Master
Percussion

Choosing the path of classical percussion studies at Conservatorium Maastricht means being part of a class where pillars like professionalism, hard work, solidarity and camaraderie are fundamental.

Based on the department’s vision that in their fundamental way of playing, percussionists should achieve an open sound, mixed with a fluent and balanced technique, you will be given all the tools to become the ideal percussionist or timpanist that orchestras all over the world are looking for!

In addition, you will acquire teaching skills, enabling you to introduce future players to the world of percussion, with all its instruments and colours.

In the percussion department you’ll be teached by the following lecturers

Raymond Curfs

Classical percussion

Born in the Netherlands, Raymond Curfs studied Percussion and Timpani in Maas

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Curriculum

Curriculum

Major Percussion

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Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Main Subject and Components related to the Main Subject

45

49

-

-

Main Subject - Classical Instrument

40

44

-

-

Ensemble, including projects

5

5

-

-

Free Space

2

2

-

-

Free Space

2

2

-

-

Personal and Professional Development

2

2

-

-

Personal Development Plan

2

2

-

-

Research Skills

8

7

-

-

Master Project

8

7

-

-

Social Positioning & Communication

3

-

-

Your Art as a Business Basic Course

2

-

-

Your Art as a Business Electives

1

-

-

Before you apply

Admission
requirements

The audition consists of two rounds. For the first round, the candidate submits a portfolio in which the candidate describes his/her motivation and education and professional experience in the field of music. This portfolio also contains the links to the video recordings.

In the second round, the candidate is to an online interview with one of the Master Project Coaches. In this interview we discuss the candidates motivation, experience in the field of research, cultural entrepreneurship. The Master Project Coach furthermore determines the level of English proficiency.
 

First round: video audition

For the first round, the candidate needs to record videos that contain:

  • Video 1: A short introduction of him/herself in English: talk about your musical experiences, your motivation to study music, your main subject and why you choose to audition at Conservatorium Maastricht.
  • Video 2: In the second video, the candidate demonstrates his/her artistic and technical skills. The video can be recorded in several takes if the candidates practical situation doesn’t allow him to record all required instruments in one location. However, every take should bewithout cuts or any edits. The candidate should start by speaking their name and student number of Conservatorium Maastricht.

The video(‘s) should contain the following:

Snare drum:

  • B.Lylloff - Arhus Etude nr. 9

Timpani:

  • E.Keune: etude no. 142

Melody instrument:

  • Sommerfeldt - Musikk for En Slagwerker III (Xylophone)
  • One solo piece piece for marimba or Vibraphone (4 mallets)

Additional video’s (not required): The candidate may provide concert video registrations.

The videos should be uploaded to an online platform such as YouTube.com or Vimeo.com. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure that the video links work.

 

Second round: Live audition

The committee may decide to invite the candidate for an in-person live audition after reviewing the video material. The candidate needs to prepare the following:

Snare Drum
Mandatory pieces:

  • B.Lylloff - Arhus Etude nr. 9
  • J.Délécluse - Test-Claire

One etude to be chosen from:

  • J. Délécluse - Douze Etudes, Keiskleiriana
  • M. Peters - Advanced Snare Drum Studies, Hard Times

Timpani

Mandatory pieces:

  • E. Keune - Etude 142
  • E.Carter- Improvisation (from Eight Pieces for four timpani)
  • One etude for 4 timpani to be chosen from:
  • R. Hochreiner: Etüden für Timpani (from nr. 54 onwards)
  • F. Hinger: Technique for the Virtuoso Timpanist (from etudes for 4 drums)
  • J. Délécluse: Trente Études, 3e Cahier
  • J. Délécluse: Vingt Études
  • N. Woud: Symphonic Studies for Timpani
  • N. Woud: The Timpani Challenge
  • E. Carter: Eight Pieces for four Timpani
  • E. Keune: from etude 136 onwards

Melody instruments

Mandatory pieces:

  • Sommerfeldt - Musikk for En Slagwerker III (Xylophone)
  • Two movements chosen from the first Cello Suite by J.S. Bach
  • One solo piece for marimba or vibraphone (4 mallets)