Ben Yats

Drums and Percussion

Originally from the small town of Clare, in Mid-Michigan, Ben is now thrilled to be living in Minnesota with his wife, dog, and cats. His travels have led him through various states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Wisconsin, where he was fortunate to work and learn with many inspirational musicians, gaining new perspectives and ideas.

His formal education in music includes a Bachelors and Masters degree in Percussion Performance from Central Michigan University, a Performers Certificate from the University of Denver. He is currently finishing his Doctorate in Percussion Performance and Portuguese from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as a recipient of the Paul J. Collins Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship. His time in University opened his eyes to styles of music that include jazz, avant-garde, improvisation, orchestral, and contemporary. However, he is equally at home on the drum set, and enjoys all sorts of genres that span from Gospel to Country to Heavy Metal. His non-Western musical interests include the Tabla from Hindustani Classical Music, the Irish Bodhran, and Joropo Maracas from Venezuela.

His Contemporary Percussion Duo “If + When” has performed and led masterclasses at Northern Iowa University, Central Missouri University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Colorado State University, and Washburn University. His current duo is the Ramshackle Bamboo Club - an experimental drum set and synthesizer duo based between Minnesota and Michigan. As an orchestral musician, Ben has performed with various orchestras that include the Colorado Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, Boulder Symphony, Arapahoe Symphony, Helena Symphony, Beloit Symphony, and the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. Drum set positions have included the Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, and the Forefront Church at Harvey Park in Denver.

Ben’s teaching philosophy holds firmly to the idea that “Music Makes Life More Beautiful,” and he strives to share this joy with his students. Whether they want to compete in Solo and Ensemble, audition for college programs, play in community orchestras, or play for their own enjoyment, he strives to meet his students wherever they are at in their musical journey.