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PERCUSSION

PERCUSSION

The drum kit, a staple of modern music, is a versatile ensemble of percussion instruments that serves as the rhythmic backbone in many musical genres, from jazz and rock to hip-hop and beyond. University-level studies on the drum kit often encompass a broad spectrum of topics including technique, history, and the role of percussion in various musical contexts. Students learn about the evolution of the drum kit from its origins in the early 20th century, when disparate percussion instruments were first combined into a single playable set, to its current status as an indispensable instrument in contemporary music.

In academic settings, learning extends beyond simple performance. Students are introduced to a variety of playing techniques ranging from basic rhythms to advanced polyrhythms and are often required to perform in different ensemble settings to hone their skills. Courses also delve into the innovation in drum kit components and setup, exploring how changes in technology and design have expanded the instrument's capabilities. Additionally, students study influential drummers and their contributions to music, understanding the drum kit not only as an instrument but as a medium of personal and cultural expression. This holistic approach equips students with both the skills and the contextual knowledge necessary to excel as percussionists in diverse musical landscapes.

Teacher Group

HAOJIA ZHANG

HAOJIA ZHANG

Steven Zhang is a skilled drummer with expertise in various drumming styles including Jazz, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Fusion, and Latin. He has been pursuing his studies in Jazz Percussion at Monash University since 2014. In addition to his formal education, Steven has continued to learn from a drumming professor associated with Monash University through external lessons.

HAOJIA ZHANG

YING LIU

I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Percussion from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, after attending its affiliated secondary school. I began studying percussion at the age of eight under Professor Liu Guangsi from the Central Conservatory of Music. At twelve, I was admitted to the secondary school affiliated with the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, where I studied percussion performance under Professor Bai Yanghong.

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