Find Academic Supervisors

Stewart NichollsView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Musical Theatre
• British Musical Theatre History
• Theatre Direction
• +7 more

Stewart Nicholls is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), University of Surrey. He is a renowned director, choreographer, musical stager, and archivist of British musical theatre, with extensive professional and academic contributions to the field. His research and creative work focus on the history, preservation, and revival of British musical theatre, particularly works by Ivor Novello, Julian Slade, and David Heneker. He has led the restoration of numerous forgotten or underperformed musicals, including Sail Away , The Amazons , Free As Air , and Love on the Dole . His scholarly interests span musical theatre history, operetta, archival practices, and transatlantic theatrical exchange. His recent publications and CD sleeve notes reflect a consistent engagement with historical documentation and performance analysis. His 2021 chapter on Irma La Douce explores the journey of a Parisian musical to Broadway, highlighting themes of cultural translation and theatrical adaptation. Other writings delve into the works of Ivor Novello and the legacy of British operetta. His articles and liner notes collectively demonstrate a deep commitment to preserving and interpreting musical theatre heritage. Grammy Award nomination for co-producing The Amazons cast recording Honorary Member of the Noël Coward Society Nicholls has supervised and directed numerous student and professional productions at GSA, including Applause , Bells Are Ringing , and Spend Spend Spend . He has also led workshops and archival projects that integrate performance with scholarly research. His work bridges academic scholarship and professional practice, enriching both domains. He has contributed to major recordings of productions he directed, such as Bumblescratch , A Spoonful of Sherman , and Gay's The Word , several of which have been released on prominent labels like JAY Records and SimG Records. He is actively involved in the musical theatre community through conferences, publications, and media appearances, including a promotional film for the University of Surrey on student-centered teaching. His leadership in the MTEA conference at GSA further underscores his role in advancing musical theatre education.

Mario GuarneriView profile

Professor

• Jazz
• American Music
• Trumpet Performance
• +5 more

Mario Guarneri is a Professor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music , specializing in Roots, Jazz, and American Music . He has performed as Principal Trumpet with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, and Los Angeles Philharmonic, collaborating with conductors like Zubin Mehta and Carlo Maria Giulini. His career spans decades, including tours with the Los Angeles Brass Quintet and contributions to over hundreds of television and film soundtracks such as Godfather III . Education: MM from The Juilliard School, BM from University of Southern California Guarneri’s research and artistic practice focus on Jazz , Trumpet Performance , and Music Education , with a lifelong commitment to Creative Music Practice and Musical Transcription . He developed the Buzz Extension and Resistance Piece (B.E.R.P.) for brass instruments in 1986 and founded non-profits like Jazz in the Neighborhood (2013) and Independent Musicians Alliance (2020), advocating for equity in the arts and social justice. Mario Guarneri has received recognition for his musical contributions, including: Second Prize in the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition (2023) Prix de Rome nomination for a solo album As an educator, he has mentored renowned students such as Vance Wolfe, Ralph Alessi, and Richard Roper, and conducted masterclasses globally. His collaborations include Eric Whittington and the formation of the Guarneri Jazz Quartet (active 1974–2020). Guarneri’s work extends beyond performance to advocacy for Independent Music Community Support , emphasizing economic justice and safety nets for jazz artists.

Alexandra Huang-KokinaView profile

Research Fellow

• Interdisciplinary Music and Literature Studies
• Digital Humanities
• Intermediality Studies
• +4 more

Alexandra Huang-Kokina is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) and affiliated with the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures at the University of Edinburgh. Her work bridges literature, music, and digital humanities through interdisciplinary frameworks such as intermediality studies and performance theory. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Comparative Literature & Music, University of Edinburgh (2023) Master of Arts in Piano Performance, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (2020) Master of Science in English Literature and Modernism, University of Edinburgh (2018) Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Literatures, National Taiwan University (2015) Research focuses on AI and multimedia arts intersections, intermediality studies, digital humanities, and performance theory. She explores themes like female pianism, affective transmediation, and the dialectical relationship between music and text. Her publications span avant-garde performance, intermedial analysis, and affect theory, with a forthcoming monograph on piano novels under contract with Palgrave Macmillan. Recent projects include the 'Creative Digital Dynamics' concert series, blending classical piano trios with generative AI, and collaborations on AI-driven opera innovations. Ministry of Education Scholarship National Science and Technology Council Fellowship Associate Fellowship, AdvanceHE Alexandra has taught undergraduate courses in English Literature and postgraduate programs at Edinburgh Futures Institute. She mentors students through initiatives like Sutton Trust and Students as Change Agents (SAChA), integrating social impact into academic practice.

