Cory Doran is currently pursuing his DMA in Percussion at Michigan State University under the direction of Professor Gwendolyn Dease and Dr. Jon Weber. Cory received his Masters degree (2011) in Music Performance from Texas A&M University-Commerce under the instruction of Dr. Brian Zator and his Undergraduate degree (2009) in Music Performance from Youngstown State University under the instruction of Dr. Glenn Schaft.
Previously, Cory held the position as Assistant Director of Percussion at Texas A&M University-Commerce from 2017 to 2022 and Interim Professor of Percussion at Kent State University from 2016 to 2017. He has instructed throughout the mid-west and Texas as a front ensemble specialist as well as concert percussion and drum set clinician. As a teacher, he has made a name for himself as a front ensemble instructor for Matrix Indoor Marching Percussion Ensemble (2009- present), Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps (2015- present), and Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2009-2011).

In addition to his involvement in education, Cory is also a multi-faceted, freelance percussionist and composer/arranger. He is currently a music designer for Ferguson Design Solutions and Integrated Effects. He has been a clinician, written for, and taught high school, collegiate and independent groups in Italy, Taiwan, Belgium and throughout the continental United States. Performing groups include the Columbus top 40 band “The Popbillies,” Country band “Union Rose,” and “Tangent Impact Percussion Project.”

Cory is a proud endorser of Majestic Percussion, Mapex Drums, Innovative Percussion and Sabian Cymbals.
Before beginning his graduate studies, Taylor taught high school and middle school band in the DFW area for four years. He earned his BM and BA from the University of Texas where he studied under Jerry Junkin, Bob Duke, and Ray Sasaki. While in Austin, he played in the UT Wind Ensemble, marched in Longhorn Band, and competed in the National Trumpet Competition.