Jessica Waldoff

Jessica Waldoff, Professor of Music at the College of the Holy Cross, is an internationally recognized scholar specializing in late eighteenth-century music, particularly Mozart's operas. She holds the Carol and Park B. Smith Professorship and serves as Director of Academics and Study Abroad Advisor. Her research integrates literary theory and cultural studies to analyze themes like recognition and sensibility in operatic narratives.

• Ph.D., Cornell University (1995)
• B.A., Amherst College (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa)

Her research focuses on 18th- and 19th-century opera, with a particular emphasis on Mozart and Haydn. Key themes include recognition scenes, sentimental literature, and the cultural context of musical compositions.

Recent publications (2006–2019) explore Mozart's operatic structures, Haydn's cultural impact, and the intersection of musicology and literary theory. Topics span recognition in opera, Enlightenment ideals, and sensibility in musical expression.

• Mellon Fellowship in the Humanities (1988)
• Cornell Sage Graduate Fellowship (1991-92)
• Clark Distinguished Teaching Award
• Mary Louise Marfuggi Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholarship (2006-07)

Her administrative roles include Department Chair and President of the Mozart Society of America. She teaches courses on Western music history, song traditions, and advanced opera seminars.