Robert ShollView profile

Professor

• Twentieth-Century Music
• Twenty-First-Century Music
• French Organ Music
• +9 more

Professor Robert Sholl is a faculty member at the University of West London's London College of Music and teaches at the Royal Academy of Music. His expertise spans twentieth- and twenty-first-century music , spirituality in composition , and artistic research , with a focus on improvisation and somatic techniques like the Feldenkrais Method. Education: Melbourne, Sorbonne, King's College London Key research: Messiaen's theology, spectral music, film score analysis His recent publications include a critical biography of Olivier Messiaen (Reaktion, 2024) and contributions to The Oxford Handbook to Spectralism . He has organized conferences at the Southbank Centre and served as a jury member for the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Awards (2021). As an organist and improviser , he has performed at Notre-Dame de Paris and contributed to silent film scores, including The Phantom of the Opera unmasking scene. He is a council member of the Guild of Church Musicians and sits on the Royal College of Organists' academic board.

Simone SpagnoloView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Interdisciplinary Arts
• Music-Theatre
• Experimental Opera
• +3 more

Dr. Simone Spagnolo is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for BMus/MMus Composition at the London College of Music (University of West London). As a composer, academic, and interdisciplinary artist, his work merges musical composition with narrative, theatre, philosophy, and performance art, specializing in music-theatre, graphic scores, and experimental opera. He has composed chamber-scale spectacles like Even you, lights, cannot hear me and Faust, Alberta , earning starred reviews. Key Venues : Royal Festival Hall, Stanford University, Liszt Academy, Tete-a-Tete Festival, and Janacek Academy Research Interests : Interdisciplinarity in performing arts, wearable graphic scores, irrationality in artistic assessment Academic Contributions : Spagnolo has published in Studies in Theatre and Performance and Studies in Musical Theatre , focusing on music-theatre aesthetics and educational philosophies. His compositions have won multiple AASO Composition Prizes (2006–2009) and the Recital Music Composition Prize (2011). Notable Collaborations : Works with Arioso Furioso Trio (e.g., La Confessione di Yoshiko Shioda ), Gabriele Baldocci ( Mr Baldocci ), and Trinity Laban Conservatoire’s Harp Department. Upcoming 2025 projects include La Luna nel Pozzo for ten violas and Ellittico, di Beffe e Elegie at St Pancras Clock Tower.

Tony BouttéView profile

Professor

• Opera
• Vocal Performance
• Baroque Music
• +3 more

Tony Boutté is a Professor of Music at Sam Houston State University , specializing in Voice . A renowned tenor, he has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. Education: BA from Louisiana Tech University, MM from Eastman School of Music, and DMA from University of Maryland. Research and Performance Interests span Baroque opera , contemporary vocal works , and experimental music . He co-directs the baroque ensemble ARCANUM and leads New American Voices , promoting new compositions for voice. Notable Performances include the lead in Douglas Cuomo’s Savage Winter (2018) and recordings of works by Fauré, Boismortier, and Philip Glass. His discography includes over 20 albums, blending historical and avant-garde styles. Collaborations with ensembles like Les Arts Florissants and Washington Bach Consort highlight his international reach. Upcoming projects include the 2024 release of Savage Winter and a workshop on ornamentation at the National Opera Association Conference.

