Members of the 2020 Concert Percussion Ensemble perform “Raptures of Undream” by Bruce Hamilton.
How We See Things
At Capital, we want to prepare our students as music professionals – individuals who will be viable participants in a business that is constantly evolving. Our philosophy is to provide a foundation – in every aspect of music - that will serve you for a lifetime.
Our Students Play A Great Deal
Our emphasis on performance is not limited to performance majors.
While we are proud of our graduates’ accomplishments as Performance or Jazz Studies majors, all of our Bachelor of Music majors are expected to perform at an exceptional level, and our teaching philosophy and academic programs allow for the student to develop their performance skills to the highest degree possible. We believe that developing your skills as a performer will prove to be valuable in any element of the music business…as a player, educator, in business or within the changing music technology world.
Percussion Facilities
You will have access to one of the top percussion facilities in the United States.
Capital’s facilities include an entire level of practice rooms and a dedicated percussion rehearsal room, complete with an impressive collection of the most up-to-date instruments and technology to enhance your education. Unlike many other places, you will have ample opportunity to find practice spaces at most hours of the day and night. In addition, our large rehearsal hall has a separate collection of concert percussion equipment, drum sets in every rehearsal space and dedicated drum set practice rooms, and one of the largest collections of world percussion equipment that you will find in any university setting…as one example, Capital owns sixty taiko, used in both our academic classes and ensembles as a part of your introduction in to world percussion.
Your Personal Development
You’ll develop skills you have now and those you don’t know about yet.
As an example, students have come in viewing themselves primarily as snare drummers and have left as percussionists, skilled as marimbists or steel drummers. Others who have only dabbled as drum set players become active, working professionals. All students grow as individuals, finding their own path and feeling prepared, both academically and musically, to enter the challenging world of music. Developing multiple skills that serve you through your lifetime is at the core of our mission. We help you find your voice and your confidence.
Charting Your Academic Course
The Conservatory curriculum will meet your interests and your needs.
With Bachelor of Music majors in Performance, Music Education, Jazz Studies, Music Industry and Music Technology, we can relate to and guide students. Our freshman year is a generic year, allowing students to seamlessly move from one major to another if you find that your interests change, as they often do as you become more aware of options within the curriculum.
The Scene
Capital students profit from the community that surrounds us.
Columbus is a metropolitan area of nearly two million people. Experiences outside the University are a key to enhancing your experiences within the Capital program. Working with schools as a percussion specialist, finding an excellent technology internship, becoming a part of a working band, joining an award-winning indoor drum line, or performing professionally in a community orchestra are just a few of the scenarios that our students regularly become a part of.
Our Environment
Your fellow students are not your competition – they are your inspiration.
Your fellow students are individuals that will help you and inspire you to be better. Our standard for excellence serves as a guide for all who are in the studio, no matter what academic major you choose. Every student has a set of skills that are their own, and all students learn from each other in our environment.
Your Instructors are Also Your Mentors
Our faculty are committed and connected.
With four percussion faculty with nearly 100 years of cumulative teaching experience, you will be mentored by individuals with multiple skills and reputations that span the globe as performers, educators, authors, clinicians and as a part of the music business.
The Daily Grind
The 2017 Capital University Chamber Percussion Ensemble performs "Catching Shadows" by Ivan Trevino.
You will have fun.
Majoring in music, especially as a percussion major, is hard work. You will learn musical and time management skills that you will draw from throughout your career, but in the process you will have a great deal of fun and feel a great sense of accomplishment from your hard work. You will learn to enjoy all ensemble experiences: bands, contemporary and jazz ensembles, various percussion ensembles, orchestra and chamber groups. And you will create friendships that will endure that will last a lifetime.
Come See Us. Let’s Hear You Play.
Now, let’s plan for your trip to Capital.
You may wish to make a special trip to visit before your audition – you can come see the university, the facilities, sit in on classes and ensembles and, most importantly, meet the instructors and students that you will be working so closely with when you become a student. When you audition for us, we will evaluate your current skill level, your general musicianship and your potential. The way you play a particular etude or style will not provide the complete picture. With that said, we encourage you to prepare as thoroughly as possible, demonstrating as many facets of your playing as you can.
Get In Touch
We look forward to meeting you and hearing you.
The information below will help you with understanding the process for university application, auditions and information about academic and music scholarships. Please contact us directly if you or your parents have any questions about the percussion studio, the academic majors or any other areas.
Dr. Julie Licata
jlicata@capital.edu
Eric Paton
epaton@capital.edu
Reggie Jackson
rjackson39@capital.edu
Cameron Leach
cleach@capital.edu