PERCUSSION
Welcome to Southern Utah University Percussion! At SUU, we take pride in pursuing performance, creativity, and collaboration at the highest level. Surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Cedar City, we draw inspiration from the outdoors as we explore the full spectrum of percussion — from classical artistry to global traditions. Our “total percussion” approach encourages versatility, collaboration, and excellence, and allows each individual to pursue their own passions and career paths through a personal curriculum, one-on-one lessons, and a wide variety of large and small ensembles.
Degrees Available
- Music Minor - Bachelor of Arts - BM Music Education - BM Percussion Performance - BM Commercial Music - MM Music Education - MM Music Technology (Game Audio/Film Music - Online) - MM Music Technology (Performance Technology - Online) - MM Music Technology (Studio Technology - Online) - Graduate Certificate (Audio Engineering
Ensemble Opportunities
- Concert Percussion Ensemble - Brazilian Pagode Ensemble - Vanguard New Music Ensemble - World Percussion Ensemble - Alternate Currents Commercial Music Ensembles - Jazz Ensembles (1 and 2) - Marching Band/Drumline - Wind Symphony - Symphonic Band - Symphony Orchestra - Musical Theater Ensemble - Dance Accompaniment
SUU Percussion Faculty
Dr. Jed Blodgett, Director of Percussion
Applied Lessons, Percussion Ensemble, Brazilian Pagode Ensemble, Percussion Literature, Percussion Pedagogy, Percussion Methods, The Entrepreneurial Musician
Joseph Howe
Applied Lessons, Vanguard New Music Ensemble
Kevin Johnson
Applied Lessons, SUU Drumline
FAQ's
1. What makes the SUU Percussion Studio unique?
SUU prides itself on being a tight-knit, supportive community that puts quality teaching and meaningful relationships first. Our student population is half that of other major universities in the state, which allows us to really know and support you one-on-one. Our connection to the outdoors also allows percussionists to experience the beautiful Southwest in a whole new way, with annual percussion outings and performances among impressive red rock landscapes. Finally, every SUU Percussion student follows a personalized curriculum designed specifically for their goals and plans. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether your focus is teaching, performing, or production — on drumset, marimba, or ethnic percussion — we want you to succeed at being you. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you get there.
2. What performance opportunities will I have as a percussion student at SUU?
SUU percussionists perform in a wide variety of ensembles, including Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Thunder Drumline, Vanguard New Music Ensemble, Brazilian Pagode Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Commercial Music groups, and several smaller chamber groups. Our percussion ensemble explores world music traditions every fall and traditional concert percussion every spring. In addition to the core ensembles, students often step in to perform with SUU Choirs, Brass/Woodwind ensembles, and with various faculty and guest artists regularly. Many students also form their own jazz combos and pop/rock groups to perform around the campus and at community events.
3. Do I need to audition to join the percussion studio?
Yes. All music majors and scholarship applicants audition for admission. Each person is asked to perform a solo/etude of their choice on snare drum, mallets, and timpani (and drum set if possible). Don’t stress, we’re looking for potential, not perfection. The audition is also a chance for you to interview us and see if we’re a good fit. Come with questions ready. You can audition at any time throughout the year, but the best time is at one of our on-campus audition days. Scholarships are determined in early March, so those hoping to receive funding must complete their audition on or before our final audition day. Detailed audition dates and requirements are available on our Auditions page.
4. Do I need to audition to play in SUU Music Ensembles?
Yes! But the auditions are for placement, not for acceptance. In other words, everyone who auditions is accepted. We encourage anyone and everyone to play in our ensembles, and we hold informal auditions at the start of each semester to decide which ensembles are best for each individual. Music majors are asked to prepare specific pieces for the audition, but all others are welcome to bring their own pieces, play rudiments/scales, or even just have a conversation. If you need access to instruments before an audition, please reach out to Dr. Blodgett.
5. Are there scholarships available for percussionists?
Absolutely! SUU offers many performance and academic scholarships for qualified students. Scholarship amounts range from our full-tuition presidential scholarship to the $500 Z-Music Scholarship. All music scholarship applicants must audition by the posted deadline to be considered. Some scholarships are renewable each year based on participation and academic standing.
6. Are recorded/virtual auditions allowed?
Yes. Students who are unable to complete an in-person audition are welcome to submit a pre-recorded video audition or a live virtual audition. All deadlines and requirements still apply. Recommendations and best practices for recorded auditions can be downloaded velow.
7. What kind of facilities and instruments does SUU have?
Our percussion area is fully equipped with nearly a dozen drumsets, half a dozen high-end marimbas, three sets of timpani, and every other concert percussion instrument you could think of. We also own a full set of chromed steel pans from Trinidad and Tobago, an array of African, Cuban, and Brazilian instruments, and more. Students have access to several practice rooms, a dedicated percussion studio, and performance spaces like the Heritage Center and Thorley Recital Hall. We’re excited to announce that in the Fall of 2026, we will move into our new George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Music Center with a state-of-the-art concert hall, percussion studio, and rehearsal and practice rooms.
