Timpani lessons in Boise
Boise Drum Studio offers specialized timpani lessons in Boise for students interested in orchestral percussion, school band, and advanced musical study.
Timpani lessons at Boise Drum Studio
Study timpani with an experienced timpanist
Whether you’re preparing for auditions, working on ensemble repertoire, or learning timpani for the first time, our lessons are tailored to help you develop strong fundamentals and confident musicianship.
I'm currently Principal Timpanist with Opera Idaho Orchestra, one of only two professional, AFM-affilliated timpani positions in the entire Boise metro region. In addition to OIO, I've served as timpanist with the Spokane Symphony, Boise Philharmonic, Boise Baroque Orchestra, McCall Music Festival, and Orchestra Northwest.
This background ensures students receive authentic, professional-caliber instruction grounded in real-world performance experience.
My timpani background
I have a Master's degree in Music Performance from Temple University in Pennsylvania, where I studied with Philadelphia Orchestra timpanists Don Liuzzi and Angela Zator Nelson. Additional studies were taken with Mike Crusoe of the Seattle Symphony and Bill Wanser of the Phoenix Symphony.
What you’ll learn in timpani lessons
Lessons focus on the essential skills required for timpani performance:
- Proper stroke technique and sound production
- Tuning and pitch matching
- Pedal control and intonation
- Reading orchestral excerpts & solo repertoire
- Rolls, articulation, and tone development
- Musical phrasing and ensemble awareness
In lessons, you will see how a comprehensive technical approach applies to all the percussion instruments, including timpani. Students also learn how to practice effectively, so progress continues between lessons.
Who these lessons are for
Timpani lessons are ideal for:
- School band and orchestra students
- Percussionists preparing for auditions or honor ensembles
- College-bound music students
- Drum set or percussion students expanding into orchestral playing
No prior timpani experience is required — just a willingness to learn.
Access to timpani for practice
One of the biggest challenges for students is access to an instrument.
Boise Drum Studio offers timpani rentals at a nominal cost for currently enrolled students, making it possible to practice consistently at home without the cost of purchasing a full set.
This is a major advantage for students preparing for auditions or performances.