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Jonathan Allentoff is an accomplished conductor, composer, performer, and educator affiliated with the Eastman Community Music School. He serves as music director for multiple orchestras, including the Brockport Symphony, Greece Community, and Temple Beth El Orchestras, and holds leadership roles such as President of the Greece Performing Arts Society and co-founder of the Los Angeles Inception Orchestra. Education: Master of Arts (Stony Brook University), Bachelor of Science (SUNY Brockport) Key Roles: Conductor, composer, strings instructor, clinician His research and artistic contributions focus on the cultural impact of community orchestras and the interdisciplinary intersection of music, technology, and education. Notably, he created the "Music of the Soul" Selichot Service and composed scores for theatrical productions like Love Letters from the Cold War . Allentoff actively participates in professional organizations including APME, ASCAP, ASMAC, ASTA, CODA, NAfME, and NYSSMA. He received the Dr. Deborah C. Hecht Award for his thesis on community orchestras and has conducted and performed globally with ensembles such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Opera House.

• Klezmer Music
• Hebraic Liturgical Music
• Music Composition
• +2 more

Chaojun Yang is a renowned pianist and educator whose career spans international performance and teaching. Currently pursuing a Doctoral of Musical Arts (DMA) at the Eastman School of Music under Douglas Humpherys, she teaches Secondary Piano lessons at the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music. Yang has performed globally, including at prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Shanghai Grand Theater, and has received accolades like the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. Education: Interlochen Arts Academy (2013), Bard College (B.M. and B.A. in Piano Performance and French Studies), Juilliard School (M.M. in Piano Performance) Teaching Roles: Morse Artist Teaching Fellow at Juilliard, Teaching Assistant at Juilliard, and lecturer at Eastman/University of Rochester Her research interests focus on Piano Performance , Artistic Expression , and Music Pedagogy , emphasizing the development of inner artistry and life-enhancing habits through music. Yang’s scientific awards include notable honors for musical excellence. Piano Pedagogy: Concentration on liberating student creativity and public expression

• Piano Performance
• Chamber Music
• Music Education
• +3 more

Professor Monika Hennemann holds the Professor of Music position at Cardiff University's School of Music and serves as International Dean for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences . She co-directs the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research into Opera and Drama (CIRO) . A scholar with expertise in musicology, cultural history, linguistics, and translation, her research spans German- and English-speaking worlds from the late 18th century to contemporary music , focusing on 19th-century opera , Lieder and performance practice , and the works of Mendelssohn, Liszt, and Webern . Education : Johannes Gutenberg-Universität (Germany), Florida State University (US) International Engagement : Negotiates partnerships with institutions across US, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia, including oversight of collaborations with South China Normal University and Singapore's Raffles Institutions Her research interests center on intercultural theater , particularly Western opera's adaptation in the East, and the theatrical performance history of Liszt's St Elizabeth oratorio. She explores libretto studies , musical adaptation , and 19th-century cultural transfer through works like her monograph Felix Mendelssohn’s Opera Projects in the Cultural Context of German Opera and Libretto History (2020). Scientific Awards include the Music & Letters Research Grant (twice) and shortlisting for the Ruth A. Solie Award from the American Musicological Society. She has presented at major conferences like the American Musicological Society , Royal Musical Association , and Gesellschaft für Musikforschung in Germany. As a professional translator and Goethe Institut examiner , she has lectured internationally and contributed to BBC Proms , ORF , and Deutsche Welle broadcasts. Her teaching portfolio covers repertoire studies , gender in music , and German language for musicians , with supervision available for interdisciplinary postgraduate research.

• Musicology
• Cultural History
• 19th-Century Opera
• +7 more

Lara Maleen Kipp is a part-time Lecturer in Scenography and Theatre within the Department of Theatre, Film, and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University. As an early career researcher and practitioner, she integrates industry experience from Vivienne Westwood Studios and the Salzburg Opera Festival into her academic work, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through cultural and gender studies research. Her educational background includes: PhD in Theatre and Performance from Aberystwyth University (2016), thesis: "The Scenographic Sublime: An Aesthetic Analysis of Howard Barker's Work 1998-2011" Master’s degree in Practising Theatre & Performance Joint BA (Hons) in Scenography & Theatre Design and Drama & Theatre Studies Kipp's research centers on visual and spatial dimensions of theatre, analyzing scenography, voice, and contemporary European performance. She investigates how costume and stage design construct identity through gender performativity and iconicity in fashion, with seminal work on Howard Barker's treatment of death, violence, and domesticity, extended to contemporary explorations of Eurovision's political staging and queer desire in Welsh drama. Her publication trajectory (2017-2025) evolved from Barker-focused analyses (2017-2018) to broader cultural critiques addressing Eurovision's national representation, gender performativity in "naked" dresses, and queer politics in Welsh theatre (2023-2025). This demonstrates consistent thematic progression from textual analysis to real-world political and identity applications in international performance contexts. While no specific advising roles or grants are documented, Kipp maintains active scholarly engagement through publications with Intellect, De Gruyter, Palgrave Macmillan, and media contributions like her 2023 Eurovision commentary, indicating robust academic-practitioner integration.

