Find Academic Supervisors

Lin HeView profile

Associate Professor

• Violin Performance
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Performance
• +3 more

Lin He is an Associate Professor of Violin at the Louisiana State University School of Music and serves as the Associate Concertmaster of the Baton Rouge Symphony . He has performed extensively with major orchestras and in solo recitals across the U.S., China, and Canada, including Carnegie Hall appearances. Education & Training: Doctorate from Eastman School of Music under Zvi Zeitlin Studied with notable mentors including Steven Staryk and Sylvia Rosenberg Research & Performance Focus: Lin He specializes in Violin Performance , Chamber Music , and Orchestral Training . His work emphasizes cross-cultural collaborations and classical repertoire, including concertos by Mendelssohn, Sibelius, and Vivaldi. Notable Achievements: Laureate of the Padesta Solo Competition and ASTA Competition Summer festival engagements as both performer and educator Recent Scholarly Work: While his Google Scholar profile includes publications in Gifted Education and Literacy Interventions , these appear unrelated to his violin performance career. His musical contributions include a critically acclaimed CD of French Sonatas and upcoming releases with the Caladium Piano Trio.

Elizabeth Byrum LinnartzView profile

Lecturer

• Music Education
• Vocal Performance
• Music History
• +3 more

Elizabeth Byrum Linnartz is an Instructor of Music at Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. She specializes in voice pedagogy, performance, and interdisciplinary collaborations, including work with Duke Divinity School on music’s role in worship. Her teaching spans undergraduate and advanced vocal studies, while her performances blend classical repertoire with contemporary interdisciplinary projects. Education: D.M.A., University of North Carolina, Greensboro (2004) M.Mus., University of North Carolina, Greensboro (1980) B.A., Duke University (1978) Research & Performance Focus: Linnartz explores vocal technique, music history, and theological dimensions of music. She emphasizes diction, interpretation of German, French, and English art songs, and the intersection of music with corporate worship. Recent projects include Sunlight I Cannot See (a collaborative journey through desolation and hope) and performances of Britten’s Holy Sonnets of John Donne with Divinity faculty. Service & Leadership: She has served as Treasurer for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and adjudicated competitions at regional and national levels for over two decades. Her workshops focus on vocal technique and theological music interpretation. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include Duke Divinity School, NC Central University, and community choirs in Raleigh/Durham. She frequently partners with pianists and ensembles for recitals and large-scale works.

Elisabeth GustavsonView profile

Lecturer

• Music Education
• Piano Performance
• Language Acquisition
• +3 more

Elisabeth Gustavson is a Lecturer in the Music Department at Cal Poly Humboldt. She holds an Associate's degree from College of the Redwoods (2013) and a Bachelor's in Music with a TESL minor from Cal Poly Humboldt (2016, summa cum laude), and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Education. Her roles include teaching class piano and studio piano at Cal Poly Humboldt, music education at Redwood Christian School (grades 1-8), and maintaining a private piano studio. Elisabeth is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and holds National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) certification. She has served as a piano accompanist at College of the Redwoods and performs locally in chamber groups, as an accompanist, and as a solo pianist in university and community recitals. Her professional activities emphasize music education innovation and piano pedagogy, with a focus on integrating language acquisition principles into music instruction through her TESL background.