Juan GarzaView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Vocal Performance
• Opera
• Music Theater
• +2 more

Juan Garza is an Adjunct Professor of Voice in the School of Music at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), joining the faculty in fall 2024. He concurrently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Lone Star College-Kingwood and as Musikdirigent for the Houston Saengerbund, Houston's oldest musical society. His academic background includes: Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Houston (studied under Dr. Timothy Jones) Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Stephen F. Austin State University (instructed by Dr. Scott LaGraff) Garza's professional focus centers on vocal arts, with expertise spanning classical opera, contemporary music theater, and oratorio performance. His research interests emphasize practical vocal pedagogy, operatic interpretation, and the integration of historical performance practices in modern productions. He actively bridges scholarly knowledge with stage experience through his dual teaching and performance roles. His professional accolades include: Stephen F. Austin State University Concerto/Aria Competition winner Four-time Texoma Regional NATS auditions finalist Second place in El Paso Society of Musicians for the Future Young Musicians Competition As an educator, Garza mentors students who consistently achieve exceptional recognition, including UIL State Solo and Ensemble Superior Ratings, Texas All-State Choir placements, Tommy Tune Awards, Greater Houston NATS victories, admission to the Houston Grand Opera Bauer Family High School Voice Studio, and participation in national Broadway tours. His teaching philosophy integrates vocal technique with dramatic interpretation across diverse repertoire. Garza maintains active engagement with the Houston Saengerbund as Musikdirigent, contributing to Houston's cultural landscape through choral leadership while balancing his academic responsibilities across two institutions.

Traian IchimView profile

Associate Professor

• performing arts
• cultural management
• theater history
• +1 more

Traian Ichim is an Associate Professor at the Department of Musical Performance and Pedagogy within the Faculty of Music at Transilvania University of Brașov. His work bridges performing arts, cultural management, theater history, and musicology, with a focus on Romanian and Bessarabian operatic traditions. Current affiliation: Faculty of Music, Transilvania University of Brașov Academic rank: Associate Professor Research interests center on the intersection of opera, cultural management, and historical analysis. He investigates: 20th-century opera performance innovations Historical development of the opera genre Cultural exchanges between Romanian Principalities and Austria Bessarabian lyrical theater figures His publications highlight trends in opera studies , emphasizing historical contexts , Bessarabian cultural influences , and cross-regional musical connections . Despite no listed scientific awards, his work contributes to understanding Romanian and Eastern European performing arts traditions.

• Classical Western Music Interpretation
• Musicology
• Orchestral Conducting
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Lale Huseynova is a Professor at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Musicology. She holds a PhD in Music from A. Huseyinzade Azerbaijan State University of Civilization and Fine Arts, complemented by dual Bachelor's degrees from Azerbaijan State Conservatory in Piano/Organ and String Instruments, and a Master's in String Instrument Interpretation from Uzeyir Hacibeyli Baku Music Academy. Her research focuses on: Interpretation techniques in Classical Western Music Musicological analysis of Eastern-Western synthesis Violin pedagogy and performance traditions Cultural dimensions of orchestral conducting She explores cross-cultural musical dialogues, particularly in violin literature and ethnomusicology. Her publications demonstrate concentrated work in violin performance analysis (50%), cultural musicology (30%), and music education (20%), with increasing focus on East-West synthesis in contemporary repertoire since 2018. Awards include: 2025: Eğitimin Yüzyılı (Kastamonu İl Milli Eğitim) 2024: Klasik Dönem Yorumlama Başarı Ödülü (Mozart Akademi) 2022: Plaket (Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı) 2015: Kristal Ödül (Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi) She actively advises graduate students with 14 completed supervisions since 2014, predominantly in violin performance analysis, folk music studies, and music education. Current students include researchers investigating Safranbolu wedding music and Izmir Köy Enstitüleri's music traditions. She directs departmental ensembles and frequently performs in faculty recitals, including 31 artistic events since 2015 featuring violin resitals and chamber music collaborations.

