On Jan. 7, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., percussionist Dan Maslanka offered a look into what it means to build a life as a gigging musician. With more than 35 years of professional experience, Maslanka spoke to Oakland University band students about his career and ongoing work within the music industry.
He discussed performing with organizations such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Fisher Theatre and the American Ballet Theatre, as well as appearing at major venues including Carnegie Hall and Detroit Tigers Stadium. His experience across orchestral, jazz and theater settings demonstrated a deep commitment to the craft.
Maslanka’s journey began almost instinctively.
“I was one of those kids that took my mom’s pots and pans out of the cupboard and started beating on them before I could walk,” he explained.
Formal lessons eventually followed and by his teenage years he was already performing gigs and a member of an ensemble.
As a teenager, Maslanka formed a trio with friends that played parties and small events before expanding into a larger group. These experiences taught him collaboration, discipline and the realities of live performance. He later studied at Wayne State University where his academic training was met with real-world opportunities.
“My motto has always been to never turn any gig down,” Maslanka explained. “I always learned something from a gig, even if it was to never take the gig again.”
This mindset helped him transition from student to professional as university connections led to work in orchestras, jazz ensembles and theater pits. He emphasized that relationships formed in school often become the foundation for future careers.
Throughout his career, Maslanka performed in major productions such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Wicked,” “West Side Story” and more. These settings demanded versatility, strong sight-reading and comfort with complex multi-percussion setups. Reliability and preparation were constant expectations, especially in fast-paced theater environments.
“The best teacher you’re ever going to have is a school of experience,” Maslanka said.
He stressed that playing in as many situations as possible builds skills that cannot be learned in a practice room alone. Each performance teaches problem-solving, adaptability and professionalism. For him, experience was just as valuable as his formal education.
Beyond performing, Maslanka dedicated significant time to teaching and mentorship. He taught at multiple institutions, including Oakland University, helped found a professional percussion ensemble and ran a percussion store from 1995 to 2000. These roles allowed him to pass on both musical technique and practical knowledge about sustaining a career within the ever-changing music industry.
“You have to have such an extreme passion for it that nobody can deter you,” Maslanka said.
He emphasized realism alongside passion, encouraging musicians to understand the business side of music including unions, contracts and taxes. He explained that treating music like a business is essential for long-term success.
By the end of the session, students gained a clearer understanding of what life as a professional musician truly involves. Maslanka’s honesty about both the rewards and challenges offered valuable insight for aspiring performers. His message encouraged students to remain open to opportunities, commit fully to their craft and continue learning long after graduation.
