Faculty and Staff
Jeff Brandt
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music - Professor Peanut Butter™
Contact
- Office
- Dennison Theatre 310 (Rapunzel Suite)
- jeff.brandt@umontana.edu
- Office Hours
Office hours are by appointment only because the Dennison Theatre is normally locked and also happens to be haunted. Therefore, I'd rather meet in the University Center if you need to see me in person. Please email me to set up an appointment.
Personal Summary
I happen to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, Missoula, Montana. Here, I share a home with my amazing wife, our three above-average children, and three adorable cats: Batsy Petunia Stinkpot Licorocia, Señor Felix Buckingham Pads, and Poofy-Swiggy. Why do our cats have so many different names? Come take my History of Rock & Roll class and find out…or spend your life wondering. And no, I don't always dress like a pirate or identify as such. I just thought it would be a fun picture to post because too many professors look so serious on their profile pics.
Education
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance from Pacific Lutheran University around the beginning of The Internet Age. Then, after a decade-plus of teaching private percussion lessons and playing gigs in the Puget Sound area, I took the time to pursue my Master's Degree, also in Percussion Performance. After visiting and auditioning at several universities, I was led to the decision that the University of Montana was exactly what I was looking for in a graduate school. By happenstance, my Master's Degree in Music led to a position as a full-time, Adjunct-Assistant Professor here at the University of Montana. And, other than the kicker on the Griz football team, I have the best job here at UM.
Teaching Experience
Prior to teaching at the University of Montana, I held a position as Lecturer at both Pacific Lutheran University as well as Pierce College in Tacoma, Wash. At Pacific Lutheran University I taught a variety of subjects, including Aural Perception, Percussion Lab, Jazz Drumset, and Music Business. Here at the University of Montana, I teach the ever-popular History of Rock & Roll course, both face-to-face (MUSI 132L.01), and online (132L.50). The History of Rock & Roll courses have a combined annual enrollment of some 500+ students.
Projects
Yes. However, because actions speak louder than words, I'll just let you all known when it's available.
Publications
Waaaaaay back in middle school (1984, 1985, 1986) I came up with a simple idea of teaching rhythm using food. After several years of research this idea turned into a self-published book (1999) entitled Tasty Rhythms® Fundamental Rhythm Method. With little marketing this book became popular with a wide range of educators around the United States.
Professional Experience
As a performer, I have worked in a wide variety of settings. The following is a short list of professional experiences I've had since graduating with my bachelor's degree from Pacific Lutheran University: Northwest Sinfonietta, Symphony Tacoma, Seattle Fifth Avenue Theatre Orchestra, Tacoma Opera, Missoula Symphony, Total Experience Gospel Choir, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, PLU Faculty Jazz Combo, Big Pink (Rock), The Hayrollers (Country), Jodi Marshall Trio (Jazz), the John Floridis Trio (Blues), The Great Travis (country-pop). In addition, I have shared the stage with the following well-known artists: The Call (Rock), the Brecker Brothers (Jazz/Funk), Eddie Daniels (Jazz), Bill Watrous (Jazz), and Adolf "Bud" Herseth (Classical).
Hobbies
I enjoy reading, watching Netflix or Hulu, a glass of French wine now and again, neatly lettering addresses on envelopes, keeping the kitchen clean, working on remodeling projects, teasing my children to make them laugh, the color orange, dreaming of a world where I can eat as many waffles as I'd like without consequences, speaking in a British accent, playing pranks on other professors, writing songs about my cats, imitating Bill Clinton, and drinking tons of water so that I can avoid the common cold. It seems appropriate to say that I also enjoy quilting and horseback riding, as well, but I've never really spent much time on either.