• Musicology
• Classical Turkish Music Interpretation
• Music Education
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Sıtkı Akarsu is a full-time Professor at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Musicology, where he also serves as Department Chair. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Yüzüncü Yıl University (2015) and Atatürk University (2014), an M.Sc. in Educational Sciences from Kafkas University (2007), and a B.A. in Musicology from Atatürk University (2002). His research explores Musicology , Classical Turkish Music Interpretation , and Music Education , with emphasis on pedagogical methodologies, cultural preservation, and ethnomusicology. Akarsu's work bridges traditional Turkish music forms with contemporary educational frameworks. Publication analysis reveals a focus on music pedagogy , cultural heritage , and performance analysis , particularly examining Turkish operas, folk traditions, and curriculum design. His recent works prioritize interdisciplinary approaches linking musicology with linguistics, sociology, and educational policy. Scientific Awards: TÜBİTAK Project Incentive Award (2024) Golden Pen & Golden Human Award (2024) Jury Honor Award in Minstrel Competitions (2005) National Championships in Turkish Folk Music (2003) He mentors 9 Master's students in projects spanning Turkish folk music analysis, instrument craftsmanship, and regional ethnomusicology. Grants include 11 projects, notably TÜBİTAK-funded initiatives like OKULLARI DEĞER-LENDİRELİM (2023) promoting music in value education. Akarsu leads the Musicology Department's research teams and coordinates cultural events, including international music festivals.

Manuela RandlingerView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Harp Performance
• Music Education
• Orchestral Studies
• +3 more

Prof. Manuela Randlinger is an Adjunct Professor of Harp at the College for Music and Art , Folkwang University of the Arts, Essen. She studied harp at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Musikhochschule Würzburg, graduating with artistic and pedagogical diplomas in 2001 and a concert diploma in 2004. Her career spans orchestral performance, solo work, and chamber music collaborations. Faculty: 1 (College for Music and Art) Department: Harp Research and Teaching Interests: Her work focuses on harp pedagogy, performance techniques, and interdisciplinary musical collaborations. She has held teaching positions at Robert-Schumann-Hochschule Düsseldorf, Orchester-Zentrum Dortmund, and Folkwang University since 2013, with a current professorial appointment from winter semester 2024|25. Performance Career: Randlinger was a leading orchestral harpist with the Wuppertal Symphony Orchestra from 2002, a member of Bayreuth Festival Orchestra since 2015, and has contributed to numerous recordings. She performs regularly as a soloist with prestigious German symphony and opera orchestras.

Dirk D’AseView profile

Professor

• Music Composition
• Orchestral Music
• Traditional African Music

Dirk D’Ase is a Professor at the Faculty of Music of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. He studied composition under renowned composers Luciano Berio, Friedrich Cerha, and Krzysztof Penderecki. Education: Composition studies under Berio, Cerha, and Penderecki. D’Ase’s research and compositional work is deeply influenced by his extensive travels and research into traditional Southeast African music. His portfolio includes operas, orchestral works, and chamber music that integrate cross-cultural elements. Notable commissions include works for the Vlaamse Opera, the Vienna Musikverein, and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. His recent articles and compositions focus on contemporary opera , symphonic and instrumental arrangements , and interdisciplinary music blending scientific themes (e.g., Einstein in Amerika ) with avant-garde classical forms. Awards include the Wiener Symphoniker Kompositionsstipendium for his cello concerto. Scientific Awards: Wiener Symphoniker Kompositionsstipendium (2003) D’Ase has held key roles such as Composer-in-Residence at the Wiener Musikverein and contributed to major festivals like the Bregenzer Festspiele. His work bridges modern classical composition with global musical traditions .

