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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

Summer 2023 MECA

Continuing Education Courses

Online

Drumset Methods for the Music Educator

Date

June 5-July 28, 2023

Course Code

7493

Credits

3 Graduate Credits

Tuition

$1,080 is due in full with registration.

Overview

Elementary and secondary general music teachers and ensemble directors interested in basic drumset skills will attain teachable methods in this course and encounter drumset parts in a variety of settings. Whether it be a concert band “movie medley,” a pops orchestra piece, or jazz band, introducing the young drumset player to these new pieces can prove challenging, and it’s a topic not often covered in other methods classes.

This course will cover everything from drumset set-up, equipment choices, tuning to performance of basic beats, and discussion of the different types of notation the drummer will encounter. Yes, you will definitely be able to “rock” a little bit of drumset by the end of the course! No previous drumset experience is needed, but rhythmic reading ability and knowledge of basic drum rudiments are recommended.

Outcomes:

  • Comprehension of stick grip, drum setup, tuning & mechanics.
  • Ability to perform basic drumset rhythms in various styles.
  • Familiarity with forms of drumset sheet music, e.g., lead sheets, charts, fully notated pieces.
  • Knowledge of equipment choices appropriate for the grade school or high school band.
  • Ability to impart basic drumset methods to young students.
  • The drumset is the heartbeat of any ensemble, and improvement in rhythm should be a goal for every student, teacher and performer.
Let’s get groovin’!

 

Requirements

Chat Session

The bulk of the course is Asynchronous (see Asynchronous Courses and Student Engagement Statement). In addition, two Zoom meetings are held throughout the course schedule. Live participation in one (1) is mandatory. Schedule for Zoom meetings: Zoom #1 - June 13th 7:00-8:15 CST Zoom #2 - July 13th 7:00-8:15 CST

Prerequisites

Access to a drumset

Required Text(s)

None

Learning Platform Information - Online Courses Only

Schoology is a learning management system that allows you to interact directly with your instructors, fellow students, and members of the greater VanderCook community.

The evening  before your class begins, be on the lookout for an email from Schoology with log-in instructions. Once you receive credentials, visit www.online.vandercook.edu to login. 

Some courses have specific online chat meeting times (please see course descriptions), while others have a flexible meeting schedule. You can expect all courses to meet together in a live online chat. If a live meeting time doesn’t work, you can work with your instructor to make other arrangements.

More information about Schoology can be found at www.schoology.com

Please see specific software/hardware requirements in the course description.

Online course grades are available within two weeks of the course(s) completion.  If you need a transcript, please CLICK HERE to access the online transcript request form. For a faster turnaround time, please submit the transcript request to the registrar prior to the end of your course(s).

Instructor

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Darren Scorza

Darren Scorza is a musician, music educator, clinician and project studio owner. He has taught drums and percussion in the Chicagoland area for over 25 years. Currently he serves as drumset instructor and teaches percussion methods at North Park University, and also teaches drumset, jazz percussion and is Lab Band director at William Rainey Harper College. Scorza draws from his performance experience in both drumset and classical percussion areas to create a unified teaching method, blending these two diverse performance settings. He has over 80 recordings in his discography as a drumset player, percussionist and recordist/mixer. He has performed with artists including Bobby Enriquez, the Platters and Eddie Harris, as well as performing and recording with varied local artists such as Michele Thomas, Jeannie Tanner, Elaine Dame, John Bany, Keri Johnsrud, Ari Seder, Cast Iron Skillet, the Waystation, the Metropolitan Jazz Octet and Jeff Hedberg’s C11. He also serves as music director and drummer for his wife’s quintet, Michele Thomas & Soulmeme.

The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

© 2023 VanderCook College of Music. All Rights Reserved.
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