A strong percussion program with ties to the Cleveland Orchestra has been a part of the Department of Music at CSU since its inception. This tradition of excellence was solidified in 1991 when Tom Freer, Assistant Principal Timpani and Section Percussion, became Coordinator of Percussion Studies. His tenure has marked a period of significant growth in the size and national reputation of the department. Matthew Bassett, timpanist with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra & Apollo's Fire (Cleveland Baroque Orchestra), was added to the staff in 2001 to direct the CSU Percussion Ensemble and teach all undergraduate sudents and graduate students as needed.

The department now serves approximately 20 post-graduate and undergraduate percussion students with its nine dedicated percussion practice rooms and unparalleled collection of modern and vintage instruments. The department offers a comprehensive performance curriculum with emphasis on orchestral and concert percussion. Frequent clinics and masterclasses by leading percussion performers and educators add to the breadth and depth of the student experience at CSU.

Latest audition news from the CSU Percussion Department:

Congratulations to Steve Logan (CSU Freshman) for winning the mock timpani audition last week at the PAS international convention in Austin!
Congratulations to Jordan Wirth (MM CSU 2009) for making semi finals in the San Diego Symphony Principal Percussion audition.
Congratulations to Aaron Williams (MM CSU 2009) for winning the Principal Percussion position with the Mansfield Symphony.
Congratulations to Luke Swearingen (MM CSU 2008) for winning the Section Percussion and Assistant Principal Timpani position with the Wichita Symphony...AND...the Section Percussion position with the Canton Symphony.
Congratulations to Mike Laubach for being runner up in the Chattanooga Symphony Principal Timpani audition.
Congratulations to Jordan Wirth (MM CSU 2009) for being a finalist in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic percussion auditions.

Past CSU percussion students hold positions as music educators, arts administrators, and in major orchestras and ensembles around the world, including: the Buffalo Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, and Air Force Band of Flight.

Click here to see the percussion curriculum at CSU. The CSU Percussion Department has a lot to offer serious students of percussion. Explore this site to learn about our program and feel free to contact us with further questions.

Tom Freer, Coordinator of Percussion Studies (Graduate Inquiries)

Matthew Bassett, Assistant Coordinator of Percussion Studies (Undergraduate Inquiries)

Bill Ransom, Jazz Drums

Ji Hye Jung, Percussion