Percussion Studio

The TCU Percussion Studio is dedicated to maximizing percussion education through a wide variety of performing ensembles and a closely supervised private lesson structure. The size of the studio enables all students to receive a variety of performance opportunities and individual attention.

The TCU School of Music offers the following degree programs in percussion:

The School of Music also offers a Bachelor of Arts in music and a music minor.

In addition, the School of Music offers the Artist Diploma program for exceptional percussionists who seek a conservatory approach rather than the traditional course of study leading to an academic degree with a performance major. It’s available to post-baccalaureate students.

Scholarship support is available for talented undergraduate and graduate music majors. Assistantships that include full-tuition remission plus a stipend are available for graduate students.

The TCU Percussion Ensembles are dedicated to furthering percussion education and performance by commissioning new works, performing a variety of literature on and off campus, and producing high-quality recordings. After being chosen by blind audition in the International Percussion Ensemble Competition, the Percussion Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble performed a Showcase Concert at the 2005, 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2019 Percussive Arts Society International Conventions (PASIC). Many new works commissioned/premiered by TCU were performed on these concerts. In 2011 they made their New York City debut, performing at the Kaufman Center’s Merkin Hall. In 2015, their latest CD, Prelude to Paradise, was commercially released on Albany Records. In total, the TCU Percussion Orchestra has commissioned/premiered over 40 pieces in recent years and is looking forward to more premieres in upcoming seasons.

Learn More

Brian A. West, BME, MA, DMA – Division Chair
Joey Carter, BM, MM
Richard C. Gipson, BM, MM, DEd
Jeffrey S. Hodge, BM, MM

Today, the highly selective Texas Christian University Percussion Studio offers a distinctive combination of private instruction and a variety of performing ensembles, including the internationally recognized Percussion Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble. You also can explore the excitement of the Steel Band or the precision of the Marching Band Drumline.

The commitment to excellence in the TCU School of Music Percussion Division can be seen in the success of its Percussion Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble, which was chosen by blind audition to perform showcase concerts in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2019 at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). Many newly commissioned works were premiered at these concerts, and in 2011 the group made its New York City debut, performing at the Kaufman Center’s Merkin Hall.

Percussion Orchestra
Percussion Ensemble
Steel Bands
Wind Symphony
Symphonic Band
Concert Band
Symphony Orchestra 
Jazz Ensembles
Marching Band
Basketball Band
New Music Ensemble Program

More Ensembles

Assistantships are available to qualified, full-time graduate students in the School of Music. Applicants must be admitted to the program, have an outstanding academic record and present favorable recommendations.

Master’s and doctoral applicants will be considered for graduate assistantships as part of their application process. Assistantships provide tuition grants plus stipend and require approximately ten hours of work weekly.

The deadline for doctoral applications is December 1, and the deadline for master’s applications is February 15.

Percussionists leave TCU with a broad knowledge of many aspects of music and specifically the percussion family. Many of our graduates enter the workforce specializing in education. These graduates have distinguished themselves as some of the finest educators in their fields, teaching percussion at the high school, middle school or elementary levels. Additionally, TCU percussion alumni often continue their studies in graduate programs and some ultimately have ended up teaching percussion at the collegiate level. Some of our graduates are performing music full time for a living, while others perform on a part-time basis. We also have many former students who compose regularly including quite a few published composers.

Your faculty advisor will work with you to choose the right combination of courses and mentor you so you can reach your goals.

Schedule one-on-one meetings with your career consultant to learn more about everything Career Services has to offer music majors.

Career Preparation

Admission & Audition Information

For undergraduates and graduates wanting to attend the TCU School of Music, there is an admissions process. Learn more about the audition requirements below.

Admission Information

Audition Requirements

Connect with the TCU Percussion program on Facebook and YouTube.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Brian A. West
Coordinator of Percussion and Division Chair
Professor of Music
Phone: 817-257-5759
b.west@tcu.edu