Stephen Jaffe

Stephen Jaffe is the Mary D. B. T. and James H. Semans Distinguished Professor of Music Composition at Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. He has held this position since 1999, previously serving as Associate Professor (1988–1999) and Assistant Professor (1981–1988). His academic leadership includes roles as Department Chair (2007–2009, 1993–1996) and Director of Graduate Studies (2020–present).

Education: B.A. and M.A. in Music from the University of Pennsylvania (1977–1978). His research focuses on orchestral and chamber music composition, with notable collaborations with the National Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, and Kennedy Center Chamber Players. He emphasizes recording projects, including works with Bridge Records and Albany Records.

Research Interests: Creation, collaboration, and advocacy for contemporary music, including education and institutional engagement. His works blend traditional tonality with modern techniques, often incorporating interdisciplinary elements.

Recognition: Elected to the American Academy of Arts & Letters (2012), recipient of the Koussevitsky International Recording Award (2006), and multiple fellowships including Guggenheim (1984) and Rome Prize (1980). His compositions have been performed globally, with recordings highlighted in reviews for their innovative orchestration and accessible yet complex structures.

Teaching & Mentoring: Teaches advanced composition courses (e.g., MUSIC 481T) and advises graduate students. His mentoring programs foster student engagement with contemporary music through residencies with ensembles like the Deviant Septet and Da Capo Chamber Players.

Labs/Teams: Co-founder of the Duke/UNC Consortium for New Music, organizing festivals like Milestones 2002, 2004, and 2007. Artistic director of the “Encounters: With the Music of Our Time” series, presenting over 300 new works.