Percussion Class

 LEVEL 1 | AGES 8-12

Overview

Learn the fundamentals of percussion playing through group drum exercises designed especially for beginner students ages 8 to 12. Students will develop confidence in stick control and technique, knowledge of rhythmic and rudiment fundamentals, and ability to read percussion notation.

Students will learn the essential elements and fundamental techniques of percussion playing applicable to many different percussion instruments, including snare drum, drumset, marching percussion, and more.

And this class is not just for our future percussionists! Students will also build a strong working knowledge and understanding of rhythmic concepts and notation, which are applicable to any instrument.

Prerequisites: No prior music experience is necessary. Students must be age 8 or above. Students must purchase drumsticks, practice pad, and adjustable snare stand prior to class start date and bring them to each class.

What’s Included

  • Ten classes, which meet for 45 minutes each week between September 10 and November 12.
  • Small-group instruction limited to a max of 8 students and tailored to students’ interests, abilities, and progress.
  • All students will have the opportunity to perform at Artly World’s Young Explorer Showcase on Saturday, November 23. Save the date!
  • Price includes automatic enrollment in the Young Explorers Music Ensemble, which meets Friday (10:30a) or Saturday (11:30a) mornings the first three weeks of each month. While not required, participation is highly recommended to give students the experience of music-making in a large ensemble format and to reinforce fundamental music skills through hands-on practice and performance.

Fall 2024: Sept 6 – Nov 23
10 classes

$240.00

(or 3 payments of $80)

enroll now

Frequently Asked Questions

My child doesn't have any musical experience. Should we still sign up?

Absolutely! Prior music or percussion experience is not necessary.

My child is not yet 8 years old. Can they still participate?

Participants must be at least 8 years old to participate in this class, which focuses on rudiments, stick control, and fundamentals of playing percussion with drumsticks. Younger students can enroll in our Percussion Explorers class (for ages 6 to 10), which provides a less intensive introduction to percussion playing with hands as well as drumsticks.

What supplies are required to be purchased?

Prior to the start of class, participants should purchase concert snare drumsticks, a 12″ practice pad, and an height-adjustable concert snare stand, as recommended below:

  • Sticks: Innovative IPLD Lalo Davila Hickory Concert Snare Drumsticks (available from Steve Weiss Music for $12.95 per pair), or similar
  • Practice Pad: Evans HQ 12″ RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad (available from Steve Weiss Music for $29.99; also available on Amazon), or similar 2-sided pad at least 12″ in diameter
  • Stand: Any adjustable concert snare stand that can adjust to the diameter of your practice pad and adjust height to waist-level of player. These vary in prices, depending on brand and durability. You can find them on Amazon starting at $50.
What happens after Level 1?

This class is part of a 6-part series. Each session is 10 weeks long, with two sessions being offered throughout the school year. By the end of the sixth level, students will have achieved competencies in percussion and music literacy that meet and/or exceed the curricular goals outlined for middle school students by Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). 

We encourage students to continue with the following level each semester.

What if we must miss a class?

Fees will not be adjusted for individual missed classes, but you can request to sit in a makeup class at an alternative timeslot if space allows. In the event a class is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you and schedule a suitable makeup date.

Do you offer discounts?

If the cost of this program will prevent your young explorer from participating, there are financial aid options available for qualified applicants. Please reach out to [email protected].