Aaron Ragsdale

Dr. Aaron Ragsdale is a Professor of Percussion at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He teaches applied percussion and leads the SDSU Percussion Ensemble and the “Pride of the Dakotas” Drum Line. His academic responsibilities include percussion pedagogy and instrumental music education. Ragsdale holds a D.M.A. in percussion performance from Rutgers University (2007), an M.M. from the University of Arkansas (2003), and a B.M.E. from the University of Oklahoma (2001). He is an active performer and has contributed to the commission and premiere of contemporary percussion works.

• Education:
• D.M.A., Percussion Performance, Rutgers University, 2007
• M.M., University of Arkansas, 2003
• B.M.E., University of Oklahoma, 2001

His research focuses on contemporary music within the percussion idiom and innovative percussion pedagogy. Ragsdale is affiliated with professional organizations such as the Percussive Arts Society and the College Music Society. His work emphasizes bridging classical and modern percussion techniques through performance and education.