Central offers students interested in music the opportunity to develop their musicianship through ensembles, applied lessons, coursework and the department’s wide array of concerts. Central offers two degree options for those interested in music. A major in music provides the foundation necessary for further study or work as performers, music scholars, church musicians, music business executives and other professionals. A major in music education allows students to receive certification in elementary and secondary education, instrumental or vocal music.
Faculty
Mark Babcock, M.M., associate professor of music, babcockm@central.edu; organ, voice, music education, church music, director of choral activities, department chair
Stanley Dahl, M.M., assistant professor of music, dahls@central.edu; percussion, music technology, Caribbean music, Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble
Gabriel Espinosa, M.M., associate professor of music, espinosag@central.edu; jazz theory, jazz band techniques, improvisation, applied theory, jazz band, Vocal/Instrumental Combos
Paul Kovacovic, D.M.A., assistant professor of music, kovacovicp@central.edu; piano, piano pedagogy, music literature
Mitchell Lutch, M.M., D.M.A., assistant professor of music, lutchm@central.edu; conducting, instrumental music education, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, College-Community Band, Pep Band, instrumental music education, College-Community Orchestra
Anne Petrie, D.M.A., professor of music, petriea@central.edu; voice, diction, vocal pedagogy
Diane Phoenix-Neal, D.M.A., visiting assistant professor of music and director of orchestra, phoenixneald@central.edu; violin, viola, theory, aural skills, instrumental music education, College-Community Orchestra
Claudia Anderson, D.M.A., adjunct instructor in flute, Flute Ensemble, andersoncl@central.edu
Tariel Berimeladze, M.M., adjunct instructor of music, berimeladzet@central.edu; guitar, composition
Matt Driscoll, M.M., adjunct instructor of music, driscollm@central.edu; lower brass
Vernon Haagsma, adjunct instructor in choral methods and literature, voice and student teacher observation, haagsmav@central.edu
Audio engineering manager, Civic Center of Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa
Opera singer, New York, New York
Band director, Newton High School, Newton, Iowa
Elementary school music teacher, Des Moines, Iowa
Baritone, New York City Opera, New York, New York
Freelance singer and actor, Chicago, Illinois
Program assistant, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Choral conductor, New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
Manager of music programming, WBS Radio, Muncie, Indiana
Graduate student in composition, DePaul University School of Music, Chicago, Illinois
Annual fund coordinator, Baltimore Symphony, Baltimore, Maryland
Internships
Looking for experience? An internship might be the answer. When it comes to future employment or entrance into graduate school, students with internship experience have a proven track record in a professional environment. In today's competitive job market, proven experience is a priceless commodity. Recent music majors have completed internships at the London Philharmonic, BMG Records, and Tower Records.
Graduate Placement
100 percent employed or attending graduated school within one year of graduation.
Get more details from the course catalog! (Note: this is a PDF file)
Facilities
The Cox-Snow Music Center houses a newly renovated 200-seat recital hall, as well as a rehearsal hall, classrooms, faculty studios, practice rooms and an electronic keyboard/computer lab. Included as part of the music facilities is the Center for Keyboard Studies. Unique in Iowa, the center allows students to play instruments appropriate to each period: including a double-manual Flemish harpsichord, Viennese fortepiano, Fazioli concert grand piano and Brunzema tracker-action organ. The building contains a 14-station Macintosh/MIDI keyboard lab used for music technology courses. The recital hall includes a state-of-the-art sound system including CD-recording capabilities.
Organizations
Mu Gamma Pi, Central’s honorary music service organization, plays an active role in promoting interest in and appreciation for music on campus. Many Central music majors attend regional and national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference, the American Choral Directors Association, the Iowa Bandmasters Association and the Music Teacher’s National Association. Trips to Des Moines, Ames and Iowa City are also frequently arranged.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Scholarships
Central offers music scholarships of up to $2,000 for all students (majors and non-majors) planning to continue involvement in music at the college level. Learn more about scholarships!
Ensembles
Both music majors and non-majors may audition for any of the numerous ensembles on campus. Central’s performing groups tour annually. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has traveled to Mexico, British Columbia, Quebec, New York, Florida and Texas. Central’s A Cappella Choir has toured the East Coast, Great Britain, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico.
Choral Ensembles
A Cappella Choir - auditioned 60-voice group, meets Mondays and Wednesday (and alternate Fridays) 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., tours annually.
Chamber Singers - auditioned 16-voice group, rehearses Tuesday and Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., tours with A Cappella Choir.
Vocal/Instrumental Jazz and Pop Combo - auditioned solo vocal and instrumental group, rehearses Monday 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. and individual sessions assigned.
College-Community Chorus - open to all students, rehearses Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
