Drake University Community School of Music

Congratulations to Cynthia Giunta and her DUCSOM studio on a beautiful recital and a full house of support! We are proud of each performer for sharing their work and creating such a special afternoon of music.

A nationally acclaimed collaborative pianist, Cynthia has spent over four decades supporting students and faculty across the country. From her as faculty with Drake University Music Department, to her longstanding role as Program Director at Drake University Community School of Music, and a performer with the Des Moines Symphony, her impact runs deep in the Des Moines community.

From performing and lecturing on American music at the United States Embassy in Caracas to collaborations with artists from the Des Moines Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic, her artistry continues to shape musicians across generations. Her performances, often broadcast on public radio and television, reflect the same excellence and care she brings to her students every day.🎶

Register your student for summer lessons today!
[email protected]

It’s never too late to start—or start again! Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or returning to something you’ve always loved, there’s a place for you at the Drake Community School of Music.

Our community is made up of learners of all ages and levels, each showing up with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to grow. This is what music looks like—lifelong, evolving, and deeply personal.

We would love for you to become a Drake Bulldog with us! 🐾🎶💙

Enrollment is now open at the Drake University Community School of Music

📧 [email protected]
🔗 https://www.drake.edu/ducsom/individualinstruction

🎉 The Artistic Exploration Award is NOW OPEN! We're thrilled to offer $1,000 to an Iowa high school musician to fund a musical experience of their choosing — camps, festivals, performances, you name it.

Eligibility: Iowa resident, grades 9–12, woodwind or brass player.

Deadline: March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. More details & application can be found on our website. Visit our page for the link.

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Hills Bank, for making this possible! 💙

Your student’s brain on music! 🎶🧠💙

To register for lessons at the Drake Community School of Music, reach out to Program Director Cynthia Giunta at [email protected]. 🎶

We decided that learning about the rhythms we hear in our favorite songs felt like a pretty fun place to start our lessons.

Cam chose the song, one of his favorites, and jumped right into the rhythms he hears in the Jurassic Park theme. First, we had to start by learning how to read, write, and perform quarter notes, eighth notes, and rests.

He’s a natural. 😌

🎶🧠📖DID YOU KNOW?!

In early childhood, learning to read, write, and perform rhythms helps strengthen the brain systems that support language, attention, and pattern recognition.

When kids clap, read, and play rhythms, they’re building the same neural pathways they later use for reading, processing speech, and problem-solving. (Hallam, S. 2010)

Congratulations, DUCSOM students! We are proud to work alongside you each week and watch you grow into the musicians you’re becoming.

Drake University Community School of Music serves learners of all ages and abilities—from age three to adult, beginner to professional—on the Drake University campus.

Go Bulldogs! 🎶🐾

📧 [email protected] to register today!

Tomorrow is the big day! Bring your instrument and join us for an afternoon of single reed study alongside current Drake students!

You’ll experience college-level chamber music, learn from Drake Music Department faculty, and meet our clarinet and saxophone students. Stick around for the Single Reed Chamber Ensembles performance at 7:30 PM in the Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus Monday at 1:45 PM! 🎶

Single Reed Day
📆 11.24.25
⏰ 2-5:30 pm
7:30 pm Drake Single Reed Chamber Recital
📍Turner Jazz Center, Drake University

Single Reed Day is made possible by Drake University Community School of Music.