Finding the Percussionist’s Craft
A masterclass for intermediate and advanced percussionists in Lenawee County
Open to students from school percussion programs and independent students alike.
Macon Creek
Join acclaimed percussionist and educator Jonathan Brown for an immersive masterclass exploring percussion as both rhythm and narrative. Finding the Percussionist’s Craft looks beyond technique to examine how percussion instruments – hand to hand, mallet to bar, stick to skin—have always carried culture, movement, and human expression.
This masterclass is designed for students participating in school percussion programs and for independent and privately studying percussionists. It explores a wide range of instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, frame drum, drum set, auxiliary percussion, and found sounds, inviting students to consider how each voice contributes to musical storytelling. Drawing from classical, contemporary, popular, and global traditions, students will explore percussion not just as timekeeping, but as a living, breathing musical language.
This program’s cost is underwritten by a generous gift, allowing students to participate at little or no cost. Donations are greatly appreciated and help support future educational programs at Macon Creek.
Jonathan Brown, percussion
Visit maconcreek.org/masterclass to register
Macon Creek, 8759 Clinton Macon Rd, Clinton, MI 49236
live@maconcreek.org
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Jonathan Brown is an accomplished percussionist and educator with over two decades of teaching experience and more than 15 years as a professional freelance performer. He maintains a private percussion studio that has supported students of all ages, with an emphasis on technical development, style, and practical musicianship. His pedagogical approach bridges classical percussion with contemporary, popular, and collaborative performance.
In addition to private instruction, Jonathan served as an adjunct professor at Oakland Community College, teaching History of Popular Music. He is an active clinician and has presented percussion masterclasses throughout the United States as well as internationally in Argentina and Colombia, working with students in both academic and community-based settings.
As a performer, Jonathan has built a diverse career across orchestral, chamber, and popular music genres. He toured the United States for six years as the drummer for the Ragbirds and has performed with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra for four seasons, while also serving as a regular substitute with the Toledo Symphony. Some additional performance (as well as recording) credits include Telesonic 9000, TJ Zindle and the Powerlines, Jess Merritt, The Willo Collective, Portland Percussion Group, Men On Horseback, Khemia Ensemble, and more. One of Jonathan’s newer projects is a commission and recording of Alejandro Viñao’s Patterns and Form (2025) with the Portland Percussion Group. A commercial recording of Patterns and Form is scheduled for release in February 2026.
Jonathan holds a Masters in Music and Masters in Chamber Music from the University of Michigan, as well as a Bachelors in Music Education from Central Michigan University.