Hosted by the NYU Steinhardt Percussion Studies Program, the Broadway Percussion Conference 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 (no on-campus housing available), college, and professional percussionists, the NYU Broadway Percussion Conference is a four-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.
Schedule
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 get to attend two Broadway shows and 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 play for the percussionists currently performing the book!
Past Conferences
Past Broadway Conference presenters have included: Clint de Ganon and Joe Passaro (Beautiful), Javier Diaz (Sweeny Todd), Sean Ritenauer (Something Rotten), David Nyberg and Ray Marchica (Mamma Mia), Josh Samuels (Beetlejuice and Radio City Music Hall), 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 (The Lion King), Kory Grossman (Broadway's Super Sub), Ben Herman (Film Recording), and many more!
Placement Requirement
Upon completion of your application, please submit a recording (either audio or video) directly to Sean Statser, 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. You can either email the file(s) or send a link to Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar.
The recordings that are submitted will be used for placement, not acceptance into the program. NYU Steinhardt Broadway Percussion Conference participants will be sent a portion of a Broadway show to prepare for one of the 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).
Application
Register here for the 2025 NYU Broadway Percussion Conference. REGISTER
* Acceptance to the Conference is on a rolling admissions basis – we encourage you to apply early to secure your spot. Once the conference is filled to capacity, it will be closed for further registration.
Fees and Housing
$1,000 Program Fee
No scholarships are available for NYUBPC.
NYU Housing is available (at an additional cost) for all participants 18+. Participants under the age of 18 are still welcome to attend the NYUBPC, but will need to secure their own housing outside of NYU.
Contact
For more 2025 Summer Conference information, contact Sean Statser.
For more information about studying at NYU Steinhardt, visit Percussion Studies. View a complete list of NYU Steinhardt Percussion faculty.