NYU Broadway Percussion Seminar

Hosted by the NYU Steinhardt Percussion Studies Program, the Broadway Percussion Seminar offers classes with special guest percussionists, contractors, and conductors from the world of Broadway. Sessions are presented on drum set, percussion, mallet percussion, timpani, and Latin percussion, by the percussionists who developed the Broadway books!

For high school, college, and professional percussionists, the NYU Broadway Percussion Seminar is a five-day intensive study of the skills, experience, and know-how of the world of Broadway percussion. Panel discussions will be held with leading percussionists, conductors, and contractors who are actively pursuing musical careers on Broadway.

Program Dates

June 11 – June 15, 2023

Application Deadline

March 24, 2023

Costs and Fees

$55 (Non-Refundable Application Fee)
$850 (Tuition)
$607 (On-Campus Housing $422, Required Meal Plan $185)

Intended For

High School (16 years and older)
Undergraduate
Post-College and Graduate Students
Continuing Professionals

Past Broadway Seminar presenters have included: Clint de Ganon and Joe Passaro (Beautiful), Javier Diaz and Warren Odze (Rocky), Sean Ritenauer (Something Rotten), David Nyberg and Ray Marchica (Mamma Mia), John Clancy and Jon Epcar (Spider-Man), Charlie Descarfino (Porgy and Bess), Wilson Torres (In the Heights), Dan Haskins and David Ratajczak (Mary Poppins), Pablo Rieppi (West Side Story), Erik Charlston (How to Succeed in Business), James Saporito (NYC Ballet and Tony Awards), Valerie Naranjo and Tommy Igoe (The Lion King), Kory Grossman (Broadway's Super Sub), Ben Herman (Film Recording), and many more!

View a complete list of NYU Steinhardt Percussion faculty. For more information about studying at NYU Steinhardt, please visit the Percussion Studies homepage.

Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from. several percussionists and contractors who are actively working on Broadway. Sessions will cover a variety of topics including: the drum set and percussion books for multiple Broadway shows, setup and technical advice, use of the most up to date technology, candid and sage advice for creating a career as a Broadway musician, subbing on Broadway (Super-Sub!), and a unique session with Local 802 musicians union leadership. Participants will be sent a variety of materials for their personal study, such as scores, pit recordings, and conductor videos. Last, but not least, you’ll get to prepare a portion of a show to perform for the percussionists in a masterclass setting.

No scholarships are available for NYUBPS.

Audition Requirements

Submit a recording (either audio or video), that demonstrates your playing in any, or all, of the areas mentioned above. This can include: orchestral excerpts, solo performances, ensemble performances, a compilation of drum set styles, or a compilation of hand drum styles.

The recordings that are submitted will be used for placement, rather than acceptance into the program. NYU Steinhardt Broadway Percussion Seminar participants will be sent a portion of a Broadway show to prepare for one of the Seminar sessions with the percussionists who developed the books. Show assignments will be made based on your placement recording, experience level, previously performed shows and repertoire, and your given interest in a specific area of Broadway percussion (drum set, Latin percussion, or general percussion).

Acceptance to the NYU Steinhardt Broadway Percussion Seminar is on a rolling admissions basis – we encourage you to apply early to secure your spot. Once the seminar is filled to capacity, it will be closed for further applications.