Based in the United States, timpanist and percussionist George Zerdalis is pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. Prior to his move to Miami, George served as the timpani and percussion lecturer at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold and as the solo guest timpanist and percussionist of the Detmold Chamber Orchestra. An internationally active performer and educator who has presented masterclasses across Europe and the U.S., including at SUNY Fredonia, he combines technical excellence with a mindful, student-centered approach in all his artistic endeavors.

“My commitment to the fine details of craftsmanship and sound is something I owe directly to my mentors. My standards of discipline and vital orchestral knowledge were shaped by my lifelong mentor, Professor Peter Prommel, at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold completely transformed my worldview—teaching me to stay endlessly curious, continuously evolve, and integrate a heavy focus on psychology and mindfulness into my own pedagogy. And of course, my teacher Mr. Marinos Tranoudakis (Principal Timpanist of the Greek National Opera), who continues to serve as a steady, guiding hand whenever I need it.”

Work Experience:
• Lecturer of timpani & percussion Hochschule für Musik Detmold, Germany | 2023–Present
• Solo Guest Performer Detmold Chamber Orchestra (DKO) | 2023–Present
• Principal Timpanist Athens Philharmonia Orchestra, Greece | 2022–2023

Education:
• University of Miami, Frost School of Music | USA — DMA, 2029
• Hochschüle für Musik Detmold, OrchesterZentrum | NRW, Germany — Master Degree, 2026
• Ionian University, Department of Music, Corfu, Greece — Bachelor & Master Degree, 2020

Expertise & Pedagogical Approach:
• Artistic leadership and ensemble direction
• Emphasis on sound production through posture and awareness
• Promotion of independence, mindfulness, and responsibility
• Commitment to instrument care and organized workspaces
• Cross-cultural communication and inclusive collaboration