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:
- Any two-octave scale and arpeggio in any bowing combination
- A movement of a classical or romantic work from the standard repertoire
- An etude of your choice
Guitar:
- I-IV-V7-I chord progressions in major: C, D, E, F, G, A, as well as relative minor.
- Two octave scale and arpeggio from the Giuliani 120 daily
- An etude such as Aguado, Carcassi, Sor, or Giuliani
- A movement from a concerto or representative work of Tarrega
Violin and Viola:
- 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.
- One etude, such as Mazas, Fiorillo, Rode, Kreutzer, etc.
-
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:
- A movement of solo Bach
- A movement of a classical or romantic work from the standard repertoire.
- An etude of your choice
To audition as a strings music minor or non-major participant:
- 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: