Cleveland State University
Department of Music
2121 Euclid Avenue
MU 343
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
Campus Location:
Music and Communication
Building, Rm. G23
2001 Euclid Avenue
v.l.peters@csuohio.edu
Cleveland State University Percussion
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:
Jordan Wirth has won the position of principal percussion with the Youngstown Symphony.
Gard Garshol has just won the audition for assistant principal percussion of the Bergen Philharmonic....Bergen Norway.
Tim Hillyer was a finalist in the section percussion audition for the U. S. Navy Band in Washington, D. C.
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)