Private Instruction
Master's Degree in performance, Northwestern University.
Bachelor's Degree in performance, Northwestern University
Significant teachers and mentors:
During her years at Northwestern University, Barbara studied under Russell Dagon, who became one of her most significant teachers. She also had several other instructors over the years who had a large influence on her such as: Charlene Zimmerman, Alan Kay, and Dennis Nygren.
Awards and achievements:
Member, Quintet Attacca, Grand Prize Winner of the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, member of Community Outreach Ensemble for Chicago Chamber Musicians, and Ensemble-in-Residence at the Music Institute of Chicago.
As a member of Quintet Attacca, she has performed on New York City's Schneider Concert Series, the Cranbook Music Guild in Detroit, and numerous Chicagoland series such as NEIU's Jewel Box, Lake Forest Lyrica, Rush Hour, Dame Myra Hess, and many live broadcasts on WFMT.
Ms. Drapcho's teaching philosophy is one that relates directly to starting with the basics in music. She believes that, no matter how quick one is to learn or how capable they are of picking up new techniques, the basics are everything.
"Learn the basics well and there's no limit to what you can do."
Ms. Drapcho enjoys the role of outreach coordinator with her quintet and has helped write numerous original programs performed in hundreds of schools throughout Chicago and the Midwest.
Her chamber music experiences outside of Quintet Attacca includes performances with the Chicago Chamber Musicians and the Pacifica Quartet.
She is also a member of the New Philharmonic, Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, and has performed as a soloist with Chicago Arts Orchestra.
Barbara is currently on faculty at the Merit School of Music and the Music Institute of Chicago.
Interests outside of music:
When Barbara is not practicing music, she enjoys lawn games and picnics, running, spoiling her cats, and spending time on the Lake Erie Islands.