Timpani & Percussion

The principal aim of the department’s educational program is to train its students to the highest possible level of instrumental skills in the many disciplines of the modern world of Timpani and Percussion. Many RSAMD ensembles provide performance experiences in the repertoires of Symphonic, Chamber, Opera, Wind-orchestra, Brass and Big Band music. The three large studio spaces are furnished with top quality instruments throughout.

The core element of the 90 minute per week one to one lessons is delivered by many highly reputable and active professional performers and is further enhanced by regular repertoire classes, and specialised Latin American, Ethnic Percussion as well as Drum-Set Classes and Lessons. The Baroque Timpani discipline is addressed in regular Classes by a highly respected Expert. An extended Solo-Marimba provision also forms an integral part of the Department’s overall strategy.

In recognition that the largest number of future employment opportunities for Timpanists and Percussionists are within Orchestras, tuition is mainly directed towards the orchestral literature. Five former Graduates from the RSAMD have been appointed to professional positions at home and abroad within the last three years.

There is however also a well established tradition of solo performance in extended recitals with its emphasis on polished professional presentations.

International Artists from around the world bring their experiences to our students in clinics, workshops and master classes. These have recently included Dame Evelyn Glennie, Colin Currie, Sam Walton, Birger Sulsbruck, Leigh Howard Stevens, Eric Sammut, Jasmin Kolberg, David Searcy, Simon Carrington, Keith Aleo & Neil Grover and Neil Percy amongst many others.

The Department wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the support of the AVIDAS ZILDJIAN (Cymbal) COMPANY.

Head of Department:  Kurt-Hans Goedicke
Email: kh.goedicke@rsamd.ac.uk