The Simpson College Music Department is widely acclaimed, locally, nationally and abroad and has been honored with numerous awards.  The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers three majors: Bachelor of Music in performance, Bachelor of Music in music education and Bachelor of Arts with a music major. Simpson develops the unique gifts of each student through a combination of classroom teaching and individual music instruction. A wide variety of co-curricular activities are available including choir, band, vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles, Madrigal Singers, oratorio, opera and musical theatre.

• Simpson College Madrigal Singers perform internationally and travel to Italy, Germany, England, France and Austria.

• Scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of talent and academic promise.

• All music majors receive weekly individual lessons in piano.

• Dr. Robert Larsen, professor of music, is founder and artistic director for the Des Moines Metro Opera which performs on campus each summer.

• Recent graduate schools: The Julliard School, Northwestern University School of Music, The New England School of Music, Indiana University and Louisiana State University

Recent jobs and internships
The Metropolitan Opera (New York), Washington National Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Spokane Symphony - executive director, Hal Leonard Music Publishing - managing editor, the Des Moines hospitals (music therapy) and numerous music-education positions regionally.

“The Simpson College Music Department combines a quality liberal arts education with serious study of music under excellent artist/teachers. Few colleges offer such a broad range of quality performing experiences which are available to all Simpson students.”

Dr. Maria DiPalma
professor of music

Learn more about the Music Department.