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Dave Brubeck Fellowship
University of the Pacific & The New School University for Jazz & Contemporary Music Performance High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, BFA
Professional Tours: Spain, Italy, Croatia, Switzerland, Japan, Canada... 2008-Present
Dave Brubeck Fellow, 2006-08
Downbeat Magazine, 2007
Gibson Baldwin Grammy Member, 2006
Texas Music Educators Association Member, 2006
Drummer Cory Cox is a native of Houston, TX. Inspired by his family’s passion for music, he studied privately and worked with the youth choir at his church at age eight. Developing an interest in music, he enrolled into the arts program at Johnston Middle School and The High School for The Performing and Visual Arts. Working with various ensembles and mentors that introduced him to jazz and world music, he was inspired to pursue a music career that would take him around the world. While Cory was in high school, he was selected to become a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Gibson Baldwin Grammy Jazz Ensemble where he performed with the High School Grammy Jazz Choir. Gaining exposure to various music programs around the country lead to Cory receiving a scholarship from Blue Note recording artist Jason Moran to attend college and he was selected as a 2006-08 Brubeck Institute Fellow at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. As a Brubeck Fellow, he received ensemble coaching from mentors Dave Brubeck, Joe Gilman, Fred Hersch, Robert Glasper, Bob Hurst, Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Eric Harland, Freddie Hubbard, Nicholas Payton, Miguel Zenon and Joshua Redman. The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet was selected as the 2007 Down Beat Magazine best college ensemble. Cory credits the Brubeck institute as one the most insightful musical experiences. After completing the two-year fellowship program, Cory moved to NYC to finish his undergrad studies at the New School University. Since moving to NY, Cory has performed and toured with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Reggie Workman, the Ben Flocks Quartet, John Ellis, Joel Frahm, Javier Vercher, Marcus Strickland, Jimmy Owens, John Raymond, the Hironobu Saito Group, Thana Pavelic, Lorenzo Conte and many others throughout the U.S, Europe, Switzerland, Croatia and Japan. Cory currently teaches privately and lead ensemble workshops at Stanford Jazz in California and Litchfield Jazz in Connecticut. He credits Jesus, his family, Keith Sanders, Sebastian Whittaker, Craig Green, Conrad Johnson, Warren Sneed and his peers as his greatest inspiration.
My teaching experience dates back to my high school days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 15 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 10 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of jazz and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the drums and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I'm always looking to bring on new students of all ages!
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. For my more advanced students, I work with them on musical concepts to develop strong practice habits and scheduling.
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. I don't believe in forcing students but using encouragement to inspire growth.