Percussion for the Non-Percussionist: Snare Drum
Date
February 12-May 3, 2024
Course Code
7484a
Credits
3 Graduate Credits*
Tuition
$1,125 is due in full with registration. A $15 Early Bird Discount will be applied until January 14.
Course Description
Need to brush up on those snare skills? This course offers in-depth methods of teaching snare drum from day one, with a focus on transferable skills that can organically create a foundation for well-rounded percussionists. A detailed sequence will be provided to give you the skills you need to start your percussionists on on the right foot (or stick).
All chats will be recorded. Attendance is voluntary but encouraged. Students should be ready to play during live sessions.
*Chat sessions are strongly recommended. but not required
3/25
4/15
4/25
*Students enrolled in the MMEd degree program at VanderCook may register for this course at the 500-level through the student portal. Please contact Dean Sinclair at [email protected] if academic advising is needed.
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.