Strings

The Drake 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.

Studio string faculty include:

• Dr. Hector Aguero, Associate Professor, Director of Orchestral Studies
• Dr. Ashley Sandor Sidon, Professor, The Briggs Endowed Professor of Cello
• Dr. Maureen Yuen-Mathai, Assistant Professor of Violin
• Stephanie Graham, Teaching Artist, Double Bass
• Joyce Beyer, Teaching Artist, Violin & Viola
• Renee Brechtel, Teaching Artist, Violin
• David Crabbs, Teaching Artist, Guitar

Audition Guidelines

Double-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 

Violin and 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. One etude, such as Mazas, Fiorillo, Rode, Kreutzer, etc.
3. 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. Maureen Yuen (maureen.yuen@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

To audition as a strings music minor or non-major participant:

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

Admission and Scholarships:

The music department offers attractive scholarship packages for all talented students interested in a music major or minor; there are some 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 music scholarship, prospective students must audition by March 1.

String and Harp majors may choose from among the following degree programs:

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