• Scenography
• Contemporary European Theatre
• Voice and Performance
• +3 more

Tony Baker is a Professor of Trombone at the University of North Texas (UNT) College of Music. He previously served as Assistant Professor of Trombone at Ohio University and Visiting Assistant Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at Kent State University. His primary affiliations include the Dallas Opera Orchestra and the UNT Faculty Brass ensemble. He holds degrees from the University of Minnesota and the University of Central Arkansas. Education: University of Minnesota University of Central Arkansas Known internationally for trombone performance, Baker has soloed at major festivals including the International Trombone Festival in Birmingham, UK (2007), and performed with ensembles such as the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and Woody Herman Band. His jazz work includes recordings with Sounds of Blackness (Grammy-nominated album Time for Healing ) and leadership roles in jazz education. Awards: 1991 Music Teachers National Association Wurlitzer Collegiate Artist National Competition (First Place) Baker’s teaching spans academia and jazz workshops, including roles at UNT’s Jazz Combo Workshop and Yellowstone Jazz Camps. He has hosted international festivals and collaborated with institutions like the Royal Northern College of Music and Oberlin Conservatory. Professional memberships include the Dallas Opera Orchestra and Appalachian Trombone Quartet. His current leave (Fall 2024) highlights ongoing scholarly engagement.

• Brass
• Instrumental Studies
• Jazz Studies
• +3 more

Alison Calhoun is an Associate Professor of French and Italian and Adjunct Associate Professor of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance at Indiana University Bloomington. She serves as Director of Graduate Studies for French/Francophone Studies. Her research focuses on Early Modern French Literature and Drama, with expertise in Montaigne Studies, Theatre History, Opera/Dance History, and the History of Emotions. She holds a Ph.D. (2009) and B.A. (2002) in French and Voice from Johns Hopkins University. Her scholarship explores intersections between literature, performance, and material culture. Key works include Montaigne and the Lives of the Philosophers (2015) and a forthcoming book on Technologies of the Passions on the French Baroque Stage , examining how stage machinery influenced emotional expression in early modern drama. Awards include the Trustees Teaching Award (2015-16) and fellowships from ACLS and the Wenner-Gren Foundation. Dr. Calhoun teaches courses on French literature, drama, and interdisciplinary studies, including Early Modern French Drama and the Arts and French Literature and Music . Her research highlights how early modern scientific and technological innovations shaped artistic and emotional expression.

• Early Modern French Literature
• Theatre History
• Opera and Dance History
• +3 more

Clare M. Wilkinson is a Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Washington State University Vancouver. She holds a BA from Durham University and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on material culture, craft specialities, and labor in artistic industries, with particular emphasis on Hindi film production and Indian craftsmanship. She has authored/co-edited books such as Embroidering Lives , Stardom in Contemporary Hindi Cinema , and Critical Craft . Her work bridges anthropology with media studies, exploring how artisans and designers navigate creative processes within globalized economies. Dr. Wilkinson teaches courses on global media, cultural theory, and material culture. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Lucknow and Mumbai, examining embroidery industries and film costume production. Her research highlights underappreciated labor in media industries and the socio-cultural dimensions of craft. She is an Associate of the London College of Music and has collaborated with institutions like the University of Westminster. Key research areas: Craft anthropology, Hindi film aesthetics, labor in media production Publications span journals like Bioscope , Visual Anthropology Review , and Anthropological Quarterly Graduate supervision includes studies on Arab-American identity, Japanese fashion communities, and Bombay soap opera production Her upcoming projects include a monograph on Hindi film production design and continued exploration of creative economies in South Asia.

