Jurg Walther serves as a Lecturer at the Chapman University 's Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts , where he has been actively involved in cinematography education and practice since the 2010s. His work bridges traditional filmmaking with emerging technologies like Virtual Reality, as evidenced by his 2023 documentary on the Order of Malta in Lourdes, France. Walther has extensive experience in live music event documentation, including the 2023 Crosroads Guitar Festival and 2020 Peter Green Tribute . His cinematographic style emphasizes Multi-camera concert productions Virtual Reality integration Documentary realism Music industry collaboration Walther's recent filmography spans from 2011 to 2023 , focusing on music documentaries and concert films. Key collaborators include director Martyn Atkins and artists like Eric Clapton , Tom Petty , and Paul Simon .
Susan Rotholz is an Adjunct Professor in the Music Department at Vassar College since 2016. A renowned flutist, she serves as Principal Flute of the Greenwich Symphony, The New York Chamber Ensemble, and holds memberships in the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, The New York Pops, and the Little Orchestra Society. Her career spans solo, orchestral, and chamber music performances. Education: Bachelor of Music (BM), CUNY Queens College Master of Music (MM), Yale University Research & Performance Interests: Susan specializes in classical flute performance, with a focus on chamber music collaborations and orchestral repertoire. Her work emphasizes expressive solo performance techniques and pedagogy in music education. Scientific Awards: Young Concert Artists with Hexagon Piano and Winds Concert Artists Guild as a soloist Teaching: She instructs advanced flute courses (MUSI 70, 170, 270, 370) and fourth-year instruction (MUSI 380) at Vassar College.
Janine Joseph is an Associate Professor in the Department of English within the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech. She served as the 2022-2023 Dean's Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the university. Born in the Philippines and raised in California, Joseph is a formerly undocumented immigrant who has dedicated her career to exploring themes of immigration, identity, and social justice through poetry and libretto composition. Her research interests span contemporary poetry, immigration literature, and libretto composition with a particular focus on undocumented immigrant narratives and Asian American literature. Joseph's creative work bridges the gap between literary art and social advocacy, often exploring the intersection of personal experience and political realities. Joseph's scholarly and creative output shows a consistent trajectory toward amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of undocumented immigrants. Her work spans traditional poetry collections, commissioned librettos for major opera organizations, and collaborative projects that merge literary art with musical composition. The recurring themes across her work include identity formation, cultural heritage, political resistance, and the power of storytelling as a tool for social change. Scientific Awards and Honors: Kundiman Poetry Prize for Driving Without a License 2024 Virginia Literary Award for Poetry for Decade of the Brain Finalist for the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award MacDowell fellow Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow Public Voices Fellow of the OpEd Project Joseph serves as a co-organizer for Undocupoets, a nonprofit literary organization advocating for poets who are or were formerly undocumented in the United States. She also serves on the advisory board for the Center of Poets and Writers at OSU-Tulsa and the Artistic Advisory Panel for Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain. Her commissioned works have been performed by prestigious organizations including the Houston Grand Opera, Washington Master Chorale, and Symphony New Hampshire.
