James Yakas

James Yakas is an Associate Professor and Director of Percussion Studies at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of North Texas, a M.M. in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University, and a Doctoral of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas.

• Education:
• Bachelor of Music in Music Education – University of North Texas
• Master of Music in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy – Northern Illinois University
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance – University of North Texas

His research and performance interests span diverse areas, including percussion pedagogy, world music traditions (e.g., Afro-Cuban drumming, Ewe culture of Ghana), and ensemble direction. He has performed internationally, including at the World Steelband Festival in Trinidad/Tobago and the Seoul Drum Festival in South Korea. His professional engagements include roles as a percussion arranger for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and endorsements with Yamaha Percussion, Vic Firth, Remo, and Sabian Cymbals.

Dr. Yakas’ work integrates global percussion traditions with contemporary pedagogical approaches, emphasizing cultural immersion and performance excellence.