Percussion Instruments
Total graduates
36
2025 · 12 schools
International share
19.4%
7 international students
Bachelor's degrees
17
23.5% international
Master's degrees
17
17.6% international
Overview
Percussion Instruments is a specialized field within music education and performance that focuses on the study and mastery of percussion instruments. This discipline encompasses a wide range of instruments, including drums, tambourines, marimbas, xylophones, cymbals, and many others. Students in this program learn not only how to play these instruments but also the techniques, rhythms, and styles associated with different musical genres, from classical and jazz to contemporary and world music.
In a typical curriculum, students will engage in both individual and ensemble playing, which helps develop their timing, coordination, and musicality. They will also explore music theory, composition, and history, gaining an understanding of how percussion fits into various musical contexts. Performance opportunities are integral to this program, allowing students to showcase their skills in recitals, concerts, and competitions.
Additionally, many programs offer courses in pedagogy, preparing students to teach percussion to others, whether in schools or private lessons. The versatility of percussion instruments means that graduates can pursue diverse career paths, including performance, education, music therapy, and composition.
Overall, a degree in Percussion Instruments equips students with a comprehensive skill set, fostering creativity, discipline, and an appreciation for the rhythmic foundation of music, making it an exciting and dynamic field of study.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 227% and the international share went from 0.0% to 19.4%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 12 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #16 | Vanderbilt University | Tennessee | 2 | 0 |
| #16 | Rice University | Texas | 4 | 0 |
| #49 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Washington | 2 | 0 |
| #100 | Chapman University | California | 1 | 0 |
| #288 | University of Hartford | Connecticut | 2 | 1 |
| #382 | Roosevelt University | Illinois | 2 | 1 |
| — | The New England Conservatory of Music | Massachusetts | 8 | 1 |
| — | Manhattan School of Music | New York | 4 | 2 |
| — | San Francisco Conservatory of Music | California | 3 | 1 |
| — | The Juilliard School | New York | 3 | 1 |
| — | Los Angeles College of Music | California | 3 | 0 |
| — | Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music | Puerto Rico | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 93,560 | — | $94,700 |
| Musicians and Singers | 36,180 | $60.46 | — |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.