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Music Performance

PERCUSSION

The percussion program prepares each student for a career as a drum-set player in the competitive music scene. Students expand their musical horizons and increase their musical skill, knowledge, and versatility, while networking for success in the music industry.

Percussion Department Head and long-time drummer for the Steve Miller Band, Gordy Knudtson, says, "Drummers create and reinforce the rhythmic foundation upon which music is built. Their performance can make or break a band. The successful ones can lay down an authentic feel with a dynamic, emotional energy that makes music exciting, compelling, and memorable."
KEY CLASSES

Applied Theory and Music Interpretation
In these drum-set timekeeping classes students learn to function within different styles of music, broaden their vocabulary, develop independence, and expand creative ideas.

Technique
Classes develop technical proficiency on the snare drum and drum set to build speed, control, and fluidity of motion.

Reading
Classes start from the basics and mentor students through odd and mixed meter challenges.

Applied Music
A weekly, one-on-one, personalized instruction session serves to broaden student's skill and self-confidence.

 

Commonly Searched Phrases: Drum College | Drumming School | Music Theory Programs
CAREERS

  • Performer/Musical Director
  • Private Instructor
  • Recording/Touring Artist
  • Touring Musician/Tech
    Aaron Barnell
    Aaron Barnell has worked with Dan Wilson (Semisonic), Peter Ostrusko, A Prairie Home Companion Radio Show, just to name a few.
  • Aaron Barnell
    • Marv Dahlgren
    Marv Dahlgren is a nationally known figure in the drumming world, having authored and co-authored many influential books on drumming including 4-Way Coordination, Accent on Accents, and Drumset Control.
  • Marv Dahlgren
    • Dave Hanzel
    Dave Hanzel is known for his versatility and is one of the busiest drummers in the Twin Cities.
  • Dave Hanzel
    • Gordy Knudtson
    Gordy has played hundreds of sessions for jingles, radio and television station logos, industrial film scores, record albums, and compact discs.
  • Gordy Knudtson
    • Michael Pilhofer
    Department Head, Ensembles
    Mike Pilhofer was awarded Downbeat magazine’s “Best Instrumental Jazz - Small Group” award in 1999.
  • Michael Pilhofer
    • David Schmalenberger
    Dave has performed in concert and at gigs with artists such as John Scofield, Marvin Stamm, Larry Grenadier, Richard Davis, Steve Turre, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Cab Calloway, the Fifth Dimension, and Ernie Krivda.
  • David Schmalenberger
    • David Stanoch
    David has performed with Jazz and R&B musicians Jack McDuff, Ben Sidran, Richard Davis, Herb Ellis, Hiram Bullock, Scott Henderson, Stanley Jordan, Anthony Cox, John Carter, and Bobby Bradford; Pop artists Butch Vig, Freedy Johnston, Timbuk 3, Mary Wilson, Sometimes Y, and New Kids On The Block;
  • David Stanoch
    • Paul Steuber
    As a studio musician, Paul has recorded for Hal Leonard Publishing, Jensen Publishing, and Milwaukee Public Television.
  • Paul Steuber
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