Dr. Todd David Mueller

TOP CLAW RECIPIENT

Dr. Todd David Mueller

Professor of Music

Office A-1762
Office phone
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Biography

Dr. Todd Mueller joined the faculty of the School of Liberal Arts in August 2010. At GGC, Mueller teaches Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Production/Sound Design and Percussion Ensembles.

Mueller also guides drum enthusiasts as the faculty advisor for Grizzly Percussion, a drumming group that performs throughout the year in concert and at campus events. Grizzly Percussion specializes in American, West African and other world percussion styles.

Prior to his GGC appointment, Mueller taught music courses and directed ensembles at Jacksonville State University, University of Georgia, North Georgia University, Buford High School and Grayson High School.

Mueller's teaching philosophy is guided by his belief in the value of using music as a tool for expanding students’ understanding and empathy for both their own culture and the culture of others.

Mueller enjoys regularly performing in multiple genres. As a classical musician he is the principal timpanist of the Asheville Symphony, NC. He has also performed with most of the professional orchestras in Atlanta, including the Atlanta Opera, Ballet and Symphony, as well as many other regional orchestras. Mueller satisfies his jazz and rock sensibilities by performing with the Odd Trio. He maintains an active performance schedule playing freelance jazz drum-set and Latin percussion with groups such as the One-Ton Tomato and his newest project Bichos Vivos a Brazilian style forró group.

Mueller earned his bachelor's of music in percussion performance from Florida State University. He earned both his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Georgia. He has been a student of Thomas McCutchen, Gary Werdesheim and Mark Yancich.

Education

  • Doctorate – performance, musicology minor – University of Georgia
  • Master's – music performance – University of Georgia
  • Bachelor's – music performance – Florida State University

Academic Interests

  • Performance practices for timpani
  • New music for percussion
  • Music appreciation methods, topics and effects
  • Brazilian percussion
  • West African percussion

Publications

  • Principal Timpanist of the Asheville Symphony
  • Presenter at the PAS International Convention