Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion

Degrees offered

Brass Department
The Brass faculty is committed to providing each student with thorough preparation to pursue a wide variety of professional musical careers. Special emphasis is placed on chamber music, both as an end in itself and as a way to develop critical musical skills necessary in all settings, from solo to orchestral.

There are ample opportunities for intensive coachings with master teachers and for public performance on and off campus. A wide variety of pedagogical ideas are presented by faculty members and artists and through guest master classes. The brass artist faculty includes those with experience at the highest echelons of orchestral, quintet, and solo performance, including the Boston Symphony and Pops; the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras; the Empire, Atlantic, and New York Brass Quintets; and laureates of numerous international solo competitions.

Percussion Department
The Percussion faculty is comprised of musicians highly educated in all areas of the percussion field. The faculty is dedicated to the personalized growth of each individual by creating a learning atmosphere where students apply their knowledge in practical experience. Students have the opportunity to perform with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. Beyond the University, students are encouraged to perform in ensembles based in and traveling through Boston. Students are strongly encouraged to attend lectures and master classes given by many of the world-class artists based in the city. Prior to graduation, students will experience all avenues of the percussion world and feel confident in performing in genres ranging from classical to contemporary to world music. Past graduates have sustained successful careers as orchestral musicians; solo and new music performers; freelance musicians; musical directors; and educators at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels.

Woodwind Students
Students who have studied with our faculty have gone on to teach in leading universities and perform in well-known chamber ensembles and major symphony orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and Cleveland Orchestra. Many have demonstrated their excellence in competitions, winning appearances with major ensembles.