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Percussion Studies

As an NYU Steinhardt Percussion Studies student, you’ll refine your craft through solo, chamber, and ensemble performances rooted in diverse traditions—from the steel pan of Trinidad to the African gyil. Gain invaluable experience through masterclasses with world-class musicians, exclusive access to top New York orchestra rehearsals, and collaborations with peers in jazz, music technology, music business, and more.

Take advantage of our brand-new, state-of-the-art theatres and fully equipped practice studios—exceptional spaces to rehearse, experiment, and perform. Study with faculty who perform in global orchestras and on Broadway, and join alumni who have toured nationally in shows like Pretty Woman, Come From Away, and Waitress, and performed with the American Symphony Orchestra and the New York Pops.

You will graduate with the skills, confidence, and network to launch a successful and impactful career.

Bachelor of Music
Percussion Studies

Gain advanced performance training as a percussionist and get a full liberal arts education with myriad performance opportunities in a variety of ensembles.

Orchestra playing under the light ceiling in Paulson Center

Master of Music
Percussion Studies

Launch your career as a professional percussionist, combining numerous performance opportunities on and off campus with intensive academic study.

NYU percussion students performing

Artist Diploma
Instrumental Performance

Ideal for advanced students and professionals preparing for a career in performance, this post-master’s artist diploma helps you continue to develop your technique and musicianship.

Orchestra playing in Iris Cantor Theatre

Doctor of Musical Arts
Music Performance

Prepare for a lifelong career in music as a collegiate educator or top level performer in the Steinhardt DMA program.

violinist looking intensely into camera

Doctor of Philosophy
Music Performance and Composition: Performers

Conduct cutting-edge research, perform on stage at NYU and throughout New York City, and study with world-renowned artists.

screen with cartoon playing and orchestra in front of it performing
Three Percussion Studies faculty at Tony Awards performing

Percussion Studies faculty at Tony Awards: Joshua Samuels, Javier Diaz and James Saporito.

A Big Tony Awards Applause

The NYU Percussion Studies faculty made a significant impact at this year’s Tony Awards, contributing to several of the season’s most acclaimed Broadway productions. Together, Samuels, Diaz, and Saporito represent the exceptional talent and leadership of the NYU Percussion Studies faculty. They are educating the future generation of performers while crafting the sound of Broadway today.

Read the full story.

Meet Natalie North

Percussion Studies master's student Natalie North reflects on her decision to pursue her graduate studies at NYU Steinhardt. She discusses the distinguished faculty she collaborates with, the supportive and dynamic student community, and the factors that affirm her confidence in selecting NYU as the ideal place to advance her academic and artistic journey and future career.

Journeyism album cover

Journeyism itself, an album from Britain’s reinvigorated independent label CRD, recorded using a startling vivid recorded sound, featuring hearteningly vigorous performances from New York University student musicians.

Geoff Brown, BBC Music Magazine

Percussion Ensembles

African Gyil and Percussion Ensemble

Students study and perform traditional African music for percussion and voice.

NYU Percussion Ensemble

This ensemble focuses its' repertoire on the seminal works of the 20/21st centuries.

NYU Steel

Dedicated to exploring the art of steel pans to the fullest.

News

Jonathan Haas Interviewed by Zarro Percussion

In a new Zarro Percussion interview, Jonathan Haas—NYU Steinhardt’s Director of Percussion Studies—opens up about his journey as a performer, educator, and timpani trailblazer.

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Journeyism: New Release Championing Underrepresented Voices

The recording features four world-premiere compositions by two leading Black American composers: percussionist Timothy Kennedy Adams Jr. and Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer and NYU Jazz adjunct faculty member Lenny White.

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Summer 2025: An Insider's View Performing Percussion on Broadway

Percussionists from around the world returned to NYU for the renowned Broadway Percussion Summer Conference, led by Percussion program director Jonathan Haas. The conference offers masterclasses, hands-on sessions, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Participants gain invaluable experience and mentorship from some of the most respected names in the industry.

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Percussion Faculty Shine at 2025 Tony Awards

Together, Samuels, Diaz, and Saporito represent the exceptional talent and leadership of the NYU Percussion Studies faculty. Not only are they educating the future generation of performers, but they’re actively crafting the sound of Broadway today.

Read More

Questions 

For more information, please contact mpap-percussion-studies@nyu.edu