Mike Minarcek, DMA
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Music and Theatre
Dr. Mike Minarcek is a percussion educator, performer, and clinician who has dedicated his career to helping students develop technical excellence, musical artistry, and a lifelong passion for music. Since 2002, he has taught students of all ages—from elementary school beginners tocollegiate musicians and adult learners—through public schools, higher education, private instruction, and community music programs.
Dr. Minarcek holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion with a cognate in Music Theory. His collegiate teaching experience includes applied percussion lessons, percussion methods, percussion ensemble, music appreciation, and general music courses. His teaching philosophy combines structured technical development with creativity, critical thinking, and real-world musical experiences, preparing students to become confident performers, effective educators, and engaged members of their musical communities.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Minarcek has enjoyed an active performing career spanning more than twenty years in classical, jazz, commercial, contemporary, and world music settings. He is also committed to expanding the percussion repertoire through commissioning and collaborating with composers to create new works for the instrument.
As a clinician, Dr. Minarcek enjoys working with percussionists and music educators of all experience levels, sharing practical strategies for technique, musicianship, ensemble performance, and effective teaching. His goal is to inspire students and directors alike while fostering inclusive, engaging, and high-quality percussion education.
Dr. Mike Minarcek is a percussion educator, performer, and clinician who has dedicated his career to helping students develop technical excellence, musical artistry, and a lifelong passion for music. Since 2002, he has taught students of all ages—from elementary school beginners tocollegiate musicians and adult learners—through public schools, higher education, private instruction, and community music programs.
Dr. Minarcek holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion with a cognate in Music Theory. His collegiate teaching experience includes applied percussion lessons, percussion methods, percussion ensemble, music appreciation, and general music courses. His teaching philosophy combines structured technical development with creativity, critical thinking, and real-world musical experiences, preparing students to become confident performers, effective educators, and engaged members of their musical communities.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Minarcek has enjoyed an active performing career spanning more than twenty years in classical, jazz, commercial, contemporary, and world music settings. He is also committed to expanding the percussion repertoire through commissioning and collaborating with composers to create new works for the instrument.
As a clinician, Dr. Minarcek enjoys working with percussionists and music educators of all experience levels, sharing practical strategies for technique, musicianship, ensemble performance, and effective teaching. His goal is to inspire students and directors alike while fostering inclusive, engaging, and high-quality percussion education.
First Year at Xavier
2026