Masterclass

Segerstrom Dec

Led by Robert Slack

Monday, November 9 at 7:00 PM
OCMD Black Box Theater
17620 Fitch. Ave., Irvine, CA 92614

Join OC Music & Dance for a special evening with Robert Slack of the Pacific Symphony, designed for intermediate and advanced percussionists ages 10–18.

This one-hour masterclass and workshop gives young percussionists the chance to learn directly from a professional orchestral musician and get practical guidance as they prepare for SCSBOA auditions. Students will experience the artistic standards of the OCMD Classical Music Conservatory in a supportive, encouraging setting, without the pressure of an audition.

Register by November 4 online or by calling 949-386-8336.

Register Now

Perform in the Masterclass

Mr. Slack will provide individual coaching to a small group of student percussionists, with instruction centered on musical expression, technique, interpretation, and performance, along with practical guidance for preparing SCSBOA audition material.

Performance spots are limited to the first twelve (12) students who register.

Students should prepare a polished piece of repertoire that reflects their current level of study. This can be on snare drum, mallets, timpani, or another percussion instrument. During the masterclass, performers may receive coaching in areas including:

  • Sound & Tone Production: developing a full, controlled sound through stroke, grip, and implement choice

  • Rhythm & Time: strengthening steady pulse, precise subdivision, and dynamic control

  • Performance & Stage Presence: building confidence, focus, and artistry in performance and audition settings

Is This Masterclass Right for You?

The masterclass is open to both intermediate and advanced percussionists ages 10–18. Explore the descriptions below to get a better sense of the experience, repertoire, and technical skills typically associated with each level.

  • Intermediate students should be able to read music independently, play major scales and basic rudiments, and perform intermediate-level repertoire on snare drum and/or mallet percussion.

    Students should also demonstrate a solid understanding of rhythm, articulation, dynamics, and consistent stroke and sticking technique.

  • Advanced students should be comfortable performing substantial repertoire and demonstrate strong technical command and musical independence.

    Students at this level should be able to manage more complex rhythms, four-mallet technique, rolls, phrasing, and interpretation across multiple instruments. Their repertoire may include significant works by composers such as Jacques Delécluse, Clair Omar Musser, Keiko Abe, Ney Rosauro, Gordon Stout, and Elliott Carter.

Not Ready to Perform? Come Observe.

Students, families, teachers, and community members are also invited to attend as audience members.

Observing a masterclass offers young pianists the chance to learn from the coaching of other students, hear how musical ideas are developed in real time, and become familiar with the expectations of high-level piano study.

To join our audience, please fill out the form below. Space is Limited.

Past Masterclasses

  • A Piano Masterclass in Performance & Artistry
    Led by Dr. Sarkis Baltaian

    Wednesday, October 14 | 7:00 PM
    OCMD Black Box Theater
    17620 Fitch Ave., Irvine, CA 92614

    OC Music & Dance hosted a special Piano Masterclass in Performance & Artistry for intermediate and advanced pianists ages 10–18.

    Led by Dr. Sarkis Baltaian, this 90-minute masterclass gave young musicians the opportunity to experience the artistic philosophy, teaching approach, and performance standards of the OCMD Classical Piano Program in an engaging, supportive setting, without the pressure of an audition.

    Thank you to all the students and families who joined us. Interested in future masterclasses or the OCMD Classical Piano Program? Contact us or call 949-386-8336.

Discover what transforms a technically solid percussionist into a compelling, confident performer.