Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Music Department


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Dr. David Holdhusen, Chairperson
114 Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts
(605) 658-3466
David.Holdhusen@usd.edu 

www.usd.edu/fine-arts/music  

FACULTY

Professors: 

Tracelyn Gesteland, Studio Voice, Opera
Susan Keith Gray, Studio Piano, Collaborative Piano, Rawlins Piano Trio
David Holdhusen, Chair, Director of Choral Activities, Conducting
Bruce Kelley, Dean, Music Theory
Christopher Kocher, Studio Saxophone, Jazz Studies
David Moskowitz, Music History, Graduate Coordinator

Associate Professors:

Paul Lombardi, Music Theory, Composition
Darin Wadley, Studio Percussion

Assistant Professors: 

Timothy Campbell, Choirs, Studio Voice
Todd Cranson, Director of Athletic Bands, Studio Low Brass
Alessandra Feris, Studio Piano, Class Piano
Ioana Galu, Studio Violin, Rawlins Piano Trio
Sonja Kraus, Studio Cello, Studio Bass, Rawlins Piano Trio
John LaCognata, Director of Bands, Studio Trumpet, Conducting
Amy Laursen, Studio Horn, Music Theory
Nicholas Provenzale, Studio Voice, Opera
David Sanderson, Music Education
Luis Viquez, Orchestra, Studio Clarinet 

Instructors:

Jeff Fisher, Music Appreciation
Mike Hilson, Studio Guitar
Stephanie Kocher, Studio Flute, Studio Oboe
Eric Mosterd, Jazz Appreciation
Lorrie Thomas, Studio Bassoon

MAJORS:

Music Education, B.M.
Music Performance, B.M.
Musical Arts, B.M.A.

MINOR:

Music

CERTIFICATE:

Piano Pedagogy

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Music is one of the most exciting, challenging and creative careers you could ever choose. Regardless of your musical interests-classical, jazz, traditional, contemporary, or experimental, the music program at the University of South Dakota is excellent preparation for performance and scholarship. Our graduates go on to teach, conduct, compose, record and perform, as well as continue their educations with advanced degrees in all areas of music.

The faculty at the University of South Dakota is among the finest in the country and offers students an extraordinary 1:9 teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring you the attention you need to attain your goals. As highly accomplished performers and academic experts in their fields, our faculty members bring the essential balance of scholarship and experience to the classroom.

All music majors must audition for entrance in to the program. Students seeking a music scholarship will use that audition process as meeting the requirement. Any student not seeking a music scholarship or any student applying after the scholarship process is complete should contact the Chair of the Department of Music or the appropriate faculty member in the area of study to set up an audition. A late audition may take place during the summer months or at the beginning of the semester.

All music majors must receive a letter grade of “C” or better in every music class for it to count towards graduation requirements. Music Education majors must also receive a grade of “C” or better in education classes. If a student receives a “D” or “F” in a music class or an education class, that class must be retaken.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Please contact the department for additional information about available scholarships and awards. Also see College of Fine Arts  for school level scholarships.

  • Aiello/Torkelson Scholarship
  • An Die Musick Scholarship
  • Begeman/Griffith Instrumental Music Education Scholarship
  • Bruce & Wendy Hasche Vocal Scholarship 
  • Carmen Howard Music Scholarship
  • Charlotte Picotte Hoellwarth Rabe Scholarship
  • College of Fine Arts STARS - Music
  • David Elder String
  • David William Eyres Memorial Scholarship
  • Elizabeth Kathryn Ames Music Scholarship
  • Ethel Gunderson Memorial Vocal Scholarship
  • Gary L. & Deborah C. Reeves Scholarship
  • GeLoris Akland Music Scholarship
  • Genevieve & John Truran Piano Scholarship
  • Instrumental Music Scholarship
  • J. Laiten Weed Scholarship
  • Jack L. Noble Scholarship
  • Joe Gullion Memorial Scholarship
  • Joseph Schmaderer Scholarship in Voice
  • L & R Annual String Scholarship/Development
  • Louise Hansen Music Scholarship
  • Lyric Strings Orchestra Scholarship
  • Marjorie Townsley Rawlins Music Scholarship
  • Mary Ellen Stanley Beukelman Scholarship
  • Max Leget Pipe Organ Scholarship
  • Murrell F. Kautz Scholarship
  • Music Department Summer Camp
  • Professor Randal Hale Lease, JD & Frances Peterson Lease Scholarship
  • Ray DeVilbiss Band Scholarship
  • Ringley Scholarship-Music
  • Robert C. & Leona P. Marek Scholarship
  • Ronald O. Barkl Memorial Scholarship
  • Singers Choice Scholarship
  • Usher & Barnes Abell Family String Scholarship
  • Virginia Weeks Memorial Scholarship
  • Vocal Scholarships

Programs

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