A Message from the Department Chair

Drake University Department of Music students share in the excitement that comes from working with renowned artists who are committed to excellence. Opportunities abound, enabling students to succeed in their chosen field, whether it is performance, education, music business, or research.

At Drake University, you will find the best of both worlds: a department that is large enough to support a variety of musical activities, but small enough for students to receive personalized instruction and individual mentorship. Graduates are well-trained and well-rounded musicians who are highly competitive in their specific chosen fields.

The foundation of Drake University’s excellence in music is a faculty of widely recognized and respected artists who are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise. Drake University's full-time and part-time faculty perform and regularly present on campus, throughout the country, and around the world. But, first and foremost, we are dedicated to the success of our undergraduate students.

On an annual basis, the Department of Music offers over 150 performances on campus, including ensemble concerts, opera theatre presentations, and faculty and student recitals. Additionally, there are many opportunities for students to participate in masterclasses and clinics with visiting artists. Recent guest artists have included: Rova Saxophone Quartet, The Catalyst Quartet & Anthony McGill (clarinet), Wei-Yi Yang (piano), Eric Ferring (opera tenor), Jason Hausback (bass trombone), David Griffin (horn), Cobus du Toit (flute), Gabriel Espinosa (vocal jazz), ~Nois Saxophone Quartet, Hanz-Setzer-Finckel Trio (piano/strings), Misook Yun (opera soprano), The Sapphire Trio (clarinet/piano/violin), Sterling Elliot (cello), and Michael Markowski (composition).

All of us in the Department of Music are eager to meet you and hear you perform. We have attractive Fine Arts Scholarship packages for majors, minors and non-major participants. If you have not done so already, contact us and complete the provided form. The Department of Music will send you a general packet of information plus any specific items that you request. You are also welcome to contact individual faculty members for specific questions or requests.

For information on scheduling an audition, visit the Audition Information section. You may also contact our office at 515-271-1824 or email us at musicadmin@drake.edu.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ann K. Cravero, Department Chair & Professor of Voice