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ADAM - BIO
-Bachelor of Music Education (BM): Washburn University, 2003
-Kodály Certification: Wichita State University, 2012
-Master of Elementary Music Education (MME): Wichita State
University, 2014
-Orff Schulwerk Certification: Baker University, 2019
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For Adam Dean, music has always been a big influence since his childhood. He still has clear memories of growing up hearing all the 1980s hits on the radio, in his older brother’s bedroom, and generally all around the family household. Although none of his family members were practicing musicians, music played a key part in the soundtrack of their lives. It would affect Adam in a big way in his teenage years.
In the summer of 1992, Adam began studying snare drum, timpani, and mallets with Keith Larson. By Christmas of the same year, Adam asked his parents for (and received) his first drum set; a candy apple red Ludwig Rockers set, which he still has (although the finish has seen better days). Not a strong athletic type, or sports nut, Adam quickly developed a reputation as a strong musician and drummer in middle school and high school. During his junior and senior year in high school. Adam was one of five percussionists for the Kansas City Youth Symphony directed by Dr. Glenn Block. This group would perform concerts at Midland Theater, Kemper Arena (for the American Royal Festival), Liberty, MO, and Carnegie Hall in the summer of 1997. In February of 1998, Adam was selected as “Kansas All-State Timpanist” for the KMEA All-Star Orchestra to perform at the close of the annual KMEA festival in Wichita, KS.
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A year after graduating WSU, Adam joined 90 Proof Project as their drummer, and sound sample programmer (which he played through various electronic drum pads). The band rose to regional popularity shortly afterwards. In 2015, Adam also joined the staff of School Of Rock, teaching drums and helping students prepare for various shows SOR staged throughout Wichita. Facing a dire need to cut back on his schedule to spend more time with his family (including his Dad, whose health was rapidly declining), Adam left 90 Proof Project at the end of 2016. In mid-2017, Adam and Kelly welcomed their baby girl, Kelsey, into their family. Working as a home studio musician in his spare time, Adam wrote, recorded, and released two solo singles in 2017: "All Around You" in May, and "The Traveler" in October. The songs are available for streaming and downloading through the various links at the top of the website.
Adam currently teaches elementary music in the Wichita Public Schools. As of 2022, he is the drummer of the newly formed Eclectix, plays occasional solo MalletKAT gigs, and is one of two drummers in the praise band at Chapel Hill Methodist Church. Adam is available for free-lance session work (studio or live), and can also collaborate "virtually" over the internet, direct from his home studio.
To book a session, gig, and/or answer any questions, please email Adam directly at adam@adamdeanmusic.com
Memberships:
National Association of Music Education (NAfME)
Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA)
Percussive Arts Society (Kansas Chapter)
From 1998-2003, Adam attended Washburn University in Topeka, KS where he received his Bachelors in Music Education. While at Washburn, Adam played in many music ensembles including the University Marching Band (alternating between quads and snare), Symphonic Wind Ensemble (percussion), Orchestra (timpani), and various school jazz ensembles. He studied with Dr. Tom Morgan, Dr. Kirt Saville, Dr. Luis Millán, Todd Wilkinson, Chuck Tumlinson, and the late Frank Mantooth. He also studied with drummers such as Todd Strait, John Riley, Matt Wilson, and Tim Jepson; timpanist of the Kansas City Symphony. After Washburn, Adam returned to Kansas City where he taught private lessons, substitute taught in various school districts, played drums in various theatre productions at Chestnut Fine Arts, and recorded with Krista "Funky Mama" Eyler on her first two CDs. After two years of teaching K-12 vocal/instrumental music, Adam decided to focus more on his elementary teaching, in addition to drum instruction. In the summer of 2008, he interviewed for, and was offered, the position of K-2 general music teacher at Munson Primary in the Mulvane School District (USD #263).
From 2010-2014, Adam attended Wichita State University where he received his Masters in Elementary Music Education, as well as all three levels of Kodály certification. Unable to remember how or when he got any sleep, Adam kept plenty busy during these intense four years. In late 2012, he joined Big Fat Fun as their drummer, right up until their (temporary) retirement in 2013. In November of the same year, Adam married his longtime love, Kelly, and gained a wonderful daughter, Shelby.
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