Drake University Music Department

05/24/2026

Our fourth intern to be introduced is Caiden Abbott! This is Caiden’s first time interning with DUVI and we are so excited to have him with us for DUVI ‘26.

Caiden is going into his senior year at Drake University majoring in Music and Marketing. He takes part in Drake Choir and Spero Chamber Choir as well being a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and a student ambassador.

When asked what he was most excited about with DUVI he responded, “Getting to meet all the students who visit Drake for this program, and helping them see how great this campus is!”

05/24/2026

Congratulations to Alyssa Becker, one of three faculty members in the Department of Music recently honored with the Ella Shroyer Kratz Award for Outstanding Teaching in Music. This award recognizes excellence, innovation, and commitment to student learning. 🐾🎶

Mezzo-soprano Dr. Becker has performed across the United States and internationally in China and the Baltics, with credits including Der Rosenkavalier (Octavian), Le Nozze di Figaro (Marcellina), Albert Herring (Mum), and Falstaff (Meg). Her career reflects incredible artistry, versatility, and dedication to vocal performance.

An accomplished educator, vocal pedagogue, and Director of the Drake University Voice Intensive, Dr. Becker’s students have continued on to collegiate music programs across the country and earned recognition in regional and national competitions.

Thank you, , for the care, mentorship, and artistry you bring to the students in the Drake University Department of Music! 💙

05/21/2026

Finished our second visit to Urbandale highschool yesterday, always such fun to get to sing for the students!

05/21/2026

Had a great time playing wind quintet hits at Waukee High School and Prairieview School with my Simpson College colleagues today! The students were super attentive and asked great questions!

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

Since joining the voice faculty at Drake University in 2007, Professor Christine Fortner Blanner has made a lasting impact as both a teacher and mentor. Her students are frequent winners of National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) + Iowa NATS competitions and continue on to graduate programs and young artist training opportunities across the globe.

Professor Blanner has performed throughout the United States and internationally in China, Italy, Switzerland, and France, bringing incredible artistry and dedication to vocal performance to stages around the world. Her performance credits include leading operatic roles and featured soprano soloist performances in works by Beethoven, Mozart, Barber, and Haydn.

Her impact as both an artist and educator was recently recognized as one of three faculty members in the Department of Music honored with the Ella Shroyer Kratz Award for Outstanding Teaching in Music, recognizing excellence, innovation, and commitment to student learning.

Thank you, Prof. Blanner, for your continued dedication to students in Drake Opera Theatre and the Department of Music! 🐾🎶

05/17/2026

Thank you to all the alumni who stopped by to visit us at this week! We are so proud to see some of the most thriving instrumental music programs across the state are an extension of your hard work here at !

🐾 Follow our page for upcoming opportunities for your current students here on campus —>

Go Bulldogs! 🎶💙

05/17/2026

Dr. Nicole Ramsey, Assistant Professor and Director of Music Education was recently one of three faculty members honored with the Ella Shroyer Kratz Award for Outstanding Teaching in Music. This award recognizes a faculty member from the fine art disciplines who demonstrates expertise, innovation, and commitment to student learning.

Thank you, Dr. Ramsey for all you do for the students in the Department of Music here at Drake University. 🐾🎶

05/15/2026

Such a joy to have been able to sing for Valley Southwoods and Valley Highschool choirs! Thank you so much for giving us an opportunity to perform and tell the students about DUVI!!

05/15/2026

We love seeing alumni!