Percussion Instruments: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop advanced proficiency in percussion performance across diverse musical environments, from classical orchestras to contemporary and experimental genres. The curriculum emphasizes technical mastery, artistic expression, and the cultivation of a distinctive performance voice through intensive study and real-world application.
- Orchestral Performance: Training in the full range of percussion instruments used in symphonic ensembles, including timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and auxiliary percussion, with focus on precision, dynamics, and ensemble cohesion.
- Solo and Chamber Music: In-depth exploration of repertoire and interpretation for solo percussion works and small ensemble settings, fostering individual artistry and collaborative musicianship.
- Commercial and Contemporary Performance: Instruction in rhythmic approaches, improvisation, and stylistic adaptation for genres such as jazz, rock, pop, and world music, preparing students for professional gigs and studio work.
- Nontraditional and Experimental Techniques: Engagement with extended techniques, electronic percussion, prepared instruments, and avant-garde approaches that expand the boundaries of traditional percussion practice.
- Personal Style Development: Guidance in cultivating a unique artistic identity through expressive phrasing, interpretive choices, and performance presence, supported by regular coaching and performance opportunities.
Percussion Instruments Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Percussion Instruments Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Percussion Instruments degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary and Musicians and Singers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 136,240 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Musicians and Singers 27-2042 | N/A | N/A | 38,350 | $42.45 |
Percussion Instruments Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,520 in Nevada to $129,330 in Hawaii—a 161% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 136,240 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Percussion Instruments by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 9 institutions offering Percussion Instruments programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Percussion Instruments is found at The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) (9 graduates), San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) (8 graduates), The Juilliard School (6 graduates), Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) (5 graduates), and Manhattan School of Music (MSM) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 35 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | necmusic.edu |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
8 | San Francisco, California | Private | sfcm.edu |
| The Juilliard School |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | New York, New York | Private | juilliard.edu |
| Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
5 | Pasadena, California | Private | lacm.edu |
| Manhattan School of Music (MSM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 | New York, New York | Private | msmnyc.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Chapman University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Orange, California | Private | chapman.edu |
| Roosevelt University |
Master's
|
1 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | roosevelt.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Percussion Instruments programs
How much can I earn with a Percussion Instruments degree?
Salaries for Percussion Instruments graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Musicians and Singers earn around $0. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $129,330 compared to $49,520 in Nevada. Approximately 136,240 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Percussion Instruments programs?
Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Percussion Instruments degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) (9 graduates), San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) (8 graduates), and The Juilliard School (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Percussion Instruments growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 11 in 2010 to a peak of 40 in 2020, before declining slightly to 35 in 2023-24. This represents a 218% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Percussion Instruments degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Musicians and Singers, . Related occupations employ approximately 136,240 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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