 credits, up to 8 credits of music history may be counted toward the liberal arts requirement (30 credits minimum) for the degree.

Freshman Year: 26 credits

Sophomore Year: 31 credits

Junior Year: 28 credits

Senior Year: 19 credits

Master of Music requirements:

Graduate music majors who concentrate in percussion must meet the following conservatory requirements (42 credits) and earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at Purchase College.

First Year: 21 credits

Second Year: 21 credits

Music Artist Diploma Requirements:

This diploma is intended for graduate students in music who have completed the master’s degree requirements for their areas of study.

To earn the two-year Artist Diploma in percussion, students must meet the following conservatory requirements (18 credits for the one-year program; 36 credits for the two-year program):

First Year: 18 credits

Second Year: 18 credits

Music Performers Certificate Requirements:

This is a postbaccalaureate program for students who have completed the undergraduate requirements for their areas of study and are entering into careers as performers in solo, ensemble, or studio settings.

To earn the two-year Performers Certificate in percussion, students must meet the following conservatory requirements (18 credits for the one-year program; 36 credits for the two-year program): 

First Year: 18 credits

Second Year: 18 credits