Julia Gaines

Dr. Julia Gaines is the author of Sequential Studies for Four-Mallet Marimba – Level 1 which has sold over 2,000 copies. As one of the only book series of its kind, Level 1 introduces the student to two four-mallet stroke types, and appropriate exercises and literature. Her first solo CD, Tiger Dance, includes recordings of pieces from Level 1 in addition to more advanced works commissioned and written specifically for her.

As a performer, Dr. Gaines has been a soloist throughout the United States and in several countries including Brazil, China, England, and Russia. She has performed in the percussion sections of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Fox Valley Symphony, and the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra. She also has a history in drum corps culminating as a member of the 1989 Santa Clara Vanguard front ensemble.

She received her percussion performance degrees from the Lawrence Conservatory of Music (BM), the Eastman School of Music (MM and Performer’s Certificate), and the University of Oklahoma (DMA). Dr. Gaines has been a member of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) for more than thirty years and has served in several leadership positions including Secretary of the Executive Committee. She was the Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Missouri for eighteen years prior to her current position as the Director of the School of Music.