BYSO Percussion Lab /
An Introductory Program for Young Musicians in Grades 4–7. This program introduces young musicians to the rich and varied world of percussion. No prior percussion experience is required!
Why Percussion?
Percussion is one of the most accessible and rewarding paths into music. For students with no prior experience, it offers an intuitive entry point—rhythm is something every child naturally feels. For students who already play an instrument, percussion develops a deeper sense of pulse, independence, and musicality that strengthens everything they do.
Beyond the instruments themselves, percussion teaches focus, coordination, active listening, and teamwork—skills that serve young musicians and young people alike. With so many instruments to explore, there is always something new to discover and master.
The Path Forward: What This Program Leads To
This is more than just an introductory class; it is a deliberate on-ramp to BYSO’s orchestral ensembles. The technique, repertoire, and ensemble experience students build here will directly prepare them for the BYSO audition process.
BYSO Percussion Lab Program Overview
This program introduces young musicians to the rich and varied world of percussion. No prior percussion experience is required; some prior music reading experience is strongly recommended.
The BYSO Percussion Lab is designed for budding musicians of all backgrounds, including:
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Drumset players looking to expand their percussion vocabulary.
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Pianists and other instrumentalists eager to transition to percussion.
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Musicians looking to strengthen their rhythm, sight-reading, coordination, and dexterity.
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Music enthusiasts who haven't picked up an instrument yet!
Class Structure:
1. Snare Drum & Technique Foundation
Every class begins with the snare drum and drum pad, where students master the matched grip—the universal drumming technique that transfers directly to mallet keyboard instruments, timpani, and beyond. Building this foundation early ensures that students’ progress quickly and develop correct habits.
2. Instrument Exploration
Students rotate through major percussion families, gaining hands-on experience with timpani, mallet instruments (xylophone, marimba, vibraphone), drum set, accessories, and Latin percussion. This broad exposure mirrors what is expected of a professional orchestral percussionist.
3. Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal
Each class closes with an ensemble rehearsal in which students perform percussion repertoire together. Percussion ensemble experience helps develop critical skills, including active listening, score awareness, and responsiveness to a conductor.
Program Details for the 2026-2027 Season:
- When: Wednesdays, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
September 16, 2026 - December 16, 2026 - Where: BYSO Youth Center for Music
- Who: Designed for students in grades 4–7, this class provides a structured, technique-driven experience across the full spectrum of percussion instruments, from snare drum and timpani to mallet keyboards, drum set, accessories, and Latin percussion. The session will culminate in a performance for friends and family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about the recommended playing level.
- Tuition: $600 (Payment plans available). Please contact Kara Newcombe, Finance and Administration Coordinator, at kenewcom@bu.edu for more information
- Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 15
- Instructors: Brian Eisert
Questions? Contact adriansl@bu.edu.
Instructors:
Brian Eisert is an accomplished percussionist, timpanist, and drumset performer based in the Boston area, holding a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Morehead State University. He has dedicated over two decades to teaching young percussionists in the Boston Public Schools, where he has served on the faculty of the Roland Hayes School of Music at the John D. O’Bryant School since 2001.
A specialist in developing young musicians, Eisert has built a reputation for setting students up for lasting success, his percussion ensembles have earned national acclaim for their musicianship and performance excellence.
As an active performer throughout New England and the eastern United States, Eisert brings real-world artistry into the classroom. He has performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Louisville Orchestra, Lexington Symphony, Eastern Connecticut Symphony, and Vista Philharmonic, with experience spanning symphonic, opera, ballet, chamber, and contemporary repertoire. He studied with distinguished percussionists Pat Hollenbeck, Nancy Zeltsman, Frank Oddis, and Todd Parker.
Upcoming Performances
All Events
Jul 6, 2026 / Summer ChamberFest Session 1
9.00am | BYSO Youth Center for Music - Seating is first come first served
Tickets & Info
Jul 13, 2026 / Summer ChamberFest Session 2
9.00am | BYSO Youth Center for Music - Seating is first come first served
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Audition for BYSO!
Auditions for BYSO's 2026-27 Season are now closed. Click below for more information.