|
Percussion lessons are currently available, on a one to one basis, at District Music Centres in Bangor, Castlereagh, Lisburn, Downpatrick and at the M usic Centre in Ballynahinch, with obligatory membership in a four tier group activity scheme comprising concert bands and symphony orchestras. Further opportunities exist for the more experienced student to play specialist music by participating, by invitation only, in the department's percussion ensembles.
Course Work: Timpani, Mallet Keyboards and Orchestral Snare Drum are the core elements in the teaching programme, which is designed to deliver individual tuition within a standardised framework, incorporating established playing techniques and aligning with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music graded examination syllabus. These together with Drumkit, Latin and ancillary percussion instruction, provide a balanced programme of study giving students the opportunity to develop as articulate and informed musicians. The course includes weekly classes in Theory of Music which are compulsory until grade 5 level is attained.
Books, Sticks and Mallets: A set of three books covering Timpani, Mallet Keyboards and Snare Drum , by Garwood Whaley, available from the Music Centre, is required for foundation training and must be purchased by beginner students for the commencement of studies. ABRSM examination and other text books can be purchased on the recommendation of study tutors.
 A selection of recommended sticks and mallets is held in stock for resale to Music Centre students at privileged prices. The Percussion Department stock sheet listing these, together with course, examination and study books, is updated bi-monthly and issued with a quantity of other forms to all percussion staff and students.
Instrument Hire: Tuned percussion is an obligatory element in the ABRSM graded examinations and to ensure adequate practice opportunities the department maintains a stock of glockenspiels and xylophones for hire to students at a nominal annual charge. This allocation is compulsory unless students own or have permanent use of similer instruments at home.
Examinations: It is the policy of the Percussion Department not to enter students for consecutive examination grades, as this practice is unnecessarily expensive and restrictive to the natural progression and development of the student. Instead, first year students will be entered for examinations at an appropriate grade within three terms with subsequent entries for alternate grades, or higher, to be made in accordance with the ability and confidence of students. It is the responsibility of students to pay the total cost of all examination fees.
 Instrument Stock: The Music Centre possesses an extensive range of percussion equipment used for individual teaching, group activities and specialist ensemble work. The Percussion Department, headed by David English, is justly proud of its stock of instruments, for their quality, diversity of range and the unrivalled opportunities available to students at all levels of ability.
|
