Department of Music
Develop your unique musical gifts through exceptional academics, one-to-one instruction, and generous performance opportunities.
Simpson College is widely recognized for its premier music education.
Whether you’re looking to major in music or want to continue singing and playing while in college, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hone your talent at Simpson.
We offer three distinct music majors and a minor. Plus, students of all majors engage with our department through general education and elective classes (such as Music Across Cultures) and by lending their talents to various ensembles—including boosting school spirit on game days with our pep and marching bands.
Our faculty members are respected music scholars, performers, conductors, and composers. Their diverse areas of expertise include opera, silent film scoring, jazz piano, bassoon, and 17th-century music. With small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of personal attention, both in the classroom and during lessons.
Simpson music alumni do remarkable things. They go on to lead organizations like the Des Moines Metro Opera, serve as principals in regional performing arts groups, teach music in K-12 and college settings, and tour internationally as professional musicians.
Simpson College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Why Simpson College for Music?
Vocal and instrumental ensemble opportunities
Fully staged operas each academic year
of Music Performance alumni are professional musicians
Majors, Minors & Programs
Whether your goal is to teach, perform professionally, or combine music with another area of study, we have a program for you.
Music - Bachelor of Arts
This flexible program allows you to pursue a secondary area of study, such as business, theatre, or communication.
Explore ProgramMusic Performance - Bachelor of Music
This program is designed to prepare students for careers in music performance or for continued study at the graduate level.
Explore ProgramMusic Education - Bachelor of Music
This comprehensive degree prepares students to become successful music teachers in public schools.
Explore ProgramMusic Minor
Our minor is ideal for students passionate about keeping music a part of their lives, while majoring in another field.
Explore ProgramMaster of Music in Choral Conducting
Gain advanced knowledge, training and performance experience on a delivery schedule ideal for working musicians
Explore ProgramArts Management Minor
Managing a gallery? Booking entertainment venues? Owning a production house? If you can see yourself in any of these or similar roles, understanding the business side of the arts is critical to success.
Explore ProgramPerformance Opportunities & Professional Experience
Whether you’re majoring in music or are simply looking for an artistic outlet, you’ll find plenty of performance and learning opportunities at Simpson.
More About Music at Simpson
Des Moines Metro Opera
Simpson is the host venue of the Des Moines Metro Opera, Iowa’s largest performing arts organization. This partnership provides invaluable internship, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities.
Department Facilities
Perform memorable concerts in our campus venues, like the Blank Performing Arts Center. Collaborate with classmates in ensemble rehearsal rooms. Gather with friends in our lounges and meeting spaces.
Music Scholarships
Simpson College offers a robust music scholarship program for students of all majors looking to perform in college.
A Rising Opera Star
“[The Simpson faculty] became so much like family because of the care, devotion, and attention they gave each one of us students. The growth I made from my freshman to senior year is the most substantial growth I’ve had in my time singing. If not for them, [my career] just wouldn’t have gone the way it has.”
Meghan Kasanders ’14
Internationally Acclaimed Opera Singer
Read the Full StoryMeet Our Music Faculty & Staff
Flint Angeroth Franks
- Assistant Professor of Music
Jon Arnold
- Director of Choral Studies
- Director of Master of Music in Choral Conducting
- Assistant Professor of Music
John Benoit
- Professor of Music
- Trombone and Music Theory
Linda Benoit
- Music Teaching Artist
- Violin/Viola
Jenny Cresswell
- Visiting Assistant Professor of Music
Kathryn Duffy
- Adjunct Music Professor
Mike Eckerty
- Division Head for Visual and Performing Arts
- Director of Instrumental Ensembles/Bassoon
- Professor of Music
Donald Evans
- Department Chair of Music
- Professor of Psychology
Kimberly Helton
- Music Teaching Artist
- Flute
Steven Kennedy
- Music Teaching Artist
- Guitar
Tamme Klutman
- Administrative Assistant
Matthew Lau
- Associate Professor of Music - Voice
Jami McLeod
- Music Teaching Artist
- Piano
Steve McCombs
- Music Teaching Artist
- Percussion
Phil Peters
- Music Teaching Artist
- Double Bass
Damon Stevens
- Assistant Professor of Music
Susan Odem
- Music Teaching Artist
- Oboe
Jin Young Park
- Music Staff Accompanist
- Music Teaching Artist- Piano
Dan Peichl
- Music Teaching Artist
- Horn
Jamie Poulsen
- Assistant Professor of Music
- Classical and Jazz Piano
- Composer
Dana Sloter
- Music Teaching Artist
- Clarinet
Sandy Tatge
- Music Teaching Artist
- Cello
Get in Touch: We’re Here to Answer Your Questions.
- tamme.klutman@simpson.edu
- 515-961-1637
- Amy Robertson Music Center
- Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.