• Cultural Anthropology
• Media Production Cultures
• Craft Specialities
• +3 more

Gabriela Cruz is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Michigan, where she has been since 2012. She holds affiliations with the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia and focuses on opera studies, 19th-century music history, music aesthetics, and the intersection of music with technology and film. Prior to U-M, she taught at Tufts University, the New University of Lisbon, and the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Her research explores topics such as phantasmagoria in opera, the role of opera under totalitarian regimes, and the remediation of grand opera. Notable works include analyses of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman and studies on Portuguese musical icon Amália Rodrigues. Cruz has contributed to scholarly debates on composers like Meyerbeer and Offenbach, emphasizing their cultural impact and historical contexts. Her publications reflect a thematic focus on music’s relationship with politics, technology, and cultural identity, evident in works like Lisboa, terra dos sorrisos (2020) and Grand Illusion (2020). Cruz has also engaged with media studies through analyses of Disney’s engagement with bel canto traditions and the role of gesture in operatic performance.

• Music History
• Nineteenth-Century Music
• Opera Studies
• +4 more

Caroline O’Dwyer is a mezzo-soprano and vocal lecturer at the University of Rhode Island, specializing in operatic, concert, and art song performance. She is completing a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) at the University of Connecticut, where she studies with Meredith Ziegler. Her expertise spans German Lieder, opera roles, and vocal pedagogy. Education: D.M.A., Voice Performance, University of Connecticut (in progress) M.A., Eastman School of Music (2013) B.M., University of Connecticut (2010) Performance Highlights: Notable performances include alto soloist in Mendelssohn’s Elijah with the Waterbury Chorale, roles in Cendrillon , Le nozze di Figaro , and Hansel and Gretel , and European recitals in Germany praised for 'high virtuosity and drama' by Fränkische Landeszeitung . Awards: 2018 NATS Artist Award National Semi-Finalist 2013 Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition Finalist 2010 UConn Concerto Competition Winner Teaching: Accepting voice students, focusing on classical vocal technique and repertoire.

• Operatic Performance
• Art Song Interpretation
• Classical Vocal Music
• +3 more

Benedikte Sofie Ribe is an Assistant Professor (50% position) at the Department of Classical Music and Music Education, University of Agder. Her primary role involves vocal pedagogy and fostering artistic autonomy in students. She holds degrees from the University of Agder, Franz Liszt Academy of Music (Budapest), and Barratt Due, and has trained under renowned vocalists like Leah Frey Rabine. Her artistic career spans operatic performances (e.g., Tosca, Carmen) and collaborations with composers like Helge Iberg on contemporary works. Ribe actively engages in interdisciplinary projects, including the chamber opera Det Lille Livet and the performance Sceneinflammation , emphasizing experiential learning for students. Research & Collaborations Her work bridges classical and contemporary music, focusing on vocal technique, artistic development, and performance psychology. Collaborations include projects with the Oslo Academy of Arts and the Norwegian Academy of Music. Notable publications (2022–2025) explore topics like opera history, AI in music preparation, and artistic self-agency. Awards: Amalienborg Prize, Kristiansand Cultural Prize for Young Artists, and Young Talents Soloist Prize Key Projects: Development of Det Lille Livet with Helge Iberg; Sceneinflammation performance series Grants: Supported by UiA and external arts partnerships Labs/Teams: Leads singing pedagogy initiatives and contributes to UiA’s performance-based research clusters.

• Vocal Pedagogy
• Classical Music Performance
• Opera Studies
• +3 more

Rick Rowley is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's Butler School of Music (BSOM), specializing in Vocal Coaching, Collaborative Piano, and Opera Performance. His roles include teaching German/French/American art song, musical theater, and diction for collaborative pianists. He performs extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist, with recordings on the UT Longhorn label and collaborations with artists like Marianne Gedigian and Prof. Darlene Wiley. His work spans over 50 theater productions as actor, director, and musical director, including roles in opera (e.g., Die Fledermaus) and children’s theater (The Firebird). Rowley’s expertise extends to piano mechanics through his prior experience in a piano rebuilding shop, enhancing his technical understanding of the instrument. He actively participates in UT Symphony Orchestra performances and broadcasts, and has pioneered video performances integrating technology with live music. His interdisciplinary approach blends performance, education, and historical context, reflected in courses on musical theater history and vocal collaboration. While no specific grants or awards are listed, his contributions to pedagogy and performance innovation are central to his profile. He advises students in vocal and collaborative piano studies, though specific advisee names are not mentioned.

