Drum majors in the Bachelor of Music in Performance (Contemporary Styles) program undertake intensive instrument technique and live performance curricula along with a wide range of classes in supportive music and general studies to earn MI's unique contemporary music degree (see the Bachelor Degree home page and Program Outline for an overview of requirements).
Drum instrument technique courses are designed and taught according to the same principles that have made MI one of the world's leading centers for the study of the contemporary drum set. Requirements include:
P112a.b. Playing Techniques IIA-IIB
Concentrates on effective timekeeping, development of speed and dexterity, economy of motion, body balance and eliminating bad habits as well as the application of drum set rudiments. IIB emphasizes interpretation and performance of snare drum solos. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.
P211a.b. Playing Techniques IIIA-IIIB
Prerequisite: P112b Playing Techniques IIB. Class focuses on more advanced rudiments and their application to the drum set in a variety of musical styles as well as 4-way coordination, odd meter studies, advanced snare drum solos and drum set solo transcriptions. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.
P171a.b. Jazz Drums
This class explores and demonstrates the historical, stylistic and technical evolution of jazz from Dixieland to Bebop and beyond. Techniques include ride patterns and left hand comping, basic independence and coordination, brush technique, and ensemble interaction. In the second half, the focus shifts to group interaction, jazz soloing on various song forms, up-tempo swing concepts, cymbal turnarounds, 3/4 time, advanced independence and 4-way jazz coordination. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.
P122a.b. Ensemble Techniques
Prerequisite: P112b Playing Techniques IIB. Course deals with common techniques used by drummers in small and large group performance. The focus is on reading and execution of written rhythmic phrases in jazz, rock and Latin styles including section and ensemble figures, chart terminology and form, phrasing and stylistic interpretation, soloing concepts and solo fills. One lecture hour plus one lab hour per week for two quarters.
M142Pa.b. Reading IIA-IIB
The emphasis is on time signature reading studies, counting and subdivision exercises and applications as well as note value relationships. Also included is interpretation of rhythms in different styles, independence studies and chart reading. Reading IIB moves into compound time signatures, changing meters, value indicators and abnormal groupings. Two lecture hours per week for two quarters.
M241Pa.b. Reading IIIA-IIIB
Prerequisite: M142b Reading IIB. Class covers interpretation of sixteenth note figures, snare drum reading and etudes in changing meters, orchestral snare drum etudes, reading drum set charts with style and meter changes, and multi-tom reading in preparation for studio recording. Two lecture hours per week for two quarters.