Study Orchestral Percussion
OAcademy's Percussion Fellowship is tailored for percussionists seeking an orchestra academy experience—complete with world-class percussion masterclasses, instrumental coaching, and workshops led by top industry professionals.
As part of the Orchestra Institute, OAcademy provides a comprehensive, fast-track Percussion Artist Diploma designed for musicians eager to take their percussion playing to the next level. Our unique online conservatory experience combines interactive lessons, masterclasses, and performance opportunities to take a deep dive into orchestral repertoire with members of the percussion sections of the world’s top orchestras.
1-on-1 instruction
At the heart of OAcademy’s performance instruction is the Studio Faculty. OAcademy's Percussion Studio Heads guide the learning journey for Orchestra Institute Fellows through group and individual lessons, working on technical development, target core instrumental and orchestral repertoire, delivering guidance on percussion audition preparation, and preparing Fellows towards performance assignments within the music conservatory's curriculum.
Beibei Wang - International Solo Artist: Beibei specializes in contemporary multi-percussion and mallet instruments, and you'll be working together to refine your solo repertoire and develop your marimba and vibraphone technique.
Rob Knopper - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: As one of the world's leading orchestral percussionists, Rob brings decades of experience from the MET Opera stage. He'll guide you through snare drum fundamentals, small auxiliary techniques, and the larger orchestral percussion that defines symphonic playing.
Gabriela Jiménez - National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico: Gabriela is your expert for timpani mastery and Latin percussion styles, bringing authenticity and deep knowledge of both traditional orchestral repertoire and contemporary Latin American works.
Themed Masterclasses
Our weekly masterclasses focus on a variety of performance and technique related themes, targeting core orchestral repertoire, section leading practices and virtuosity, with guest faculty like soloist Evelyn Glennie, Mark Braafhart (Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra), Robert van Sice (Yale School of Music), or Jason Treuting and Eric Cha-Beach (Sō Percussion / Bard Conservatory).
Orchestral Studies
Orchestral repertoire study sits at the intersection between OAcademy instrumental, leadership and team learning. Guided by some of the world's greatest conductors, like Marin Alsop or Leonard Slatkin, each session brings together the whole orchestra in an immersive exploration of a composer, piece, or theme, with a special emphasis on performing excerpts.
Leadership Skills
Our leadership training, designed for 21-century musicians, includes cultivating practical familiarity with communication frameworks, such as media, branding, networking, management, and mindset development under the guidance of industry experts.
Program timeline
Practical details
Duration: 6 months (Jan-Jun 2026)
Format: Online + optional residency in Europe
Cost: $2,550 USD