Percussion
Versatility and employability are the main goals of our courses - our cutting edge curriculum allows us the flexibility to nurture all students’ strengths and weaknesses individually. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all policy in this department.
Our Percussion Department is incredibly busy with countless performances and opportunities every year. With our roster of highly acclaimed specialist tutors we give students and graduates the skills and opportunities they need to build a successful career.
Fields of study
We create a bespoke timetable for students which allows them to develop a skill set in all fields whilst encouraging them to discover their specialisms and enhance their employability.
Fields of studyPercussion tutors
Our expert teaching staff are renowned as leading performers and teachers in the UK and provide exceptional tuition.
Percussion tutorsOur alumni
Discover our percussion graduates of RBC and find out what projects they have been involved in since completing their studies.
Our alumniPerformances
Percussion students give hundreds of performances a year, from solo recitals and Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra gigs to full-scale operas, Symphony Orchestra concerts and musical theatre shows. Highlights for the percussion ensemble include our annual performances of music with electronics and multi-media at Birmingham arts venue Centrala and regular collaborations with student composers.
Outreach
We also offer a unique outreach programme. This gives our students the opportunity to develop their workshop skills and to lead projects, reaching out to the community. Recently students have worked with some of the UK’s most talented youngsters from Wells Cathedral School, Chethams School of Music and The Purcell School, and have been involved in projects in some of Birmingham’s most deprived areas as well as giving family concerts in venues around the city.
Staff spotlight
Head of Percussion Toby Kearney is also Principal Percussion and Timpani of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and a member of O Duo alongside Owen Gunnell.
“I’m dedicated to individual student journeys, helping musicians from all backgrounds find their way as performers. Our department is renowned for providing percussionists with a culture of professionalism, respect, teamwork and great fun in which they can thrive while building their careers.”