Dean John Davis and CU President Todd Saliman

Announcing a University Medal and increasing diverse representation in music

Dec. 1, 2022

In the final Dean’s Downbeat of the year, Dean John Davis announces Allan McMurray’s 2023 University Medal; describes how the important, prescient work of the Sphinx Organization underscores his vision for the College of Music ... and more.

Alex Gonzalez

Assistant Professor of Violin Alex Gonzalez’s Faculty Tuesdays debut

Nov. 28, 2022

“This wonderful concert series allows the faculty to show our individuality in style and interests, and I’m excited to share my perspective in my first Faculty Tuesdays recital this week!” says new Assistant Professor of Violin Alex Gonzalez.

Peyton Hall Magalhaes

Ekstrand Competition winners announced

Nov. 9, 2022

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022-23 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Performance Competition!

Avedis Escandon

Meet Avedis Escandon: first Genevieve McVey Wisner Memorial Scholarship recipient

Nov. 2, 2022

Violist Avedis Escandon shares what diversity means to him and how he strives to encourage others to become DEI advocates as well. “Just like with music, major changes don’t happen overnight—change requires small bits of effort over time, so we cannot discount the impact of a meaningful dialogue.”

Alex Gonzalez headshot

Meet incoming Assistant Professor of Violin Alex Gonzalez

Sept. 6, 2022

A new member of the College of Music faculty shares his approach to preparing students to become universal musicians, and fostering an environment of diversity and inclusivity. “It's not about hyper-specialization, but about flexibility, creativity and keeping an open mind,” he says.

Judith Glyde

Meet Judith Glyde: 2022 Distinguished Service Award recipient

April 27, 2022

On May 5, we look forward to welcoming back Judith Glyde, formerly professor of cello and chamber music at the College of Music and chair of our string faculty. Since retiring in 2014 to live in New York City, the professor emerita she has been active with the college’s alumni community there, offering tremendous support to Forever Buffs who are now living and working in the city.

Nelson Walker

2022 Outstanding Graduating Senior: Nelson Walker

April 20, 2022

This spring’s Outstanding Graduating Senior award goes to composition major Nelson Walker. Congratulations to Walker and all our outstanding 2022 grads!

Theofanidis

College of Music to welcome renowned composer for centennial anniversary celebration

April 14, 2022

In a delayed celebration of the College of Music’s 100th anniversary, the CU Symphony Orchestra will perform a specially commissioned work by renowned composer Christopher Theofanidis. “The one thing you can do is create something that represents you—a musical poem that you leave behind for others to enjoy and perform,” says the Grammy-nominated composer whose “On the Bridge of the Eternal” will debut in Macky Auditorium on April 26.

Summer Programs

College of Music summer programs + courses

April 7, 2022

To support our students’ and our community’s musical development, the College of Music offers summer session courses and richly varied summer programming.

DD

Ambition + anchorage

Feb. 24, 2022

In this edition of our monthly Dean’s Downbeat, John Davis reflects on our students’ successes, introduces new violin faculty—welcome, Alex Gonzalez!—and celebrates Susan Thomas’ BFA Excellence Award. Transcending pandemic burnout, “our faculty offer anchorage through their teaching excellence, and their wonderfully consistent artistic achievements as performers, composers and researchers,” he writes.

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