Percussion | Michigan State University College of Music

Areas

Ensembles

ABOUT THE PERCUSSION AREA

The percussion studio is made up of a diverse group of students from a variety of backgrounds. The studio of approximately twenty-five includes undergraduate students majoring in music performance, education and composition and graduate students in the masters, performance diploma and doctoral programs.

The percussion studio attracts and works with a diverse group of students studying music performance, education, and composition at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students perform in state-of-the-art, prominent venues at MSU and within the College. All studio members can participate in the MSU Percussion Ensemble—a chamber group devoted to new and classic repertoire. The ensemble has performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and the Blue Griffin Recital Series. Esteemed guest artists regularly mentor and perform with the group.

Percussion Degree Opportunities

Students focusing on disciplines within the Percussion Area have a variety of degree opportunities from which to choose

Performance Opportunities

All studio members have the opportunity to participate in outstanding performing ensembles, including the MSU Percussion Ensemble.

After Graduation

Studying Percussion at MSU prepares students exceptionally well for successful careers in music.

Percussion Faculty

Gwendolyn Dease

Professor of Percussion and Chair of the Percussion Area

Randy Gelispie

Instructor of Jazz Drums

Kevin Jones

Percussion Instructor

Jon Weber

Instructor of Percussion

Upcoming Events

Online

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Richard Sherman, flute with Juan Riveros, harp

7:30 pm

Cook Recital Hall

Artist-faculty and Guest Recital Series

Join flutist Richard Sherman and newly appointed harpist Juan Riveros for a recital featuring works by Persichetti, Farr, Damase, and Alwyn, showcasing the expressive interplay between flute and harp.

Event Details

$$$

Online

Friday, January 17, 2025

“From Vienna with Love”

8:00 pm

Cook Recital Hall

Artist-faculty and Guest Recital Series

“From Vienna with Love” explores romantic clarinet, cello, and piano trios, featuring works by Beethoven, Zemlinsky, Kahn, and Brahms, with artists Guy Yehuda (clarinet), Suren Bagratuni (cello), and Ralph Votapek (piano).

Event Details

$$$

Monday, January 20, 2025

Carillon Recital: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

12:00 pm

Beaumont Tower

Artist-faculty and Guest Recital Series

Enjoy the MSU 49-bell carillon at Beaumont Tower with carillonists Jon Lehrer, Laurie Harkema, and guests.

Event Details

Free

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

“All excellent and esteemed,” Piffaro, The Renaissance Band

7:30 pm

Fairchild Theatre

Taylor Johnston Early Music Series

Piffaro explores the Bassano family’s migration from Italy to England, transforming instrumental music. They delight audiences with elegant recreations of late Medieval and Renaissance wind band works using meticulously remodeled period instruments.

Event Details

$$$

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Piffaro: Inside Early Music

11:30 am

Music Building Room

Guest Workshop and Instrument Demonstration

Join musicians from Piffaro, the renowned Renaissance wind ensemble, for a public workshop showcasing historical instruments and discussions of the artistry of early music performance.

Event Details

Free

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