Percussion

Mat Levy – Graduated with PGCert in 2019

• Appointed as Section Principal Percussion of the Orchestra Victoria in Melbourne in 2019 (whilst studying at RBC!)

• Graduated from Sydney Conservatorium with first class honours (studying under Daryl Pratt) (2011-2015)

• Has played with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, CBSO, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Australian World Orchestra

Miriam Kitchener – Graduated with BMus in 2016 and MMus in 2018

• Royal Shakespeare Company percussion extra and onstage percussionist

• Outreach work for City of London Sinfonia, Children’s Musical Adventures, Britten Sinfonia Academy, In Harmony and Opera North

• Percussion Tutor at RBC Junior School since 2019

“Being able to choose the path that was right for me was key to my progression throughout my studies at RBC and enabled me to develop my portfolio career as a professional musician. There were so many opportunities to get involved in such a diverse range of activities; from orchestral percussion to education projects; the music of Latin America to solo and ensemble performances, these all played a vital role in my continuing development. The positive and friendly nature of the percussion department made my studies even more enjoyable and help was always given whenever and however it was required.

My time at RBC was a perfect mixture of one to one lessons with some of the finest percussion players in the country; hands on performance opportunities in the professional world; trips to countries such as Taiwan, Spain and Germany to compete in competitions and learn about the music of different cultures; creating long lasting personal and professional relationships with fellow students and teachers and above all else being able to embark upon an unforgettable journey.”

Maraca2 – Graduated with BMus in 2004 and APD in 2006

• Jason Huxtable and Tim Palmer formed Maraca2 whilst students at RBC

• Both are now percussion teachers at RBC

• Performances include festivals in Hong Kong, Shanghai and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis. 

• Concerto performances with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra

• In 2016 Maraca2 formed the World Percussion Group

Jose Daniel Martinez Martin – Graduated with MMus in 2017

• Regular guest player with CBSO & Birmingham Royal Ballet

• Trialled with Philharmonia Orchestra 2nd Percussion

• Co-director of Insound Mallets

“I haven’t stop performing since I left RBC. My first years out have been incredible, with about 70-80 performances a year including concerts with Philharmonia, Britten Sinfonia, Aurora, CBSO European tour, BRB, Decibel Ensemble tour, LOKI and Persephassa with Millennial Percussion tour to Spain!”

Patrick Womack - Graduated in 2016 - 2nd Percussion, Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra

"I really enjoyed getting to study with multiple percussion tutors, each being a master at their craft. Whether it was Latin Percussion, Timpani, or Orchestral studies, the wide range of players from around the U.K. and Europe was so inspiring, and their knowledge motivated me to become a better player. It was also great to have more of a peer to peer rather than a master to student relationship.

The tutors were obviously better and more experienced, but they made you feel like one of them. That feeling helped give me confidence to approach and interact more freely with other professional players. My biggest struggles going into my studies were ironed out by great teaching and helpful peers in the percussion department. It is safe to say that were it not for my time at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, I would not have made it into my first orchestra spot."