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Music Institute Percussion Faculty, Darren Scorza
Percussion Faculty
At MIC for 2 years 2 months
Email
dscorza@musicinst.org
Location(s)
Courses

Private Instruction
Drumset
Jazz Combo

Available For
Online
In-Person
Education

BM in Performance, Eastern Illinois University

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Recent recordingsĀ 
Michele Thomas - The Assumption
Metropolitan Jazz Octet Ā -The Road To Your Place
Jeannie Tanner - Words & Music, Joyful Season

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Formalized Drumset instruction is still relatively young in regards to pedagogy. My approach is to combine elements of academic methods from Ā ā€œclassicalā€ percussion study, tried and true drumset methods, and more modern resources such as play along tracks, ā€œdrum-removalā€ apps and YouTube to impart less codified techniques to growing drumset students.Ā 

What do you love about playing your instrument?

I'm performing and teaching music every day. I love the varied personal interactions I experience in these situations. Some days I'm dealing with theater and classical musicians. The next I'm playing original jazz music with friends. I may be teaching beginners on Wednesday and experienced Jazz majors on Thursdays.Ā 

Of course the music is of upmost in importance, but the interpersonal interaction is equally valued. I relish discussing music dreams, concepts, or just "hangin'" after a gig talking about whatever comes to mind.Ā 

Everyone involved in music has a story. I love that my musical career finds me experiencing all these fascinating stories.Ā