The Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University (YSU) is one of the oldest music schools in the United States, with a storied tradition of fostering extraordinary musical talent and innovation. Dana alumni, students, and faculty continue to make an indelible impact on the region’s artistic landscape, with representation across prestigious local institutions and performance venues.
The Stambaugh Youth Concert Band showcases YSU’s Dana School of Music’s influence with its distinguished leadership. Conducted by Dana alumni Tyler Husosky and Nathan Sensabaugh, alongside Dr. Kate Ferguson, YSU’s Director of Athletic Bands, this ensemble exemplifies the commitment and expertise nurtured within Dana. These conductors not only guide young musicians in the Greater Youngstown area but also embody Dana’s dedication to musical education and community engagement.
The Butler Institute of American Art, renowned for its significant collection of American artwork, shares a unique connection with YSU through Dr. Louis Zona, the Butler’s esteemed director. Dr. Zona is both a YSU alumnus and a former faculty member, further strengthening the synergy between visual and musical arts within the Youngstown community. His leadership has been instrumental in making the Butler a prominent cultural hub in Northeast Ohio, reflecting Dana’s spirit of interdisciplinary enrichment.
At the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, Dana alum Dr. Christopher Cicconi serves as conductor, steering the orchestra’s mission to enrich the Mahoning Valley with beautiful symphonic music. As more concert programs become available, it’s anticipated that a significant number of orchestra members will also trace their roots back to YSU, underscoring the school’s broad-reaching influence in symphonic and classical music circles.
The Youngstown Playhouse’s upcoming production of Puffs is another testament to Dana’s vibrant influence in the performing arts. Directed by YSU Theatre alum Jim Canacci, Puffs is set to bring a unique perspective to the stage. YSU-trained actors, stagehands, and crew members continue to play key roles, contributing their talents and expertise to the Youngstown theater scene.
The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra (YSO) exemplifies Dana’s prominence in local music. For YSO’s first concert of the season, seven current Dana students or alumni and eight former or current faculty members—representing an impressive 37% of the orchestra—will be performing, including the esteemed Concertmaster. For the second concert of the season, Dana-affiliated members will comprise 44% of the orchestra, a testament to Dana’s deep-rooted legacy and musical excellence.
YSU Dana graduates also leave their mark in dance. Ballet Western Reserve, one of the premier dance education institutions in the area, has three instructors who graduated from YSU, including a multi-talented individual who double-majored in Dance Management and Exercise Science with a specialization in Biological Sciences. This interdisciplinary achievement highlights Dana’s commitment to cultivating versatile, well-rounded artists.
Dr. Hae-Jong Lee, Dana’s former Director of Choral Activities, continues to lead the Stambaugh Chorus, extending Dana’s choral legacy. Though Dr. Lee retired last spring, he remains actively engaged as a part-time faculty member, directing one of Youngstown’s most celebrated choruses. As concert programs are finalized, it’s expected that Dana’s influence in the chorus will be well represented, showcasing the school’s powerful impact on choral music in Northeast Ohio.
With alumni and faculty members in influential roles across the arts, the Dana School of Music at YSU remains a pivotal force in shaping the cultural landscape of Northeast Ohio. From symphonies and choruses to theater and dance, Dana-trained artists, educators, and performers demonstrate the excellence, versatility, and community-oriented spirit that define YSU’s proud legacy in the arts.
Whether you’re attending a symphonic performance at the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, a dance recital at Ballet Western Reserve, or a theatrical production at the Youngstown Playhouse, you’re witnessing the vibrant, ongoing legacy of YSU’s Dana School of Music—a legacy marked by artistic distinction and a profound commitment to enriching the community.
Nearly 11,000 students
Over $8 Million in Scholarships Given Annually
21 Average Class Size
5 University Residence Halls with plenty of nearby apartments
14:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
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Tuition and fees may vary by major, college, area of study or based on your location. The university reserves the right to assess fees for special services and programs applicable to students. First-time International undergraduate students’ tuition rate is established based on first enrollment and remains unchanged for four consecutive years. Graduate students should plan for a yearly tuition increase of approximately 5%.
For a complete list of additional fees and detailed tuition information please visit the University Bursar website here.
Cost of the most popular room and meal plan combination; Your cost will depend on the plans you select. Costs in the box cover the most popular room and meal plan combination (on-campus); If you choose to live off-campus, the estimated cost of room and meals will be around $12,000 based on 12 months.
Based on average books & supply costs
Health insurance is required for international students.
Applicants must have graduated from high school or have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) test to be considered for admission. Freshman applicants applying for admission to Youngstown State University must submit a high school transcript or GED transcript. Submission of American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores is optional. Please note: some majors require test scores to be admitted into the program.
Applicants must have a cumulative weighted high school grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher, a core unweighted grade point average* of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher and have an ACT composite score of 17 or higher or a SAT composite score of 920 or higher (evidence-based writing and reading and math) to be admitted unconditionally. (*Core gpa is calculated based on grades earned in the following courses – English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language, if applicable, from 9th through 12th grade).
Fall 2024
application deadline is
August 1, 2024
