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Lecturer

University of Central Oklahoma

About

Dr. Pollack has always been passionate about the study and appreciation of the music that he performs, while exploring its evolutionary, revolutionary, and cultural context. In 2012, Dr. Pollack created the History of Rock and Roll course for the University of Central Oklahoma, teaching it as an adjunct instructor. In 2016, Dr. Pollack joined the faculty as a full time temporary Lecturer. 

As a drummer/percussionist, Dr. Pollack performed as a drummer with the Las Vegas production of Blue Man Group from 2000 until 2009. Dr. Pollack has performed and recorded with numerous groups representing diverse styles in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Champaign, Illinois including Genesis tribute band, Fayrewether, Door’s tribute band, Mojo Risin’, Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys, Dis- (Steve Albini, producer), Bale, My Brother’s Keeper, and Laurie McColley. He has performed as drummer and percussionist with numerous Broadway shows, the Springfield, Illinois Symphony, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, the Champaign/Urbana Symphony, and the Fort Worth and Midland, Texas Symphonies. While at the University of Illinois, he was timpanist with the Sinfonia De Camera. 

Dr. Pollack holds a Doctorate of Music degree; he earned his Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from Oberlin College in Ohio, his Master of Music at Michigan State University, and his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Illinois. As a graduate assistant Dr. Pollack taught studio majors and directed the percussion ensembles. His DMA minor was in the area of Ethnomusicology, with particular emphasis on East Asian and African regions. While at Illinois, he performed with the Indonesian Gamelan, and Zimbabwe mbira ensemble.

Classes Taught

MUS 2483/5910 The History of Rock and Roll

Education and Certifications

Bachelor of Music, Percussion Performance, Oberlin College, Oberlin Ohio

Master of Music, Percussion Performance, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Doctorate of Musical Arts, Percussion Performance, minor in Ethnomusicology, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, Illinois

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