Brass students at ODU enjoy high level personal instruction from master performer/teachers. All applied music is taught by faculty who now hold or have held positions in professional ensembles, and who possess decades of teaching experience between them.

Trumpet
Mark Nixon

Horn
Marlene Ford

Trombone
Mike Hall

Tuba
Adam Robles

Conducting is an integral component of the BME and MME programs. Students learn baton technique, score study and rehearsal technique in band, orchestra and choral ensembles. Student conductors practice and learn in classroom/lab settings; graduate students are afforded the opportunity to conduct student ensembles in concert.

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ODU Classical guitar students are thoroughly grounded in proper technique, which includes playing with nails, reading traditional notation and interpreting early music through modern repertoire. They frequently perform with the ODU Collegium Musicum, as soloists and in guitar ensemble combinations.

Dr. Anibal Acosta, Classical Guitar Instructor
Eldon Sully, Jazz & Popular Guitar & Bass Instructor

Keyboard Studies at the Diehn School of Music are designed to equip young artists with the necessary tools to take advantage of the many opportunities awaiting them in today's dynamic musical landscape.

Our piano program offers a nurturing and supportive environment, placing substantial emphasis on empowering students to cultivate their unique musical identities. Our mission is to elevate the artistic growth of aspiring pianists through comprehensive mentorship, encompassing both solo and collaborative piano experiences.

Performance opportunities abound including studio classes, weekly recital hours, a concerto competition, and opportunities for performances off campus.

Our esteemed faculty comprises seasoned artist-teachers, each with a unique and diverse background. We cultivate a close-knit and supportive community among students and faculty, enabling deep study and substantial individual attention.

Piano

Dr. Zachary F. Deak, Director of Keyboard Studies

Sally Copeland

Oksana Lutsyshyn

John Toomey, Jazz Piano

Organ

James Kosnik

ODU Percussion Equipment Use Form

Percussion studies at ODU center on mastering the techniques of concert percussion including rudimental drumming, timpani, and keyboard skills. Beyond these basic skills lie almost endless opportunities to study everything from tabla to African and Japanese drumming, hand drumming, drumset, the list goes on.

The ODU Percussion Studio has an extensive collection of instruments. All percussion students perform in the ODU Percussion Ensemble, which is renown in Virginia for its adventerous programming and precision. The Monarch Marching Band Drumline is also growing rapidly in its reputation as one of the finest in the region. These and many other ensemble opportunities are available alongside solo and chamber performance in one of the most comprehensive, collegiate percussion programs anywhere.

David Walker, Instructor of Percussion and Monarch Drumline
Brian Jones, Instructor of Drum Set

String studies at ODU are fashioned to build strong fundamental techique that enables participation in orchestral, chamber and solo performance. Students study classical and modern repertoire in weekly, private lessons. All string faculty are active, professional performers.

Each section of the ODU Symphony Orchestra is led by a member of the Russell Stanger String Quartet, an undergraduate, scholarship ensemble in residence whose members are winners of the Russell Stanger String Quartet Competition. This quartet performs frequently on and off campus as does the ODUSO. String students often perform in chamber trios and quartets, with the ODU Concert Choir and Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop and as soloists.

Violin
Vahn Armstrong
Jeannie Dedominick
Paul S. Kim, Director of Orchestral Activities

Viola
Anastasia Migliozzi

Cello
Leslie Frittelli, coach, Russell Stanger String Quartet

Bass
Christopher White

The ODU Voice faculty are unified in their goal to train high level voice teachers and outstanding singers. Each are successful professional vocalists, well versed in technical training and vocal coaching. Instruction includes healthy vocal production, proper use of language and diction, phrasing and musical interpretation, in order to prepare students to sing early music through modern repertoire.

ODU Voice Faculty:

Larry Jay Giddens
Adriane Kerr
Kelly Montgomery
Brian Nedvin, Coordinator of Vocal Studies

All ODU students studying in the Voice Area should review the Voice Area Information, which contains required information for success in this area.

The ODU Woodwind faculty possess a wide range of professional musical expertise in jazz, commercial, solo, chamber, orchestral and wind band realms. Many are members of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra; all are active performers.

Bassoon
Christina Havens

Flute
Rachel Ordaz
Patti Watters

Oboe
Sherrie Aguirre

Clarinet
Michael Byerly

Saxophone
Adam Muller