The Course
The Timpani and Percussion Department has a worldwide reputation for its provision for students, and for its training in the multi-faceted world of timpani and percussion. The 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 the core component, and the Academy's range of orchestras and ensembles, together with its extensive range 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 tuned percussion specialists offer excellent opportunities for the aspiring tuned percussion student. Recent visitors have included Keiko Abe, She-e Wu, Juanjo Guillem and David Friedman.
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 and Marinus Komst (Principal Timpani, Royal Concertegouw Orchestra).
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.
'some outstanding characterful woodwind solos and virtuoso percussion playing... this was a highly disciplined performance of a challenging continuous span of music'
The Guardian, September 2005
2008 - 2009 Highlights
> Masterclasses given by Rachel Gledhill, Joe Locke, Martin France, Alan Cumberland, Marinus Komst, Vic Firth and David Samuels
> ‘An Evening with Keiko Abe’ featuring all students from the Timpani and Percussion Department
> Latin Jazz Big Band concert featuring music from Africa and the Balkans and involving
all timpani and percussion students with Stuart Hall, Dave Hassell, Paul Clarvis and Nick Smart
Past Students
Dame Evelyn Glennie OBE (1985) International Soloist
Makoto Nakura (1993) International Soloist
Colin Currie (1998) International Soloist
Simon Lowden (2001) Principal Percussion, RSNO
Chris Ridley (2002) Principal Timpani, Royal Opera House
Mark Robinson (2005) Principal Percussion, Ulster Orchestra
Erika Ohman (2008) Assistant Principal Timpani, Hallé
Academy percussion alumni perform regularly as orchestral and session players all over the world.