Percussion Studio
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. Recent collaborations include a performance with the Dance Department on their Winterdances production and a joint commission and world premiere performance with the Saxophone Studio. The Percussion Ensemble was also a member of the recent Everybody Hits! consortium that commissioned six composers of historically underrepresented groups to write new works for percussion ensemble. The ensemble then gave the Wisconsin premieres of those six new works. Regular visits by guest artists also provide enriching performances, clinics, and presentations as additional diverse experiences on campus.
Graduates of the percussion studio have been accepted into prestigious graduate programs, summer festivals, arts administration roles, and have had a 100% job placement rate in the Wisconsin Public School System.
Ensemble Opportunities
The 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.
Please fill out the ensemble interest form below to join any of our music ensembles, or if you have any questions.
Guest Artists
- Alex Fragiskatos
- Arcomusical
- Arx Duo
- Atlas Percussion
- Black Swamp Percussion
- Bob Becker
- Chelsea Tinsler Jones
- Clocks in Motion
- Cory Hills
- Cross//Hatch Percussion
- Dave Eisenreich
- Escape Ten
- John Tafoya
- Josh Graham
- Matthew Coley
- Michael Spiro
- pax duo
- Shane Jones
- She-e Wu
- Spectrum Ensemble
- Sprig of That
- Steven Schick
- Third Coast Percussion
- Tim Palmer
Entrance Auditions/Interviews & Admission
Peck School of the Arts undergraduate and graduate programs may require additional steps to enter. For most dance, music and theatre programs, applicants must first be accepted to UWM, apply to Peck School of the Arts and complete entrance requirements such as an audition and/or interview.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Music Programs
Music studios are connected to a variety of academic programs, including majors, minors, certificates and graduate programs. This is a full list of programs offered by the Department of Music.
Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Music faculty and staff please follow the link below.
- Lecturer, Drum Set
- Director, Jazz Combos & Ensembles, Afro-Caribbean Orchestra
- Chamber Music Coach
- Assistant Professor, Percussion
- Area Head, Percussion
- Director, Percussion Ensemble & Steel PANthers Steel Band
- Co-Director, University Community World Music Ensemble
- wier@uwm.edu
- 414-251-7036
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 394
Entrance Audition
For Music BA, BFA and Masters programs in Spring and Fall 2024.
• December 1, 2023
• February 9, 2024
• February 19, 2024
• March 8, 2024
• April 5, 2024
Undergraduate Programs
Kay Speidel, music-admission@uwm.edu
Graduate Programs
Tim Noonan, tpnoonan@uwm.edu
General Info & Questions
Contact Form | 414-229-4763