Brett William Dietz

Brett William Dietz serves as the Carolyn Mattax Professor of Percussion at Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Music. He directs Hamiruge, the LSU Percussion Group, and has held academic roles at Duquesne University, Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), and the Merit School of Music in Chicago. His career spans performance, composition, and education, with global recognition as a percussionist and clinician.

• Bachelor of Music in Percussion, Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University
• Master of Music in Composition/Theory, Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University
• Doctorate of Music, Northwestern University

Dietz’s research and artistic work focus on percussion performance, composition, and interdisciplinary opera. His compositions have been performed by major ensembles like the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Eastman Wind Ensemble, and his opera Headcase premiered in Pittsburgh, PA, receiving acclaim for its innovative blend of music, visuals, and narrative.

His accolades include the 2005 Merrill Jones Young Composers Band Composition Contest, 2002 H. Robert Reynolds Composition Contest, and multiple teaching awards at LSU. Dietz endorses Pearl/Adams Percussion, Vic Firth Sticks, and Zildjian Cymbals.