Judith Schmid is a Swiss mezzo-soprano and Professor of Vocal Performance at the Lucerne School of Music (since 2017). With over 20 years as a sought-after soloist at prestigious venues like the Zurich Opera House and Nuremberg State Theatre, she specializes in roles such as Suzuki (Madama Butterfly), Mescalina (Le Grand Macabre), and Wagnerian mezzo-soprano parts (Erda, Waltraute). Teaches vocal technique and stagecraft to next-generation musicians Key research interests: Classical voice, Lied interpretation, opera staging Her career bridges performance and education, with a focus on: Vocal pedagogy Historical performance practices Acting-integrated vocal training Academic Affiliations: Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (current) Hochschule der Künste Bern (alumni) Guildhall School of Music and Drama (alumni) Scientific Awards: Best CDs of 2008 by Schweizer Radio SRF 2 Kultur for 'Rosenblätter' (collaboration with Oliver Schnyder) Her performance history demonstrates deep engagement with: Operatic repertoire (Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Ligeti) Concert works (Brahms, Mahler, Bach) Chamber music (Mahler, Ravel, Hefti)
Catherine Iatesta is a Per Course Instructor in Music Education at the Adams School of Music. She also serves as a band director for grades 4–6 in the Needham Public Schools, with extensive experience teaching students from grades 4 to 12 in concert band, beginning band, marching band, pep band, chorus, general music, and private brass instruction. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music Education from Gordon College Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed.) from Gordon College Currently pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Education Leadership at Fitchburg State University Catherine is passionate about supporting new musicians and innovating curriculum for the post-COVID classroom environment. Her professional focus lies in music education, curriculum development, and teacher mentorship. She recently founded and leads Embracing the New Music Educator , a mentorship program designed to provide professional development and guidance to new or relocating music teachers in Massachusetts. Outside the classroom, she has conducted ensembles and performed throughout the Boston area, contributing to the regional music community. She is actively engaged in professional service and leadership through her mentorship initiative but has no listed scientific awards or publications at this time. Catherine advises emerging music educators through informal mentorship and leadership in professional development. While no formal research grants are mentioned, her work in curriculum innovation and teacher support reflects a commitment to advancing music education practices. She leads the Embracing the New Music Educator program, which functions as a professional learning community and support network for novice music teachers, emphasizing collaboration, resilience, and pedagogical growth.
Benjamin N. Faugstad is an Associate Professor of Music in the Music Department at Bethany Lutheran College. He directs the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Drumline, and Chamber Orchestra, and teaches courses in Music Skills, Conducting, Instrumental Pedagogy, Jazz Improvisation, and individual lessons in percussion, guitar, conducting, and composition. His research and creative interests span several areas within music, including music education , instrumental conducting , jazz improvisation , percussion and guitar performance , and musical composition and arranging . He has created arrangements for concert band, pep band, percussion ensemble, drumline, and piano, many of which are published through Veritas Musica Publishing. His composition "Joy to the World" for string orchestra has been performed across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He is currently developing a beginning drum set method and composition guide, reflecting his commitment to pedagogical innovation in music instruction. Benjamin Faugstad earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany Lutheran College in 2007, completed music licensure at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSUM) in 2009, and obtained his graduate degree from MSUM in 2018. He previously taught at Lake Mills Community School in Iowa before joining the faculty at Bethany. As an active performer, he played drum set with the Blue River Combo for several years and currently performs on guitar with the GBK Trio. His artistic practice informs his teaching and ensemble direction, contributing to a vibrant music program at the college. He advises students through individual instruction and ensemble leadership, and while specific grant activity is not mentioned, his creative projects such as published arrangements and original compositions suggest ongoing scholarly and artistic support. He lives in Mankato, Minnesota, with his wife and four children. Benjamin N. Faugstad is a core member of the music faculty, contributing significantly to performance, pedagogy, and composition within the Department of Music.
Jennifer Elowsky-Fox is a Professor in the Piano Department at Berklee College of Music, within the College of Professional Performance. She is a dedicated pianist, recording artist, and educator with a focus on classical piano performance and pedagogy. Education: Master of Music (MM), Piano Performance, Boston University, Massachusetts (1990) Her research and artistic interests center on classical piano interpretation, with a special emphasis on the works of Czech composer Leoš Janáček. She explores the emotional depth and technical intricacies of piano music, drawing connections between physical wellness (particularly yoga) and performance excellence. Her performances often highlight autobiographical and expressive dimensions of music. Her recent creative output includes recordings of Janáček’s On an Overgrown Path , In the Mists , and the Sonata for Violin and Piano , as well as collaborative works with ensembles like the New England Reed Trio and Arcadian Winds. These works span chamber music, solo piano, and contemporary American compositions, reflecting a broad engagement with 20th- and 21st-century repertoire. Scientific and Artistic Recognition: No formal awards listed in the provided text. Jennifer Elowsky-Fox is deeply committed to mentoring students through empathetic, supportive teaching. She emphasizes balance, rhythm, and deep listening in practice, advocating for 'perfect practice' and emotional safety in the learning environment. While no specific grants are mentioned, her recording projects and performances represent significant artistic contributions. She has performed at Merkin Hall in NYC and been featured on WGBH radio. She is associated with the Piano Department at Berklee, contributing to a vibrant community of performers and educators focused on excellence in musical training and performance.
