Academics

“It’s my job as a teacher to motivate and inspire creativity in my students.”

With 16 years of teaching and performing experience with legends like Aretha Franklin, Drewek makes the unique craft of improvisation look easy. He’s made the most of his career as a saxophonist with more than 15 professional recordings, including three Grammy recommended pieces: Self Contained and Go! with the University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble and Commission Impossible with the Osland Saxophone Quartet. He’s more than a teacher—he’s an artist passionate about his work.

In the classroom Drewek imparts this passion to his students. “I challenge students to listen and play in different ways,” he says. He preaches consistent practice as the key to gaining flexibility and control of their instrument. But success isn’t up to students alone. “It’s my job as a teacher to motivate and inspire creativity in my students.”

For Drewek, that starts with catering to the unique needs of each student. It’s not just about learning the music—it’s about helping students achieve their personal goals. “I try to meet their specific needs based on their motivations, the requirements of their specific program, and the demands they may face as a professional artist or educator.” He sees the big picture and holistically equips students with real-world advice.

Drewek is on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the music industry. Just check out his Facebook and Twitter pages. They’re packed with postings of summer programs, workshops, local performances, and tips. As a professor, he has the experience to back up his techniques. Drewek has played with a variety of groups and orchestras, including the Temptations, the Lexington Philharmonic, and the DiMartino-Osland Jazz Orchestra. In 1996 he toured northern England with the Leon Jordan Continentals.

Whether students are hoping for a career in teaching or performance—or whether they play for the sheer love of it, Drewek believes music enhances a well-rounded liberal arts education. He doesn’t just teach how to be an educator or performer. He teaches you to be the educator or performer you want to be. Transylvania’s saxophonists will be in good hands.

Photo courtesy of Scott Chmelar