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Michael Kozakis is an Adjunct Lecturer in Performance at the DePaul University School of Music, serving as percussion coordinator and director of the percussion ensemble. An active Chicago-area percussionist, he has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (including two full-time positions from 2005-2007), Lyric Opera Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, and numerous other ensembles while collaborating with artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Sting.
He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music (double major in Music Education and Performance) and a Master of Music in Performance from DePaul University. As a certified K-12 Illinois teacher, he instructs students from junior high through college levels.
His professional focus centers on percussion performance, music education, and pedagogy. He teaches applied percussion, percussion ensemble, and percussion pedagogy at DePaul while coaching high school drum lines and conducting master classes across Chicago-area schools and youth orchestras.
Michael maintains significant performance activity as a concerto soloist (marimba with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, timpani with DePaul Wind Ensemble) and studio musician for national commercials. He is endorsed by major percussion brands including Zildjian Cymbals, Pearl/Adams Percussion, Innovative Percussion, and Black Swamp Percussion.