Judy Cole is a Professor and Artist-in-Residence in Collaborative Piano at the School of Music, Kennesaw State University. She has held roles including music theory and history instructor, Opera and Musical Theatre coach, and Coordinator of Collaborative Piano (2016–2019). Beyond academia, Cole is a versatile freelance pianist with a 35-year career spanning concert halls, nightclubs, and recording studios, performing for notable figures and institutions. Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (studied with Marvin Blickenstaff) Master of Music in Accompanying, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (concentration in Musical Theatre and Chamber Music) Her research and performance interests bridge collaborative piano, musical theatre, opera, and Jewish religious music. Cole is active in national organizations like the Guild of Temple Musicians and the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance, and maintains a demanding performance schedule with faculty, students, and professional ensembles such as the Fox Theatre's pit orchestra.
Mary Channen Caldwell is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in historical musicology and medieval studies (c. 1000-1600), with a focus on cultural, ritual, textual, and material aspects of music production, reception, and transmission. She chairs the Graduate Studies program and co-directs the "Music in the Pavilion" concert series with Penn Libraries. PhD in Music History and Theory (2013, University of Chicago) Bachelor of Music (2006, Queen’s University) Her research bridges disciplines including manuscript studies, gender studies, literary theory, theology, liturgiology, and dance studies. She explores Latin song traditions in monastic and clerical communities, medieval refrains, and the intersection of music, gender, and temporality. Recent publications span journals like Early Music History , Journal of the American Musicological Society , and Speculum , with thematic focus on Latin song composition, devotional practices, multilingualism, and dance-music relationships. She is currently working on a book about St. Nicholas in medieval music traditions. Dean's Award for Distinguished Teaching (2021) Supported by NEH, American Philosophical Society, and American Musicological Society Organized "Gothic Arts" symposium (2018) and co-editing Latin Song in the Medieval West with Dr. Anne-Zoé Rillon-Marne
Professor Zbigniew Granat of Nazareth University's School of Music is a distinguished scholar and educator specializing in music history, avant-garde studies, and Polish-American jazz connections. With a Ph.D. from Boston University and degrees from Jagiellonian University, he bridges classical and jazz traditions through innovative pedagogy. Ph.D., Boston University M.A., Jagiellonian University B.A., Jagiellonian University His research explores: 1950s-60s avant-garde movements Sonorism and Cold War music politics Chopin's legacy and musical borrowing Topic theory in classical and romantic eras Jazz studies and interdisciplinary music analysis Publications reveal expertise spanning Chopin's intertextual techniques, Polish jazz under censorship, and sonoristic theories. Current projects include international collaborations with the Skalny Center and Polish institutions. Scientific awards: Nazareth Chamber Singers Grand Prix at choral festival Granat mentors students through hands-on research projects, directs the B.A. in Music program, and facilitates international exchanges. His 'real flipped classroom' approach fosters creative recomposition and interdisciplinary exploration. Co-curricular highlights: Mozart Sonata as Opera (2017 collaborative production) Short-term study program in Poland (2009-present) Joint concerts with Rzeszów Philharmonic Orchestra
Stephanie M. Honz is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Music, Nazareth University, specializing in Applied Organ instruction. She has maintained a vibrant career as a performer, teacher, and church musician in the Rochester area since 1991. Education: M.M. in Organ Performance, Eastman School of Music B.M. in Organ Performance, University of Wisconsin–Superior Advanced studies at Conservatory of Rueil-Malmaison (Paris) under Marie Claire Alain Honz is renowned for her international concert career, including performances across Europe, China, North Africa, Israel, Canada, and the USA, and for her recordings with the BBC. Her research interests span organ performance , sacred music , and keyboard pedagogy . Scientific Awards: Gold Cup, International Baroque Music Competition (Dresden, 1998) Gold Medal, European Guild of Music Competition (Vienna, 1999) Prix D'Excellence, Esterhazy (Hungary, 2000) Musika Acadamie Europa 'Artist of the Year' (Florence, 2003) As Pastoral Associate for Music and Liturgy at St. Louis Catholic Church, she has organized international church choir tours and served as a clinician/recitalist for major music conventions (AGO, NPM, MTNA). She actively promotes keyboard study across age groups and recently expanded her expertise to harp performance.
