•While providing a broad and comprehensive foundational education, the YSU Percussion Department also provided an inclusive and flexible approach to the individual. Creative limitations were never imposed and individual interests were encouraged, supported, and often integrated into the course of study. The department and its curriculum directly reflect the ideals of its director, Glenn Schaft: individuality, professionalism, adaptability, progressiveness, hard-work, rigorous self-assessment, and reinvention. Ron Coulter, B.M. 2001, M.M. 2003
•My graduate school experience at Youngstown State University was extremely positive and rewarding. It placed me in situations (ie. teaching courses, conducting ensembles, etc.) that helped me grow immensely as a musician and a person. Dr. Schaft is a great teacher who stresses fundamentals in all areas of percussion while also allowing his students to gradually find their own niche. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend YSU to any prospective undergraduate or graduate student. Justin Watt, M.M. 2005
•The YSU applied percussion program under the direction of Glenn Schaft can be described in two concise statements.
1. A percussionist will receive well-rounded instruction across all realms of percussion (performance, academic, and professional).
2. The creative student will find an open environment to incorporate any enrichment or focus into the aforementioned standard.
I searched the country for an institution that would provide a comprehensive curriculum alongside the freedom of personal expression. While I could have traveled hours for an education, I found the most inspiring program in my hometown. Craig Hill MM 2005 BME 2003
•By all measures my experience with the YSU percussion department was excellent. During my stay at YSU I got to rub elbows with excellent musicians where I could learn from their expertise, as well as impart my knowledge to younger students. The level of instuction from Dr. Glenn Schaft was unparalleled. He is a fine teacher and performer that has a plethora of knoledge in many diverse areas of the percussion world. I would recommend YSU to any student interested in a well-rounded educaional experience. Dr. Schaft has succeeded at establishing a percussion learning environment rather than a typical percussion studio. David Hepler, MM 2003
•As an undergrad at YSU I learned the importance of playing musically. Glenn's emphasis on phrasing and dynamics have stayed with me in every project I have been a part of since. Thru his strong work ethic and flawless technique he demonstrated what it takes to be a true professional percussionist. There are some who teach by example and some who can just teach from the books. Glenn does both very effectively! I'm grateful for my time as a percussion major at YSU! Chris Steele, BM 1999
•My experience in the YSU percussion studio was a positive one. During my time there, I grew not only as a percussionist, but as a total musician. Dr. Schaft offered a supportive and creative, yet challenging environment. I was encouraged to pursue the musical avenues I wanted, yet also pushed to explore and expand into realms I was unfamiliar with. I would recommend Youngstown State to any percussionist seeking freedom of artistic expression and a well-rounded, comprehensive percussion education. Michael Anderson, BME 2008
•Studying at Youngstown State University was a pleasure. As a percussion student, I looked into this particular percussion studio because of the diverse percussion education I would be involved in. The “total percussion” attitude was totally fulfilled in my tenure at YSU. I believe Glenn Schaft has the tools and knowledge for any student looking to excel in a personalized and “total percussion” music degree.
During my tenure I also auditioned into The Ohio Light Opera and played with other students from Julliard, Eastman, CIM and Duquesne. I feel that YSU is a place where I was never limited by the atmosphere and was given the same opportunities as other well-known schools without the well-known cost. Dean Anshutz, BM 2008
•A hearty congratulations to your and your students for presenting a terrific day of percussion [Ohio PAS Day of Percussion, May 2006 at YSU]. It is by far the strongest one I have seen out of the previous five I have attended. Susan Powell, Director of Percussion at Ohio State University