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Department of Music
Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts, Room 114
414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion SD 57069
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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College Dean

Welcome to the Department of Music

From music education to performing, conducting, choir and more, the field of music brings together talented and passionate performers and scholars interested in musical development and personal enrichment. 

At USD, our faculty are qualified and effective leaders who bring a wealth of experiences and insights to the classroom, stage or studio. This expertise, coupled with our small class sizes, creates a rich learning environment for our students, who learn to think creatively and work collaboratively as they strive to further their knowledge and love of music. We connect our students with real-world experiences, like internships and study abroad opportunities, that allow them to learn both inside and outside the classroom. With these skills and experiences guiding them, our students go on to lead, teach, conduct, compose, perform and shape music in our world. You'll find them behind the baton on the marching field or behind the microphone at center stage.

Join our community of passionate and extraordinary scholars with a love of music.


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Continue exploring the Department of Music.

Programs

Faculty & Staff

Get to know your professors in the Department of Music. Our faculty are experts in their field, contributing research and creative scholarship throughout the music field. 
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Holdhusen

David Holdhusen

Chair, Music/Professor/Dir, Choral Activities

Specialty

Chair, Dept. of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Bio Image for Faculty Member Bethany Amundson

Bethany Amundson

Assistant Professor-Director of Symphonic Bands

Specialty

Director of Symphonic Bands
Bio Image for Faculty Member Timothy Campbell

Timothy Campbell

Associate Professor

Specialty

Choirs & Voice
Bio Image for Faculty Member Chun-Ming Chen

Chun-Ming Chen

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Todd Cranson

Todd Cranson

Associate Professor

Specialty

Director of Athletic Bands & Low Brass Studio
Bio Image for Faculty Member Alessandra Feris

Alessandra Feris

Associate Professor

Specialty

Piano
Bio Image for Faculty Member Ioana Galu

Ioana Galu

Associate Professor

Specialty

Violin/Viola Studio, Rawlins Piano Trio
Bio Image for Faculty Member Tracelyn Gesteland

Tracelyn Gesteland

Professor

Specialty

Voice & Opera
Bio Image for Faculty Member Christopher Kocher

Christopher Kocher

Professor

Specialty

Director of Jazz Studies & Saxophone
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sonja Kraus

Sonja Kraus

Associate Professor

Specialty

Cello, String Bass, Rawlins Piano Trio
Bio Image for Faculty Member Amy Laursen

Amy Laursen

Associate Professor

Specialty

Horn
Bio Image for Faculty Member Paul Lombardi

Paul Lombardi

Professor

Specialty

Music Theory / Composition
Bio Image for Faculty Member Darryl Martin

Darryl Martin

Conservator-National Music Museum
Bio Image for Faculty Member Juan Mendoza

Juan Mendoza

Assistant Professor

Specialty

Voice & Opera
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Moskowitz

David Moskowitz

Professor

Specialty

Director of Graduate Studies, Music History
Bio Image for Faculty Member Eric Mosterd

Eric Mosterd

Assist Director CTL
Bio Image for Faculty Member Jared Ostermann

Jared Ostermann

Music Lessons Adjunct

Specialty

Organ
Bio Image for Faculty Member Eun-Hee Park

Eun-Hee Park

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Jeff Paul

Jeff Paul

Faculty
Bio Image for Faculty Member David Sanderson

David Sanderson

Associate Professor

Specialty

Music Education
Bio Image for Faculty Member Sue Sidoti

Sue Sidoti

Music Lessons Adjunct

Specialty

Violin & Viola
Faculty Default

Jennifer VanPeursem

Piano Accompanist
Bio Image for Faculty Member Darin Wadley

Darin Wadley

Associate Professor

Specialty

Percussion
 
boy singing a solo on stage in front of a piano

Join Our Live Events

Student and organization performances are livestreamed online, which all are free to "attend" virtually or in-person!


View Our Livestream

hear from a USD student

Success story Eva Niklaidou smiling.
Everyone is warm and welcoming at USD. Students can grow both as musicians and human beings. I am both a piano performance student and graduate assistant. What amazes me the most is not only the great level of expertise all members of the faculty have, but their continuous dedication, passion and support they give their students.

Eva Nikolaidou

Current Graduate Assistant
Volos, Greece

KNOWN FOR EXCELLENCE

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

department Opportunities

Explore the variety of opportunities and resources available to students, faculty and staff.

An overhead shot of the Warren M Lee center for the Fine Arts.

Workshops & Events

Learn from the best and brightest at one of the many workshops and events the USD Department of Music hosts for students and professionals.


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Student playing a clarinet with piano in the background.

Visiting Artist's Program

The music department hosts guest artists from around the world each year. These artists provide concert performances, and our students get the opportunity to work directly with them in master classes.

Continue Exploring In Department of Music