About the University of Illinois Percussion Studio
I am honored to help lead one of the historically great percussion programs in the country. Along with my incredible colleague Professor Ricardo Flores, we offer students a comprehensive approach to percussion, giving them the foundations they need to be a successful musician but also allowing enough freedom to pursue their passions.
Smith Memorial Hall
Smith Recital Hall
Mission
The goal of the percussion studio at the University of Illinois is to build 21st Century musicians who aim to elevate the daily experience of those around them through the creation of beauty. We do this through rigorous training on all percussion instruments, preparing students for diverse careers as performers, educators, scholars, arts administrators, and careers outside the arts.
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While all students are challenged to work at a very high level and become the strongest musicians they can, we strive to create an environment of positive creativity, where students are motivated by curiosity, excitement, and joy. We value diverse experiences for our students in band, orchestra, the Marching Illini, Illinois Modern Ensemble, Steel Band, and jazz ensembles among many other groups available at U of I. The University of Illinois was the first university program to offer Percussion Ensemble as a for-credit course under Professor Paul Price in 1951. We aim to live up to this deep legacy by performing at the highest level both music of the past and present.
