In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Brett Dietz, Director of Percussion at LSU, and someone who had a tremendous impact on my own family. Brett taught my son Skyler throughout his college years, and I've long admired him as both an educator and an artist. This was a special and personal conversation.

We discuss Brett's journey from studying under Michael Burritt at Northwestern to his unexpected opportunity at LSU in 2003, where he has been teaching for over two decades. He reflects on the evolution of the percussion studio, the effects of the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic on student development, and how the landscape of music education has shifted over the years.

We delve into teaching philosophies and how Brett identifies the most minor technical issues that unlock major improvements, and why teaching is ultimately about remembering what it's like to struggle. We also cover the deceptively complex art of triangle and tambourine playing, and how Brett balances classical rigor with kindness and adaptability.

And then there's Brett the composer. He shares the backstory behind his works, such as Sharpened Stick and Headcase, and how his early days in a high school garage band with Doug Perkins (yes, that Doug Perkins) led to a lifelong love of composing. He discusses studying under legends like Stanley Leonard, David Stock, and J. Allen Yim, and how those mentors shaped his artistic voice.

Whether you're a percussionist, a teacher, or just someone who loves stories about finding your path and making an impact, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and some great laughs.

To learn more about Brett, visit his website. 

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at [email protected].

The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.