Percussion
The Meadows Commitment
Southern Methodist University is located in the heart of Dallas, a vibrant city and major cultural center. As a result, you will not only have access to all the advantages of being a student in the Division of Music at this prominent university, but will be within easy reach of more than 500 cultural events a year. The faculty of the Meadows School of the Arts is committed to the highest standards of teaching and to active professional participation in music performance and research. Students benefit from the broad experience of our faculty, our rehearsal and performance facilities, the Hamon Arts Library, our visiting artists, and the thriving culture of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The quality of instruction at Meadows is superlative and is further augmented by world-renowned ensembles and exceptional opportunities.
Bachelor of Music Degrees
The Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance program prepares undergraduates for a performance career in percussion and for private percussion studio teaching. This program of study provides a balanced curriculum of orchestral percussion, timpani, marimba and other keyboards, hand drums and ethnic percussion, and drum set study – each with a specialist. Members of the percussion faculty draw upon accumulated knowledge and skills developed over many years as successful performers and teachers. Students have the option of focusing their study in one or more areas at the upper division level. Audition formats and orchestral repertory classes develop orchestral performance skills. Performance experiences include the Meadows Symphony Orchestra, Meadows Wind Ensemble, and Meadows Percussion Ensemble throughout the four-year degree. There are also opportunities to perform in the Meadows Jazz Orchestra, Meadows World Music Ensemble, and SMU Marching Band. All undergraduate music degrees include a balanced curriculum of music theory, aural skills, music history, pedagogy, and interesting elective courses together with a well-rounded general college curriculum. These courses provide a solid foundation for a lifetime of continued learning, creativity, and artistic fulfillment.
The Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification program prepares undergraduates for teaching careers in early childhood through 12th grade music programs. This program balances theoretical knowledge with practical experiences in public schools to develop leaders in the field of music education. Members of the music education faculty bring significant years of successful public school teaching experience to their courses, providing students with knowledge and experiences in teaching methodologies and practices that reflect the most current research in the field of music teaching and learning. Unique to this degree are performance-level musicianship standards in percussion. Conservatory-level music experiences, research-proven teaching methodologies, and a strong liberal arts education combine to produce exceptional teachers who are equipped to become leaders in the field. This degree can be completed in four years. Certification is for comprehensive music, early childhood – 12th grade. Percussionists may also pursue degrees in Music Therapy or in Composition while still developing professional-level musicianship. These degrees include performance-level percussion study while developing undergraduates' skills and knowledge for these careers. A Bachelor of Arts in Music degree facilitates double majors or the inclusion of Pre-Med or Pre-Law courses.
Graduate Degrees
The Master of Music in Performance degree prepares students to pursue a career in performance or to undertake further studies at the doctoral level, positioning them to become college studio professors. The degree is completed in four semesters of study with a minimum of 30 credits required for graduation. The Performer Diploma and Artist Diploma are two-year programs (20 credits) for musicians in their final stages of preparation for professional performance careers. Contact Dr. Wagner for details.
Complete the graduate application online.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
If undergraduate need-based financial aid is desired, the FAFSA and CSS Profile must be completed. All applicants are considered for academic and music scholarships. We will do our best to provide a financial aid package that makes an education in the Meadows School of the Arts affordable.
Graduate financial assistance is available through merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, and work-study positions. The FAFSA is required for work-study and graduate assistantships.