Drumset Methods for the Music Educator
Date
June 9-August 1, 2025
Online
Course Code
MECA: 8065B, MMEd: 515DS *
Credits
MECA: 3, MMEd: 2 *
Tuition
$1146
Course Description
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. Dr. James Yakas is the teacher of record for the 500-Level offering of this course.
* This course is offered at two course levels. Students enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook are eligible to enroll for the 500 course number. Students not enrolled in the MMEd program who wish to earn graduate credit as a MECA Continuing Education student should register for the 7000 course number. The difference in credits earned and tuition cost is attributed to the difference in tuition rates for the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you are unsure which section is best for you, please contact us directly at [email protected].
Instructor
Darren Scorza is a Chicago area drummer, percussionist, producer, recording engineer and educator. He holds a Bachelor in Music Performance degree from Eastern Illinois University.
Darren’s performance experience covers a wide range of styles. He’s performed with jazz legends such as Bobby Enriquez and Eddie Harris, spent time in Chicago theater shows, rock bands such as Cast Iron Skillet, and worship music at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. He is an active musician in the Chicago jazz scene often joining artists performing at renown jazz venues such as the Jazz Showcase, Winter’s Jazz Club, Pete Miller’s, Andy’s Jazz Club & the Chicago Jazz Festival. He also has many recording credits as both a drummer, recording/mixing engineer and producer. His drumming has been featured on recent recordings by Michele Thomas, Jeannie Tanner, Jeff Hedberg’s C11, Swing Forward, Hard Art Groop, John Bany, the Waystation and the Metropolitan Jazz Octet. He also serves as drummer and music director for jazz vocalist (and wife) Michele Thomas.
Darren’s teaching approach is to combine academic proficiency and practical experience in a manner gauged towards the strengths of each student. He has taught percussion at Maine South High School, Harper College & Notre Dame College Prep. He also served as Jazz Band Director at Notre Dame College Prep for ten years. Darren teaches Jazz Percussion & directs the Jazz Lab Band at Harper College, is the drumset instructor & teaches percussion methods at North Park University, and currently authors online drumset courses for Vandercook College of Music.
James Yakas is currently the Director of Percussion Studies at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of North Texas, a M.M. in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University as well as a Doctoral of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance degree from the University of North Texas.
Dr. Yakas’ diversity in percussion education and performance has led him to many unique opportunities. He spent a total of twelve summers in the drum corps activity spanning from performing as a snare drummer with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps to eventually becoming their Percussion Coordinator and Arranger in 2003. Dr. Yakas has also studied and performed the music of many world cultures including performances with Northern Illinois University’s Steel Band at the World Steelband Festival in Trinidad/Tobago and the Seoul Drum Festival in Seoul, South Korea; Studying Afro-Cuban Drumming with Orlando Cotto and Studying abroad in Ghana with Ethnomusicologist Dr. Steven Friedson, specifically the Ewe Culture of the Volta region.
Dr. Yakas is an endorser of Yamaha Percussion, Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, Remo Drumheads and World Percussion Instruments and Sabian Cymbals.