Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Peter Folliard’s journey in music began at the age of four. He received his undergraduate degrees in music education and instrumental performance from the University of North Texas, followed by master’s degrees in instrumental performance and conducting at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. He later earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral conducting at the Eastman School of Music, studying under the renowned Neil Varon.
Folliard’s career took off when he won a prestigious conducting position with the United States Air Force Bands in Washington, D.C. During his tenure, he served as the conductor of the Air Force String Orchestra and The Singing Sergeants, as well as associate conductor for the Concert Band and Ceremonial Brass. He was also the lead producer for the organization’s acclaimed recording projects. Following his military service, Folliard became the Eastman Conducting Fellow with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, where he continued honing his craft at the highest level.
After his fellowship, Folliard joined the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam as a visiting assistant professor. Today, he serves as the Dean of the School of Music at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he also holds the title of Director of Innovation.
Following his work in the Air Force, Peter went on to earn his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music with master pedagogue Neil Varon. There, he also held the position of Eastman Conducting Fellow with the Rochester Philharmonic.
Folliard served as as a visiting assistant professor at the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam, before his current appointment as the Dean and Director of Orchestras at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD.
Innovation and Visionary Leadership
In his role as Dean of the Augustana School of Music, Folliard has transformed the program into a model of 21st-century music education. Under his leadership, enrollment has grown by 73%, driven by new majors such as Multimedia Entrepreneurship. This cutting-edge program combines music, business, and multimedia technology, offering students industry-recognized certifications and a pathway to success in modern creative industries.
Folliard has spearheaded cross-campus initiatives in artificial intelligence, collaborated in the introduction of certificates and microcredentials, and is exploring opportunities associated with Extended Reality (XR), positioning Augustana as a leader in educational innovation. His fundraising efforts have secured over $6 million for scholarships, state-of-the-art facilities, and equipment, all aimed at enriching the student experience and enhancing the university’s profile.
A Sought-After Thought Leader and Performer
In addition to his administrative work, Folliard is an in-demand guest conductor, educator, and speaker. His engagements include teaching at Juilliard’s Pre-College division, leading All-State Orchestras, and delivering workshops on leadership, innovation, and musicianship. His Bach Initiative has received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to enhancing ensemble skills through Bach chorales.
Folliard’s unique combination of artistic excellence, visionary leadership, and dedication to innovation makes him a pivotal figure in both the academic and professional music worlds.
Positions Held:
- Vice President for Innovation, Augustana University (2025-current)
- Director of Innovation, Augustana University (2024–2025)
- Dean, Augustana University School of Music (2020–current)
- Director of Orchestras, Augustana University (2017–2021, 2023–2024)
- Interim Director of Orchestras, Crane School of Music (2016)
- Eastman Conducting Fellow, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (2014–2016)
- Conductor, Singing Sergeants (2012–2014)
- Associate Conductor, The United States Air Force Band and Symphony Orchestra (2010–2014)
- Conductor, Air Force Strings (2010–2012)
Peter J. Folliard 