Usually when asked to review websites like these, I am given temporary membership of the site so I can access the full range of materials and resources on offer. I was a little confused when, for PercWorks, I was merely directed towards the site. I was aware of PercWorks through their extensive social media work and had directed some of my pupils to their free online masterclasses in the past. But surely there must be additional materials kept back for paying members?
A brief glance at the website revealed that, while there was a wealth of resources on offer, almost everything was listed completely free of charge. The one (entirely understandable) exception is their online tuition, but that is a drop in the ocean compared to the frankly ridiculous range of gratis resources.
Starting with the online masterclasses, the site has sessions with a huge range of percussionists, broadly rotated on a monthly basis. Upcoming masterclasses include sessions with the Section Principal Percussionist of the Royal Opera House, the timpanist from the CBSO, and Dame Evelyn Glennie. While the focus seems to be more on orchestral percussion, a glance through previous sessions shows the site covering top musicians from a wide range of genres, including West End pit players, drummers from top chart acts, Indian dhol drumming and even (revealing my jazz drummer bias) the legendary American drummer Pete Erskine. As if that wasn't enough, there are written interviews with an even-wider range of musicians.
The ‘resources’ section of the site also has a great deal to offer. The ‘Trailblazer’ series of video lessons offer instruction on basic body-percussion and groove-building, up to more complex drumline skills. It seems that some other sections are still being developed (I look forward to seeing what will go into the ‘sight-reading central’, 'snare drum’, ‘tuned percussion’, ‘timpani’ and ‘drum-kit’ sections – all currently marked as ‘coming soon’), but a particularly exciting section from an education point of view is ‘conservatoire tours’. While there are several still to come, this gives pupils considering applying to conservatoires an opportunity to tour virtually the percussion departments of a number of top institutions in the country. Again, the focus is mostly on orchestral percussion, and it would be great to see this expanded to include some pop or jazz courses; but this is an invaluable resource for young percussionists looking to take the next step after KS5.
Another particularly exciting feature of the website is the two (weekly) online ensembles: Perc E-nsemble and Digital Drumline. These allow young percussionists to perform as an ensemble via the Internet, bringing access to many who are often shut out. Videos made of the ensembles show participants performing on orchestral percussion, drum-kits, even practice pads – seemingly whatever is to hand – ensuring, again, that anyone can take part. The Digital Drumline seems the most open in terms of access, with the Perc E-nsemble focussing more on orchestral percussion. Reportedly, these ensembles have reached an audience of over 20,000 and have had over 1500 participants since 2020 – a testament to their obvious passion for open and inclusive music-making.
Something I will definitely be recommending to students is the annual Young Percussion Composer of the Year competition, which is now in its third year. While still in its infancy compared to similar competitions, it seems to be going from strength to strength, having this year received over 150 new compositions from young musicians all over the world.
Drawing on the successes of the general masterclasses, the site has also launched a Young Composer Short Course, a weekend full of free composition masterclasses, one-to-ones and events with award-winning composers Dani Howard, Will Edwards and renowned percussion composer Ivan Trevino joining from the USA. The Young Percussion Composer competition is supported by ABRSM, and prizes include having the compositions professionally recorded and published, as well as professional software from Dorico and a host of physical prizes.
To say that I am bowled over by the ambition and quality of the resources available on PercWorks is a gross understatement. I am not aware of anywhere else (even outside of percussion) where young musicians have so many free yet high-quality opportunities to develop their skills. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the site continues to develop, and compel anyone with even a passing interest in percussion education to check this out.
