Dana School of Music

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Dana School of Music

Youngstown State University

Founded in 1869, Dana School of Music at Cliffe College of Creative Arts provides world-class training that prepares students as versatile, 21st century musicians.

08/31/2026

🎶 Early this August, Michael Widjaja, a graduate conducting student at the Dana School of Music, founded and conducted the inaugural concert of the Siouxland Chamber Orchestra in Sioux City, Iowa!

The Siouxland Chamber Orchestra is a new professional chamber orchestra founded by Michael to bring high-quality orchestral performances to the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

The ensemble’s inaugural concert, Wildflowers, featured works by Gustav Holst, W. A. Mozart, Benjamin Britten, and others, and brought together professional musicians from across the region. Michael served as the orchestra’s founder and conductor, leading the ensemble through its inaugural performance on August 2.

We’re proud to see Michael representing the Dana School of Music as he continues to develop as a conductor and build meaningful musical opportunities in his community! 👏

08/19/2026

The Dana School of Music mourns the loss of Dr. Dave Morgan, Professor of Composition and Bass at Youngstown State University.

Throughout his 25-year tenure, Dave Morgan’s humble and generous presence made an immeasurable impact on the Dana School of Music and generations of musicians.

Dave Morgan was a brilliant teacher, composer, bassist, and human. The beauty that surrounded his life was embedded in his musicianship and teaching. His legacy will live on in the musicians he taught, the music he created, and the lives he touched.

We extend our most heartfelt wishes to Dave Morgan’s friends and family.

08/06/2026

From unforgettable performances to lifelong friendships, Dana School of Music alumni reflect on the experiences that shaped their journeys and continue to inspire them today. ✨ Youngstown State Alumni Engagement

08/03/2026

Earlier this summer, Ryan Lamb, a senior music performance major, attended the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute in Denver, Colorado! 👏

Throughout the week, Ryan learned from world-renowned brass professionals including Timothy Northcut (CCM), Aaron Tindall (Naples Philharmonic/Miami/Colburn), Warren Deck (former Principal Tuba of the New York Philharmonic), and John Lofton (Bass Trombone, Los Angeles Philharmonic).

The institute featured seminars, masterclasses, chamber coaching, and private lessons, providing an immersive learning experience. Ryan also qualified as a finalist in their official mock audition competition!

We're proud to see Ryan representing the Dana School of Music with excellence as he continues to grow as a musician. 🐧

07/24/2026

Over 40 Dana School of Music alumni reunited on the YSU Ford Theater stage to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Tony Leonardi, founder and former director of YSU's jazz studies program. 🎶

The Tony Leonardi Legacy Alumni Reunion Tribute Concert, produced and organized by Paula Leonardi Ducato, honored Leonardi’s remarkable legacy with performances by accomplished former students, including Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Sean Jones, Grammy-nominated pianist James Weidman, and award-winning composer Dave Rivello.

The concert was more than a reunion; it was a heartfelt thank-you to a professor whose influence continues to resonate through every generation of Dana musicians. His impact remains an enduring part of Youngstown State University’s musical tradition. 🐧

06/23/2026

We had a wonderful time hosting this year’s Lesson Day, an immersive day of workshops, masterclasses, and private lessons catered to young pianists. 🎶

Participants sharpened their skills through the guidance of skilled musicians, including Dana faculty Dr. Caroline Oltmanns and Dr. Glenn Shaft, student Madison Sheffield, alum Cristin Balale, and guest pianists Dr. Maira Liliestedt and Ralitsa Georgieva-Smith.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made this exciting day of learning possible! 🐧

06/22/2026

We would like to send our congratulations to Dr. Hae-Jong Lee, who is officially retiring as our Director of Choral Activities after 24 years! 👏

It is Dr. Lee’s dedication and vision that have shaped Carols and Cocoa, the Dana Holiday Concert, and so many lives that have passed through the Dana School of Music.

With sincere gratitude, we congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his amazing leadership. We know that Dr. Lee will continue to work with our students and be a part of our community as he enjoys his retirement.

Thank you, Dr. Lee! 🎶

06/15/2026

🎶 What an incredible week at our 2026 Summer Music Camp!

From rehearsals and studio sessions to new friendships and unforgettable performances, campers spent the week making music and memories together at the Dana School of Music. Their enthusiasm and passion for music made this year's camp truly special.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this experience such a success. We can't wait to welcome you back to campus again soon! ✨

06/09/2026

Congratulations to Senior Music Performance major Jacob Norton on being selected as an Orchestral Fellow at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. 🎶

Jacob recently spent a week as an Orchestral Fellow at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, a prestigious program that brings together some of the nation's most talented young brass musicians. Chosen through a highly competitive audition process, Jacob earned a fellowship spot among applicants from across the country.

During the intensive program, Jacob worked alongside Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians while participating in audition preparation sessions, orchestral excerpt classes, masterclasses, rehearsals, and performances designed to prepare musicians for professional orchestra careers. He described the experience as “one of the best experiences in music and in my life.”

We're proud to see Jacob representing the Dana School of Music at such a prestigious program. Bravo, Jacob! 👏

06/08/2026

The 2026 Summer Music Camp is officially underway! We’re excited to welcome these young musicians to the Dana School of Music for a week of music and fun. ☀🎶

We can’t wait to see how their skills and confidence grow throughout the week. 👏

Address

547 Wick Avenue
Youngstown, OH
44502

Telephone

+13309413636

Website

http://ysu.edu/music, http://ysu.edu/music-camps, http://academics.ysu.edu/dana-school-of-music/auditions

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