About Thomas Schaal Kurkjian

While pursuing a degree in Percussion Performance from Temple University, I studied with the principle percussionist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chris Deviney, the principle timpanist of the Delaware Symphony, William Wozniak, and the director of percussion studies at Temple University, Phillip O’Banion. My training was broad, and I achieved a high level of musical excellence performing many different styles of music on many different percussion instruments.

I’ve been teaching one-on-one percussion lessons since 2010, and have worked with students ranging in age from 5 to 84 years old. Many of my students have been accepted into honors music programs, as well as collegiate music programs. My aim is to help my students develop the fundamental skills that will allow them to pursue their genuine musical interests, to play the music they want to play. For me, percussion is a vehicle for helping my students learn how to learn.