• Vocal Pedagogy
• Collaborative Piano
• Art Song Repertoire
• +6 more

Ebonee Thomas is an Assistant Professor of Flute at the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music, where she also maintains a teaching studio. She holds significant orchestral roles, including Second Flute and Piccolo for The Dallas Opera, and has served as Principal Flute for the Knoxville Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, and Houston Symphony. Her summer engagements include the Central City Opera in Colorado and guest principal roles with orchestras nationwide. She is a dedicated pedagogue, serving on the boards of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestras and National Advisory Board of the Memphis Youth Symphony Program, and chairs the Piccolo Committee for the National Flute Association. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Music from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music, followed by a four-year fellowship with the New World Symphony. Her performance highlights include collaborations with ensembles like the Austin Chamber Music Society, Voices of Change, and ensembleNEWSRQ, which champions underrepresented composers. She has performed globally, including at the Elbphilharmonie (Germany) and Musiikkitalo (Finland). Notable projects include Star Wars in Concert! Orchestra tours and the historic Re-Collective Orchestra’s sold-out Hollywood Bowl performance. Her musical interests span classical and contemporary works, with a focus on chamber music and pedagogy. Awards include a finalist placement in the Austin Arts Awards for her interpretation of Valerie Coleman’s Danza de la Mariposa.

• Flute Performance
• Music Education
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Annelies Andries is an Assistant Professor of Musicology at the Department of Media and Culture Studies, Utrecht University , specializing in 19th-century opera, music historiography, and intersections between music, politics, war, and gender. She co-supervises the PhD project 'Normalizing War-as-Entertainment' and leads international study groups on Music, Sound, and Trauma . Education: B.A. in vocal performance (Royal Conservatory, Antwerp), PhD (Yale University, 2018) Postdoctoral research: Magdalen College, Oxford (2018-2021) Current affiliations: Utrecht University, Institute for Cultural Inquiry, and participant in UU's Institutions for Open Societies (IOS) initiative. Her research explores music's role during military conflicts , focusing on trauma, gender, and transnational dissemination. Key projects include a Junior Humboldt Fellowship (2023-2024) study on German opera translations during the Napoleonic Wars and collaborative work on theatrical mobility during 1750-1850 conflicts. Publications span journals like Cambridge Opera Journal , French Historical Studies , and edited volumes. Recent articles analyze French opera’s imperial narratives, 19th-century vocal practices, and war’s cultural representation in music. She is preparing a book on elite identity in Napoleonic operatic culture (1799-1815). She teaches courses on: Music analysis Western music history (post-1600) Dutch music culture Music historiography 18th-century opera

• Musicology
• Music Historiography
• Opera
• +8 more

Shannon Hiebert is a Sessional Instructor at the University of Alberta's Department of Music, specializing in Opera Workshop Music Direction, Lyric Diction, and Vocal Coaching. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba and completed graduate studies in Collaborative Piano, Vocal Coaching, and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan. Her career spans prestigious institutions like the Banff Centre and the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy (COSI). Education: Bachelor of Music (University of Manitoba), Graduate Studies (University of Michigan) Roles: Collaborative Pianist, Vocal Coach, Conductor, Music Director Her research and teaching focus on lyric diction techniques, vocal coaching methodologies, and music direction in operatic and musical theatre contexts. Notable achievements include nominations for the Sterling Award and Western Canada Music Award, alongside awards for commissioned work performances. Shannon has served as Music Director for productions such as Suor Angelica in Italy, Spring Awakening , and A Little Night Music . She has collaborated with renowned artists like Tracy Dahl and Measha Brueggergosman, and toured with Broadway productions including Jersey Boys and Wicked . Awards: Sterling Award Nomination (Outstanding Music Direction) Western Canada Music Award Nomination Unit Teaching Award (University of Alberta) Her teaching spans institutions such as the University of Manitoba, University of Toronto, and Calgary Opera's Artist Program. Her students have advanced to prestigious programs like the Canadian Opera Company and Tanglewood.

• Lyric Diction
• Vocal Coaching
• Music Direction
• +3 more

Nicholas Bannan is an Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia's School of Music, where he serves as Musical Director of The Winthrop Singers and Graduate Research Co-ordinator. He holds a doctorate from the University of Reading (2002) and has held roles such as Director of Music at Desborough School and former conductor of The Esterhazy Singers. His research spans evolutionary origins of music, vocalization, music in child development, and Alzheimer's treatment through singing. Key research interests include the evolutionary roots of music and language, choral direction, and innovative pedagogical systems like the Harmony Signing project. He has published on topics such as the role of music in Darwin's writings and the interplay between vocal techniques and expressivity. Awards: Fribourg Prize for Sacred Music (1986), Winston Churchill Fellowship (1992) Publications: Over 40 works, including 'Music, Language and Human Evolution' (2012) and recent studies on evolutionary models of vocal communication. He supervises doctoral projects on topics like Martin Luther's musical theories and the Noongar language preservation through song. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and well-being.

• Music Evolution
• Vocal Music
• Creativity
• +7 more