We are thrilled to be welcoming students back to an in-person TorQ Percussion Seminar in 2022! Now in its ninth edition, TPS2022 is an opportunity for university-level percussionists to come together for an intense but rewarding week of rehearsals, discussions, masterclasses, creation and performance, under the direction of Richard Burrows, Jamie Drake and Daniel Morphy of TorQ Percussion Quartet and renowned percussionist and pedagogue Mark Adam (Acadia University). Operated in association with the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance in beautiful and historic Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (a UNESCO world heritage site), TPS2022 will involve rehearsals, masterclasses, discussions, and performances for all participants.
The core of the TPS experience is ensemble rehearsal. Each participant will be part of multiple ensemble pieces that will be rehearsed throughout the week; that rehearsal process will culminate in a finale concert presented as part of LAMP's 2022 season. While exact repertoire choice is still being finalized (as we try to pick pieces that will best challenge the participants), expect a focus on contemporary composers, both Canadian and international, as well as some compositions by TorQ members.
Each day will begin with morning round-table discussions about topics such as chamber music repertoire, self-promotion, concert logistics, musician health and much more. Master classes are also an integral part of the TPS experience, and TPS2022 will have multiple opportunities for participants to showcase either solo or pre-formed ensemble works.
As you can tell, the TPS schedule will keep you pretty busy while you’re here! At the same time, we want to encourage a sense of community among participants and faculty, so we'll plan some gatherings outside of the rehearsal hall as well.
Here’s what past participants have to say about their experience at TPS:
"Attending the TorQ Percussion Seminar had a profound influence on my development as a percussionist. I was exposed to the incredible variance that percussion ensemble music has to offer and having the chance to work with one of Canada’s foremost percussion ensembles is tantamount to none. Not only do you get to connect with TorQ themselves, but with other like-minded percussionists across Canada. Working closely and intensely in the way TPS is run was something I had never experienced before, even in my schooling, and it helped me dig in and learn more than I thought I could about chamber music. The things I learned influence my teaching, my chamber coaching and my performance to this day. I hold so many great memories from my experiences and still think about the very first time I performed Steve Reich’s Drumming, at my first TPS. This seminar is the only thing of its kind in Canada and is such a valuable program." - Nia Devetsis (Alberta)
“TPS was a great opportunity for me to work on chamber music in a fantastic environment while also learning about music and musicians of the Canadian contemporary music scene. Rich, Adam, Jamie and Dan taught me a lot!” -Tim Roth (Manitoba/Ontario)
"TPS was such an awesome experience that I had to do it three times! It's really an incredible opportunity to put together chamber music in a fast-paced and supportive environment. I would definitely recommend this program for any collegiate level percussionist looking for some fun and challenging music-making this summer!" - Yang Chen (Ontario)
Application Information
As part of your application to TPS2022, you'll need to submit the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Reference Letter
- C.V./Resume - please include a current repertoire list with your C.V.
- Audio/video files or links to some recent performances - live performances preferred
There is no "audition" process to get into TPS2022, but we want to make sure we understand what level everyone is at so that we can challenge you and choose repertoire appropriately. The audio/video links are a great way for us to get a quick understanding of where you are on your percussive journey!
If you have any questions about this part of the application (or if you require accessibility accommodations of any sort), please don't hesitate to drop us an email: tps@torqpercussion.ca.
Financial Information
Tuition to TPS2022 is $500 CAD. Tuition is payable to Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance, and includes all seminar activities.
Once again, Yamaha Canada Music is generously offering four $250 scholarships to offset the cost of tuition. To be considered for a scholarship, please email tps@torqpercussion.ca with the subject "TPS2022 Yamaha Scholarship Application" and include a short essay (max 500 words) about (a) what you hope to gain by coming to TPS, (b) the musical areas in which you'd most like to improve and (c) what aspects of percussion (instruments, repertoire, genres - anything!) you are most excited by right now. Scholarship application deadline is May 25, and applicants will be notified of the results by June 8.
Accommodation
Students are welcome to find their own accommodation, or can take advantage of subsidized accommodation provided by LAMP at a cost of $280/week. Meals (unless specifically noted) are not included.
Registration deadline is MAY 25, 2022.
Ready to apply? GET STARTED HERE.
Questions about TPS?
For information about programming, and eligibility/application requirements, please email Jamie at tps@torqpercussion.ca.
For information about billeting/accommodations or general questions about Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance, please email Trudi Inglis at info@lampns.ca.
