On March 19 and 20, rock/jazz drumming giant Chad Wackerman will hold a rare residency at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, thanks to support from a Roser Visiting Artists Grant and DW Drums. “We’re grateful to Becky Roser and her late husband Jim who have been wonderful benefactors to CU for quite a while,” says Mike Barnett, associate teaching professor in composition and music theory. “This is going to be such an amazing opportunity for students to spend time with Chad.”
Barnett’s past life in rock is paying off. “I was in a metal band when I saw Chad back in ’88 in Pittsburgh when he was drumming with [Frank] Zappa—it was life-changing,” he recalls. “He’s a phenomenal musician.
“We met up recently and he reached out about coming here. On March 19, he’ll talk with my songwriters and that night he’ll do a drumming technique master class that’s open to the public. On March 20, he’ll work with student composers on improvising.”
While the residency lasts only two days, the experience can resonate much longer for young students, Barnett suggests—just as Wackerman’s drumming with Zappa influenced him. That thought brings him to the College of Music’s universal musician mission.
“A musician these days needs as many skills as possible,” explains Barnett, himself an artist-composer-songwriter-educator. “As an artist, you can grow throughout your entire life. And what we’re accomplishing here at the College of Music can be an example to inspire students. If they branch out while they’re here, they will be ahead of the game when they graduate.
“It’s about more than getting good grades. It’s about making your inner self larger. College is just the beginning of your life in learning.”
Barnett’s experience in the music business still fires his imagination—and is key to the College of Music’s new degree emphasis in music production. He also calls up his vast experience and connections in the world of rock ‘n’ roll to bring his students up close to musicians from the outside world.
Barnett’s impressive résumé further includes songwriting and drumming work for 30 years with numerous rock, heavy metal and classical fusion bands with such exotic names as Tainted Saint, Phantom Crew, Terminal Degree and Throttle.
Barnett’s compositions include chamber works, concertos for piano and violin, pieces for wind ensemble, solo works and songs—music that has been performed by various orchestras and ensembles around the world. Closer to home, he’s collaborated with College of Music colleagues Erika Eckert, David Korevaar, David Requiro, Michael Thornton and particularly the late Charles Wetherbee.
All that said, one of his first loves is teaching and his commitment to one-on-one mentoring. “I enjoy creating a welcoming environment for all my students,” he says. “I teach the history of rock music. I also teach a songwriting class for non-music majors. I believe that music belongs to everybody.”
