Strings

The Drake University Department of Music concentrates on providing a superior undergraduate education. You'll study with teachers who are regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized as artists/teachers.

String faculty include:

• Dr. Héctor Agüero, Associate Professor & Director of Orchestral Studies
• Dr. Ashley Sandor Sidon, The Briggs Endowed Professor of Cello
• Rebecca Vieker, Teaching Artist of Violin & Viola
• Dr. Emily Airhart, Teaching Artist of String Bass
• David Crabbs, Teaching Artist of Guitar

Audition Guidelines for Music Majors

Audition Guidelines for minors & non-majors are listed in the next section.

Violin & Viola: 

1. Two contrasting repertoire movements/selections such as unaccompanied works, concerti, or concert pieces (they should differ in tempo and historical period). No orchestral excerpts or chamber music.
2. Major, melodic and harmonic minor scales and major and minor arpeggios (2 or 3 octaves - your choice):
   choose 2 keys, one from List A and one from List B.
    
    Violin:   
      List A:  G, A, B-flat, B, C, D
      List B:  A-flat, D-flat, E-flat, E, F, F#
    
   Viola:
      List A:  C, D, E-flat, E, F, G
      List B:  D-flat, F#, A-flat, A, B-flat, B"
    
   Applicants are encouraged to consult with Prof. Rebecca Vieker (rebecca.vieker@drake.edu) with questions about repertoire selection or technical requirements. 

Cello:

1. A movement of solo Bach.
2. A movement of a classical or romantic work from the standard repertoire.
3. An etude of your choice.

String Bass: 

1. Any two-octave scale and arpeggio in any bowing combination. 
2. A movement of a classical or romantic work from the standard repertoire. 
3. An etude of your choice. 

Guitar: 

1. I-IV-V7-I chord progressions in major: C, D, E, F, G, A, as well as relative minor.
2. Two octave scale and arpeggio from the Giuliani 120 daily.
3. An etude such as Aguado, Carcassi, Sor, or Giuliani.
4. A movement from a concerto or representative work of Tarrega. 

Audition Guidelines for Music Minors & Non-Major Participants

Two contrasting pieces (no orchestral excerpts or chamber music).

Admission & Fine Arts Scholarships:

The Department of Music offers attractive Fine Arts Scholarships for all talented students interested in a music major or minor; there are some Fine Arts Scholarships available for non-majors who want to participate in the ensemble programs. In order to qualify both for admission to the Department of Music and for a Fine Arts Scholarship, prospective students must audition by February 20, 2026.

Degrees available for string students:

• Bachelor of Music in Performance
• Bachelor of Music Education
• Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business
• Bachelor of Arts in Music