Percussion for the Non-Percussionist: Mallets, Timpani & Accessories
Date
February 8-May 9, 2021
Course Code
7310
Credits
3 Graduate Credits
Tuition
$1,065, due in full with registration
Course Description
Tired of your percussionists having “pitch anxiety” or not knowing the importance of a quality cymbal crash? This edition of Percussion for the Non-Percussionist will focus on the performance and pedagogy of keyboard instruments and timpani as well as accessories. Detailed instruction on performance techniques and how to fit these areas into your percussion curriculum will be covered. Join us to help you create a valuable, well-rounded percussion experience for your students.
Instructor
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.