Freer Percussion Products began operations in 1991 when I joined the Cleveland Orchestra and started making a few pairs of mallets here and there for students and friends. After licensing to other companies for over ten years, I made the decision to become an independent company in 2012…Freer Percussion LLC. This was an easy decision because my endorsers, colleagues and students all encouraged the change. After five years now, it clearly works and I’m grateful for all of the sales and support. Whether you’re a professional orchestra musician, a conservatory student, or taking auditions, these products have proven to be an absolute necessity.
It’s tough to produce artisanal niche market products at a very consistent level. However, this kind of hand-made product that is available exclusively from the manufacturer is what has been missing in the market. Having one of the greatest orchestras in the world, The Cleveland Orchestra as my full time job and test lab for the past 26 years has been an invaluable privilege. With the teaching I do at CSU and other places, I’m constantly learning as I go. This is in large part what keeps me motivated to create new and better products. I can create and manufacture what we need in the orchestra and then do the same for my students by making something unique that will help them to succeed at auditions. This is really what defines Freer Percussion and makes us stand out.