Jazz Percussion Lessons

Peterson School of Music offers percussion lessons that inspire growth, confidence, and a love for music. With expert instruction and a supportive community, your child will master technique, develop musicality, and experience the joy of playing.

Enroll today and start their musical journey!

DIANA & JOEL PETERSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Our approach

Courses are designed around the exploration of improvisation, composition and film score. We also offer opportunities for ensemble performances and a monthly jazz jam session free to the public.

A GIFTED MUSIC SCHOOL TRADITION

EST. 2008

Children on stage performing with violins during a concert, audience seated in front watching and taking photos.

What to expect

Weekly lessons

15 in the fall semester, 17 in the spring, with holiday breaks included

Lesson durations

30, 45, and 60 minutes are common, with extended 75 or 90-minute lessons for advanced students

Jam sessions

These are available to the public and offer opportunities for students to practice improvisation together.

Meet the faculty

  • Wachira Waigwa-Stone

    Wachira Waigwa-Stone is an accompanist, performer, composer, session player, and teacher. He holds a master’s degree in percussion performance from the University of Utah. He has toured the country and had his music performed internationally. In addition to serving on the faculty for Gifted Music School, he also works as the Music Program Manager for Tanner Dance and as an accompanist for the School of Dance at the University of Utah.

    Full bio >

Frequently asked questions

Ready to learn more? See further details here, and don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss any additional questions. You can always find us at:

info@petersonschoolofmusic.org

(385) 222-7787

  • Signing up for lessons and classes is easy! Go to our new student registration page and fill out the form. You can choose from a variety of programs based on your interests and skill level. We will be in touch with you shortly after the form is completed. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right program for you or your child.

  • We offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of students at every level of their musical journey:

    • Conservatory: For serious students who gain admission through audition. Once admitted, students receive a full scholarship for all their classes.

    • Academy: High-level tuition-based lessons and classes open to students of all ages from the general community. Scholarships are available to help support aspiring musicians.

    • GRIT Program: Our comprehensive outreach program in Title I schools, bringing high-quality music education to underserved communities.

    • Young Composers Academy (YCA): Tuition-based Conservatory classes and opportunities that are available to the general public.

    • Suzuki Program: A part of the Preparatory Program, focused on string students using the renowned Suzuki method.

  • We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • Our school is home to an extraordinary team of faculty members and teachers, all of whom are accomplished musicians and dedicated educators. Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience and expertise to their teaching, ensuring that students receive top-tier musical instruction. You can learn more about each instructor by visiting our faculty page, where you’ll find bios and details about their areas of specialization.

  • To apply to our Conservatory program, students must go through an audition process. This ensures that we select students who are committed to excelling in their musical studies. Information about audition dates and requirements can be found on our Conservatory Admissions page. If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, our admissions team is here to help.

  • Your support is vital to the success of our programs and the growth of our students. To make a donation or learn more about the different ways you can contribute, please visit the donate page on our website. Donations go toward scholarships, outreach programs, and other initiatives that make high-quality music education accessible to all.

A young girl with dark hair adorned with a flower-themed hair clip, playing a violin while seated in a concert hall with beige patterned chairs.

“We feel lucky to have found this school two years ago. At first, our kids were just in children’s choir, but we later added voice, violin, and piano lessons. All the teachers are top notch!”

Anna Taylor
PSM Parent