Rice University Percussion Studio

02/06/2026

That’s a wrap! 🎶 We are thrilled to have successfully concluded the Mixed Chamber Concert. It was a journey filled with passion and joy, made even more special by your presence. Our deepest thanks to everyone who joined us; we look forward to welcoming you back next year with even more inspiring performances. 🥁🎻💖

02/01/2026

Concert Alert!
We’ll be presenting a curated selection of mixed chamber pieces composed by Osborne, Golijov, Piazzolla, Stephenson, Strauss, Beall, and Stockhausen.

From Tango and Jazz to Romantic and Modern genres—we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Can‘t wait to see you there! ✨

11/01/2025

Join us this Sunday November 2nd at 7:00pm CT for an evening of percussion quartets! Our professor Matthew Strauss has curated a diverse program, entirely comprised of pieces commissioned by and/or for a legendary percussion quartet (Third Coast Percussion, Amadinda Percussion Group, Sandbox Percussion, and Sō Percussion respectively). You will be treated to seminal works of 21st century percussion ensemble repertoire, as well as pieces on the vanguard of contemporary percussion ensemble music composed within the past two years. Each piece presents a wholly unique soundscape and atmosphere, ranging from the hypnotic minimalism of Steve Reich’s Mallet Quartet, to Olivier Tarpaga’s quasi-improvisatory West African-inspired drumming. Whether you’re joining us in person or virtually, we look forward to performing for you!

Featured are clips from:
“Ordering Instincts” by Robert Dillon (2013-14)
“Mallet Quartet” by Steve Reich (2009)
“Pillar I” by Andy Akiho (2021)
“Fēfē” by Olivier Tarpaga (2023)

10/23/2025

We’ve had a great series of studio classes these past few weeks! Our very own gave illuminating bass drum and tambourine repertoire classes, and demonstrated how to rewrap bass drum mallets. We also acquired and assembled a beautiful new 4.0 octave vibraphone! We’re currently hard at work preparing for our percussion ensemble concert, happening Sunday November 2nd at 7:30pm CT. Stay tuned for more info!

09/24/2025

Join us for our annual Marimba Recital this Sunday, September 28 at 7:30 PM in Duncan Recital Hall! The program features works of J.S. Bach performed on solo marimba, including selections from his Lute Suite in E Minor, Gigue from Cello Suite No. 2, and Fugue in G Minor from Violin Sonata No. 1; as well as staples of contemporary solo marimba literature, including Jacob Druckman’s Reflections on the Nature of Water, Goliński’s Luminosity, and Twelve Preludes by Juri Seo.
Hope to see you there! 🎶

09/21/2025

Our first SSSO concert of the year was a great success! The whole studio got involved in Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite no. 2, and our groovy encore Tico Tico featured in Slide 2. The semester is in full swing now, and lots of exciting events - including our Marimba Recital happening September 28 at 7:30 CT - are on the horizon! 🌅 🎶

04/09/2025

Svet Stoyanov, Director and Associate Professor of Percussion Studies at the Frost School of Music, gave an incredible masterclass on solo marimba repertoire at Shepherd. We are so grateful for his ongoing returns to our studio!

02/03/2025

11/01/2024

Join us for an evening of rhythmic exploration and vibrant soundscapes at Stude Concert Hall on November 7th at 7:30 PM. This percussion concert features an exciting blend of styles and eras, showcasing Claude Debussy’s “String Quartet in G Minor, Opus 10: Assez vif et bien rythmé” in a fresh, percussive interpretation. Audiences will feel the pulse of Michael Laurello’s “Spine,” an intensely kinetic work, and Andy Akiho’s entrancing “Pillar III” and “Pillar V,” which bring unique textures and depth to the program. Rounding out the evening is George Hamilton Green’s lively and elegant “Valse Brillante.” Don’t miss this dynamic concert that promises a journey through melody, rhythm, and innovation. ❕HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! STAY TUNED❕🥁

09/24/2024

The Rice Percussion Studio’s ‘An Evening of Marimba and Vibraphone’ concluded successfully with an amazing audience. Thank you all for joining us and staying in tune! 🎶

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Fall Chamber Music for Percussion Performance in Stude Concert Hall on November 7th at 7:30 PM, featuring works by Debussy, Laurello, and more to be announced. We look forward to seeing you there! 🫧

09/23/2024

Tomorrow night at 7:30!