Jazz Drumming

This course offers drummers the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of jazz drumming; exploring the techniques, history and musical concepts that make jazz drumming so unique. 

Throughout the course, you'll explore: 

• Jazz drumming fundamentals and the history behind the style and the roles the jazz drummer has in a band; 
• Comping and how to support other musicians.
• Accompanying and developing your role within an ensemble.
• Soloing and developing your own musical voice. 
• Technical skills including brush playing, feathering the bass drum and jazz ride cymbal playing. 

The course will combine lectures, demonstrations, hands-on playing, and discussions, giving you the opportunity to understand the ideas behind jazz drumming. And then take it to the stage! 

At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to play with a live band, putting their new skills into practice. 

Come ready to learn, experiment and find your (drum)voice behind the kit. 

Course runs Saturdays from 1 - 2 PM. NO class October 10th. First class Sept 26. Final Class Dec. 12 

Skill Level:	Intermediate
Skill Details:
Instructor:	Dan Skakun
Instructor Bio:	Dan has been teaching and playing drums professionally since 1981 including over 20 of years teaching at MacEwan University. His educational experience includes a Master of Arts degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York, a Bachelor of Music degree from McGill University, and a Diploma in Jazz Performance from MacEwan University. He has studied privately with Joe Morello, Kenny Washington and Vernel Fournier. While he plays a variety of styles of music, most of what he's playing currently is jazz. He has been fortunate to play with the likes of Ted Nash, Carlo Morena, Joe Fonda, PJ Perry, Tommy Banks, Bobby Cairns, Slide Hampton, Hugh Fraser, Andre White, Jim Head, John Taylor, Mike Rud, Julie Mahendran, the McDades, Möbius, and Don Bradshaw’s Big Idea. He is a member of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association.