Aldo Abreu is a distinguished recorder performer and educator, serving as Professor and Chair of the Early Music Department at the New England Conservatory (NEC) Preparatory School. He also teaches at Boston University and Berklee College of Music. Recognized globally, Abreu has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and collaborated with orchestras such as Boston Baroque and the Handel and Haydn Society. A champion of both Baroque and contemporary music, he has premiered works like Concerto for Recorder and Orchestra and Concerto for Recorders and Orchestra . His expertise spans Latin American Baroque and contemporary compositions. Abreu holds leadership roles in ensembles like NEC Prep Ensembles and was appointed El Sistema Symphonic Ensemble Conductor at East Somerville Community School in 2019. Awards: 1992 Concert Artists Guild Competition First Prize, Premio Flauto Dolce (Germany), Concours Musica Antiqua (Belgium). Performance Highlights: Soloist with orchestras worldwide, including Solisti New York and Savannah Symphony. Contemporary Focus: Premiered pieces by composers like Ricardo Lorenz and Lawrence Weiner. His teaching spans NEC, BU, and Berklee, emphasizing historical performance practices. Abreu’s career bridges classical traditions with innovative contemporary works, making him a pivotal figure in early music revival.
Risch Biert is a lecturer at Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, specializing in piano instruction across classical and contemporary genres. He teaches Piano Classical Major, Piano Minor Classical, and Piano Minor in Jazz & Popular Music, with instruction conducted in German. His primary areas of expertise include: Piano Performance (Classical and Jazz) Chamber Music Song and Choir Accompaniment Improvisation in Classical and Jazz contexts His repertoire spans the traditional classical canon through the 20th century, as well as popular styles including musicals and jazz. Though no formal research output is listed, his pedagogical focus reflects a deep engagement with performance practice and musical versatility. Risch Biert maintains an active performance presence, as indicated by concert archives and recordings. He is reachable via email and phone for professional inquiries. He has not received any listed scientific awards or honors. There is no public information regarding graduate student supervision or research grants. His professional activities appear centered on performance and applied music education. He is associated with personal and media projects under his own name, with website design handled by Gammeter Media AG. No formal lab or research team is mentioned.
Peter B. Kay is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Converse University and an Adjunct Instructor of Music Composition at Furman University. He serves as Composer-in-Residence and General Manager for the Spartanburg Philharmonic, where he has composed notable works including Phoenix (Cathedral) (2019) and Dissent (Notorious) (2021). His career spans music composition, education, and administration.
Nick Gackenbach serves as the Sound/Projections Engineer and Adjunct Instructor at Temple University's Department of Theater within the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. His roles include mentoring in Sound Design and contributing to technical aspects of theatrical productions. Additionally, he actively works as a Sound Designer and Audio Engineer across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, specializing in plays, musicals, concerts, and corporate events. Education: B.A. in Theatre from Pennsylvania State University (2013). Professional Experience: Previously held positions as Sound Designer and Touring Technical Director at Walnut Street Theatre (Philadelphia) and Audio Engineer at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. His work integrates technical artistry with creative stage production, emphasizing seamless audio-visual coordination in live performances.
