Timpani and Percussion
The Timpani and Percussion Department, under the direction of Neil Percy, has a worldwide reputation for its provision for students, and for its training in the multi-faceted world of timpani and percussion. Members of staff include principal players with London’s leading orchestras, international soloists, and leading session musicians, all of whom are active in music making of the highest professional standard.
Orchestral training on timpani and percussion instruments is high on the agenda, and the Academy’s range of orchestras and ensembles, together with its extensive collection of quality instruments and practice facilities, present outstanding opportunities for all students.
Timpani and Percussion lessons are complemented by regular faculty activities such as repertoire, performance classes and masterclasses, together with chamber music coaching for percussion ensembles and mallet groups. Areas of related study include classes in Latin American and ethnic percussion and drumset, emphasising rhythmic awareness and movement, in both solo and ensemble situations.
The Academy has an extensive provision for marimba and solo percussion. Regular masterclasses from many of the world’s leading solo percussion specialists offer excellent opportunities for the aspiring solo percussion student. Our aim is to expose students to a variety of related study areas whilst not compromising standards. We hope to enable graduates to have full, rewarding and varied careers by providing them with the skills needed for their continual development. Employability is key to the ethos of the department.
Eminent soloists, orchestral principals and ensemble leaders are regular visitors to the Academy, and masterclasses have been given by Airto, Birger Sulsbruck, Evelyn Glennie, Oladum Ensemble (Brazil), Anthony Kerr, Christopher Lamb (Principal Percussion, New York Philharmonic), Rainer Seegers (Principal Timpani, Berlin Philharmonic), Peter Erskine, Joe Locke, Marinus Komst (Principal Timpani, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra), Keiko Abe, Juanjo Guillem and David Friedman.
Other recent visitors have included She-e Wu, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Bill Lockhart, Iain Pattinson, David Hockings and Makoto Nakura.
Students are eligible for the Academy’s annual Zildjian Cymbal Prizes. First prize is $2,000 and second prize is a visit to Zildjian International in the UK, to select cymbals of their choice. The Royal Academy of Music is grateful for the generous support of Zildjian Cymbals and Yamaha-Kemble UK.
Open Day: 2012 dates will be made available when known. If you missed the 2011 open day, please do come along to any of our free public events, all of which can be found at www.ram.ac.uk/events