Shawn SpicerView profile

Lecturer

• Trumpet Performance
• Orchestral Music
• Chamber Music
• +2 more

Shawn Spicer is a Lecturer in Trumpet at Western University's Don Wright Faculty of Music, Department of Music Performance Studies. Active as a professional trumpet player and educator since 1990, he has performed with orchestras across Canada, including serving as principal trumpet of Orchestra London Canada (1999-2014) and currently as principal trumpet of the London Symphonia. Spicer's career spans chamber music collaborations with ensembles like True North Brass, Trillium Brass, and Foothills Brass, with festival appearances in Ottawa, Aspen, Santa Fe, and Bamfield. In the early music domain, he has played with renowned groups such as Tafelmusik, Toronto Consort, and Opera Atelier. He maintains a multifaceted performance career including regular appearances at the Stratford Festival in musicals and onstage roles. As an educator, he previously taught at the Canadian Forces School of Music (1991-1998) before joining Western University in 2002. Performance Specializations: Orchestral trumpet, chamber music, early music Teaching Roles: Lecturer at Western University, former instructor at Canadian Forces School of Music Ensemble Affiliations: London Symphonia, True North Brass, Trillium Brass, Foothills Brass Festival Participation: Ottawa, Aspen, Santa Fe, Bamfield, Stratford Festival

Mark Christopher LutzView profile

Professor

• Classical Percussion
• Marimba and Vibraphone Performance
• Timpani
• +4 more

Mark Christopher Lutz is a Professor of Classical Percussion and Timpani at the University of Music Würzburg, where he has led the Percussion Department and directed the Percussion-Studio since 1993. A graduate of Northwestern University (B.Mus., M.Mus.), he earned a Meisterklassendiplom with a DAAD scholarship. His career includes solo performances with orchestras like the Queensland Symphony Orchester and leadership roles in international percussion education. Education : Bachelor and Master of Music from Northwestern University, Meisterklassendiplom via DAAD Fellowship Roles : Professor at University of Music Würzburg, Percussion Department Head, Masterclass Organizer Lutz specializes in classical percussion pedagogy, marimba/vibraphone performance, and timpani techniques. His creative work spans compositions for theater productions (e.g., "The Bacchae," "Antigone") and film scores like "The Lottery Rose." He also pioneers percussion improvisation for lectures and dance collaborations. His students, including Nikolai Siebenhaar (1. Preis, Nuremberg Percussion Competition) and Joshua Perret (Bayreuth Festival performer), consistently win awards and secure positions in top orchestras. The Percussion Department under his leadership offers state-of-the-art facilities, including seven dedicated percussion rooms with marimbas, vibraphones, timpani, and drum kits. Scientific Awards : DAAD Scholarship 1. Preis, Musikalische Akademie Würzburg Competition 1. Preis, ABC Young Performers Competition (Australia, 1990) Lutz's "Percussion Around the World Vol. 1" CD showcases his global influence. Notable collaborations include masterclasses with Eric Sammut (Paris), Marinos Tranoudakis (Athens State Opera), and Simone Rubino (Italy). He has held solo recitals and composed for projects like "Natural Fur" with Robert Cürlis.

• Popular Music Education
• Percussion Performance
• Music Ensemble Practice
• +3 more

Johannes Hornberger serves as a Lecturer for school ensemble practice in the field of practice and communication of popular music at the University of Music Würzburg, where he has held this position since 2010. He is also a doctoral candidate in the program "Design and Recognition - Competence Building in Artistic Subjects and School Departments" sponsored by the Hanns Seidel Foundation in collaboration with LMU Munich and FAU Erlangen. Hornberger completed his drum and percussion studies at the Dinkelsbühl vocational music school (2003-2005) with instructors Joachim Sponsel and Claus Hessler, participating in master classes with renowned musicians including Dom Famularo and David Garibaldi. He earned his qualification for artistic teaching of music at grammar schools with a percussion specialization at the University of Music Würzburg (2005-2011), while simultaneously pursuing additional music studies (DM) and music teacher (DML) qualifications with Prof. Mark Lutz (2010-2012). His academic focus centers on the intersection of popular music performance and educational methodology, particularly examining how aesthetic experience spaces can be staged within practical music-based approaches to popular music education. His doctoral research explores innovative frameworks for integrating contemporary music practices into formal educational settings, with particular attention to ensemble work as a vehicle for meaningful musical engagement. Beyond his university responsibilities, Hornberger maintains an active presence in the broader music education community as a lecturer and workshop leader at the music academies in Hammelburg and Jeunesses Musicales Germany in Weikersheim. He also sustains a professional performance career as a percussionist, timpanist, and drummer in various opera, musical, and theater productions, currently performing with the group Funkstreet.