Lucy Tarantino MA ’20

PercWorks is a membership-based online learning platform for percussionists and drummers aged 8 to 18. Committed to creating an equitable and accessible future for the percussion community, PercWorks’ innovative education methods provide a more affordable, diverse, and well-rounded educational experience than traditional weekly and in-person lessons.

Responding to a need for more robust school music programs, which do not always expose students to the instruction and knowledge needed to prepare for collegiate and professional careers in the industry, PercWorks uses its ever-expanding base of videos to cover all the areas a percussionist should know and more. The offerings cover every area necessary to succeed as a musician; not just in performance, but also in other important skills like self-marketing, networking, instrument maintenance, and mallet making.

PercWorks offers two membership tiers for individuals. The “Rudimental” membership includes access to all videos and any special events like online masterclasses and networking events. The “Pro” memberships include all the same offerings, as well as weekly private online lessons, live with one of PercWorks’ highly educated instructors. The community is built upon open arms, and PercWorks instills a sense of camaraderie through live online networking events and masterclasses, where members can learn as a community.

The mission of PercWorks is not solely to educate but to make a more equitable and diverse  music community. PercWorks plans to do its part through personal and institutional membership fee waivers, scholarships for low-income families, and by providing other necessary technological resources. Its educators are also a diverse group, with at least 50% being from minority communities, women, and non-binary persons. 

PercWorks reduces the social and financial barriers that have historically prevented access to the percussionist pipeline, empowering students to advance a supportive, diverse, and equitable percussion community for all.