Percussion

Percussion Studio

Led by faculty who are active performers across a range of musical settings, the percussion studio provides a comprehensive approach to the study and performance of a wide variety of percussion instruments and the musical styles in which they are utilized. Diverse opportunities in ensembles and private lessons provide a well-rounded foundation for students to be successful professionals in the twenty-first century. Curriculum emphasizes the development of musicianship, creativity, and cultural awareness in addition to entrepreneurship and modern technological skills. Each student receives an individualized education that thoughtfully considers their past experiences and future career goals to provide a mixture of important curricular topics and student-driven goals.

Additional experiences through collaborations, commissions, and guest artists are also central to the student experience in the Percussion Area. Percussionists collaborate regularly with other studios in the Music Department as well as with students and faculty in other departments, including Dance and Art & Design. Each spring semester, the Percussion Area hosts World Percussion Night featuring multiple ensembles, styles of music and instruments from around the world and collaborations with community organizations and other campus areas. The UWM Percussion Ensemble has regularly commissioned and premiered new works in addition to having opportunities to interact and work with professional composers from around the country. Regular visits by guest artists also provide enriching performances, clinics, and presentations as additional diverse experiences on campus.

Percussion faculty prioritize student success in all facets: musical, academic, and personal. The modern professional percussionist must have a strong foundation in the different main areas of Western percussion but also comfort in drum set performance and a variety of World percussion traditions. We strive to develop well-rounded percussion artists and teachers who also have important twenty-first century skills, such as electronics, recording, and other entrepreneurial and professional practices. We also believe that developing broader skills for practicing, creative thinking, and time management are just as critical as specific music topics. Celebrating diversity and creating a sense of community is at the center of what faculty and students in the UWM Percussion Studio strive for to foster strong relationships and individual growth. Students should feel both challenged and supported by their instructors and peers throughout the different facets of their studies, leading to their overall development as musicians and individuals.

Graduates of the percussion studio have been accepted into prestigious graduate programs, summer festivals, arts administration roles, and teaching positions at all levels. Many are active performers and artists in a variety of musical styles and settings. Several alumni are also using the skills and creativity learned in their degree while happily employed in other fields outside of the arts. We are continuously proud of all our alumni who continue to work hard and find success and happiness in all their various pursuits.

Ensemble Opportunities

A diverse range of ensemble performance opportunities are available to all students, including large ensembles and chamber ensembles spanning a variety of musical styles: orchestral, contemporary, jazz, popular music, and world music. UWM Percussion Ensembles offer varied experiences for percussion students as well as other music majors, music minors, and non-music majors. These courses have diverse curriculums that combine to address a range of instruments, techniques, and music genres while providing unique opportunities for students to develop into versatile performers.

• Bands
• Jazz
• Orchestras
• Percussion Ensembles

Guest Artists

Faculty

David Bayles

• Lecturer, Drum Set
• Director, Jazz Combos & Ensembles, Afro-Caribbean Orchestra
• Chamber Music Coach

• bayles@uwm.edu

Chris Riggs

• Adjunct Associate Professor, Percussion

• riggscw@uwm.edu

Alex Wier

• Assistant Professor, Percussion
• Area Head, Percussion
• Director, Percussion Ensemble, Steel PANthers Steel Band, Marimba Band

• wier@uwm.edu
• 414-251-7036
• Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 394