Percussion Studio
To find out more about the audition process, click here.
Classes in Percussion
Applied Lessons (majors and minors)
Individual instruction centers on building a solid foundation for exquisite musicianship. We focus on studying standard masterworks, exploring exciting new music, and cultivating every student’s personal voice.
Students who take Applied Lessons also attend our weekly studio class.
Studio Class (majors and minors)
Our weekly gathering provides the students with the opportunity to perform in solo and chamber music settings, as well as witness Dr. Komljenović teach masterclasses on topics such as interpretation, practicing, repertoire, and more. We also strive to provide as many opportunities for the students to meet and learn from internationally renowned artists:
In the past three years, our visiting artist roster featured 21 exquisite guests:
• Casey Cangelosi (James Madison University)
• Mitya Nilov, Russia (Concert Artist Guild winner)
• Kai Strobel, Germany (ARD Competition and TROMP International Competition winner)
• Alexandre Esperet, France (Conservatoire Superieur de Musique de Lyon, TROMP International Competition Winner)
• Cameron Leach (Percussive Arts Society International Solo Artist Competition winner)
• William Kaufman (NCPA Orchestra, Beijing)
• Matthew Nichols (Florida Atlantic University)
• William Brown (New York International Percussion Competition winner)
• Peter White (TROMP International Competition semi-finalist)
• Antoni Olesik, Poland (winner of International Marimba Festiva Competition in Bamberg)
• Dr. Karli Viña (Florida International University)
• Dr. Marco Schirripa (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)
• Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron (92nd Street Y School of Music)
• Dr. Justin Alexander (Virginia Commonwealth University)
• Dr. Brian Nozny (McNeese State University)
• Dr. Andrew Lynge (University of Alabama)
• Dr. Thomas A. Giles (Aaron Copland School of Music – Queens College)
• Dr. Ben Charles (Tarleton State University)
• Bryce Turner (Trinity University)
• Emilio Monreal (Lone Star High School)
• Manuel Trevino (JMMD Entertainment)
Percussion Ensemble (majors and minors)
Chamber music is the bedrock of a percussionist’s musical experience at TAMUCC. By focusing on programming small chamber music works, this course allows for the development of finest communication, collaboration, and listening skills. Most students participate in a minimum of two chamber music groups per semester.
Students who take part in this course also learn about concert production. We explore many real-world skills: concert programming, visual design, digital marketing, and event promotion.
Studies in Pedagogy (majors)
This course helps the students familiarize with the philosophy, materials, and methods for teaching instruments in an applied studio setting.
Studies in Repertoire (majors)
This course introduces students to the historical outline of primary percussion solo, chamber ensemble, concerto, and orchestral literature.
Performance Opportunities
Solo and chamber music is performed in:
- Studio class
• Student recital class (a weekly, department-wide event where students perform in the Performing Arts Center)
• Solo recital
• Percussion Ensemble concert (every semester)
• Annual tour (visit to local high schools)
• State of the University event (performing as part of Islander Steel Band) - Tierras South Texas Percussion Competition
• other local events and festivals
The Music Hour
The studio members meet once per week with Dr. Komljenović for an hour of music. These meetings are informal gatherings that include watching concerts, talking about career paths, discussing the philosophy behind art, learning about the current trends in music, and other topics.
This studio is a family and we will frequently take road trips together to attend concerts in nearby cities.
Student Success:
Kara Apostol (class of ’21)
- Proceeded to pursue her master’s degree at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami on a scholarship.
- selected to be the participant for the NYU Sandbox Percussion Summer Seminar 2020.
- won Excellence in Performance Award and Excellence in Scholarship Award at the 8th Annual School of Arts, Media, and Communication Awards
- selected as Camp Counselor at the New England Music Camp in Sydney, Maine
- recipient of the TAMU-CC Islander Chamber Music Scholarship (2019-2021)
Jonathon Garcia (class of ’23)
- Hired for the Front Ensemble Tech position at Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, TX
Miah Kay Cardoza (class of ’24)
- hired as percussion consultant at San Benito High School in San Benito, TX
- selected to participate in the Roots & Rhizomes Mentorship Project hosted by Steven Schick (University of California, San Diego) and Aiyun Huang (University of Toronto). Participation in this project allows Miah to connect with 39 mentors, as well as over 100 mentees from 16 countries on 4 continents.
Ricky Hinojosa (class of ’25)
- recipient of the TAMU-CC Islander Chamber Music Scholarship (2021-present)
- hired to tech the indoor ensemble at Victoria West High School in Victoria, Texas
To find out more about the audition process, click here.
Find us on social media:
Instagram: @IslanderPercussion
Facebook: Islander Percussion