Performer, Scholar & Devoted Teacher
Performer, Scholar & Devoted TeacherDr. Ioana Galu, a native of Romania, has enjoyed a rich career as a performer, researcher and pedagogue in both Europe and the United States. Former Assistant Professor of Violin and chamber music at Gheorghe Dima Music Academy in Cluj, Romania, Galu has also been on the faculty at Heidelberg University, Bowling Green State University, and The College of Wooster.
Galu joined the University of South Dakota in 2016 and served as Associate Professor of Violin/Viola, co-director of the USD Chamber Orchestra and member of the Rawlins Piano Trio until 2025. In 2025, Dr. Galu joined the music faculty at Augustana University and is also serving as the Acting Principal Viola of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra for the 2025–2026 season.
Education & Distinctions
DMA, Contemporary Music
Bowling Green State University — doctorate in Contemporary Music performance.
Professor of Violin & Viola
Current faculty at Augustana University; former faculty at USD, BGSU, Heidelberg, and The College of Wooster.
Performer & Concertmaster
Solo recitals, world premieres, and orchestral leadership across two continents.
Prize-Winning Artist
First Prize at the George Enescu Violin National Competition; Second Prize at the Mozart International Competition for Piano Trios.
Music as Language
Dr. Galu believes that technical mastery and musical expression are inseparable. Every lesson is designed to build not only the skills necessary for great playing, but the listening and interpretive ear that transforms technique into art.
Whether working with a beginner discovering their first open string or an advanced student preparing a concerto, Dr. Galu meets each student where they are and guides them toward where they can be.
Concertos & World Premieres
Dr. Galu's recent solo performances include Lou Harrison's Concerto for Violin and Percussion Ensemble, Malcolm Arnold's Concerto for Two Violins and String Orchestra, and the Brahms Double Concerto.
She presented the world premiere of Marilyn Shrude's violin concerto Libro D'Ore with the Central Ohio Symphony, the European premiere with the Sibiu State Philharmonic, and subsequently recorded it for Albany Records.
Augustana University
Dr. Galu joined the music faculty at Augustana University in 2025, bringing her wealth of performance and pedagogical experience to a new generation of string students.