• Choral Music
• Music Education
• Vocal Performance
• +3 more

Jonathan E. L. Wall serves as Associate Professor and Director of Choral & Vocal Studies at Southwestern Adventist University since 2009, concurrently holding the position of Artistic Director for the Southwestern Music Festival. He founded the internationally acclaimed touring ensemble The University Singers in 2010, which has performed across five continents at venues including Westminster Abbey, Portsmouth Cathedral, and with symphony orchestras worldwide. His academic credentials include: Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Andrews University Bachelor of Music Education & Vocal Performance from Andrews University Professor Wall specializes in choral music education and conducting, with emphasis on cultural exchange through diverse repertoire and international collaborations. His work focuses on commissioning contemporary choral works from award-winning composers like Ēriks Ešenvalds and Kim André Arnesen, while developing ensembles that authentically represent global musical traditions. He champions music as a vehicle for cross-cultural dialogue and community engagement. Administratively, he chaired the Department of Music (2010-2017), established the Southwestern Recital Series (120+ concerts), created the Music Scholarship Program in 2011, and developed the Bachelor of Music Education curriculum. His leadership significantly expanded departmental enrollment and reputation through strategic recruitment initiatives. He directs The University Singers—known for its 14 diverse academic majors among members—and the Southwestern Chamber Orchestra, facilitating high-profile collaborations with Grammy winners, U.S. Embassies, and institutions like Andrews University and Oakwood University. These ensembles perform annually at the Southwestern Music Festival, featuring world-renowned soloists and composers.

• Music Performance
• Vocal Arts
• Classical Singing
• +3 more

Raminta Vaicekauskaitė is a Lecturer in the Singing Department at the Music Academy of Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania. Her primary affiliation with the institution is well-documented through her extensive performance record and departmental listings. Her research interests focus on Music Performance, Vocal Arts, Classical Singing, Choral Music, Opera Performance, and Music Education. These areas are reflected in her diverse performance portfolio spanning classical repertoire, contemporary Lithuanian compositions, and international works requiring multilingual proficiency. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a strong emphasis on Lithuanian cultural expression through music, particularly in patriotic and sacred compositions. Her work demonstrates expertise in both solo and ensemble performance contexts, with significant contributions to premiere performances of contemporary Lithuanian works while maintaining strong engagement with classical repertoire including Puccini operas and Orff's Carmina Burana. Her performance activities span multiple specialized areas including vocal technique development, cross-cultural musical interpretation, historical performance practice, and collaborative music-making. The diversity of her repertoire indicates both technical versatility and deep cultural engagement with Lithuanian musical heritage.

Beth DenischView profile

Professor

• Music Composition
• Contemporary Classical Music
• Counterpoint
• +2 more

Beth Denisch is a Professor in the Composition Department at Berklee College of Music, with affiliations in Berklee Online, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Screen Scoring. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University (1993) and has established herself as a prominent composer whose works have been performed worldwide at venues including Moscow's Concert Studio of Radio Kultura, Jordan Hall in Boston, and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York. Denisch's research interests focus on contemporary classical composition, counterpoint, feminist music theory, and music education. Her creative work frequently draws inspiration from literature and visual arts, with compositions inspired by authors like Henry James and Jeanette Winterson, and paintings by Maxfield Parrish. She has developed a distinctive compositional voice that blends traditional techniques with contemporary approaches, earning praise from critics including Bernard Holland of the New York Times who noted her 'fierce rhythmic patterns' and Anthony Tommasini of The Boston Globe who described her work as having 'personality and drive.' Her compositions show a consistent exploration of programmatic elements, often translating literary and visual concepts into musical form. The 'Phantasmagoria' series for string quartet demonstrates her mastery of contemporary string techniques while maintaining strong emotional resonance. Her work reflects both technical sophistication and deep engagement with feminist perspectives in music. Recipient of composer grants from American Composers Forum Composers Guild award for 'Motherwell Lorca's Bagpipe Lament' Ted Pease Excellence in Teaching Award from Berklee College of Music ASCAP composer and publisher member As an educator, Denisch plays a significant role in mentoring the next generation of composers at Berklee. She served as Conference Director for the Women, Feminist, and Music: Transforming Tomorrow Today Joint Conference in 2019, demonstrating her commitment to advancing gender equity in music. Her book 'Contemporary Counterpoint' published by Berklee Press/Hal Leonard has become an important educational resource. Denisch is active in several professional organizations including the International Alliance of Women in Music, Feminist Theory and Music, Gender Research in Music and Education, and Women's Philharmonic Advocacy.

Daniel KazezView profile

Professor

• Music Theory
• World Music
• Cello Performance
• +6 more

Daniel Kazez is a Professor of Music Theory, World Music, Cello, and Bass at Wittenberg University. As the Music Audition Coordinator, he plays a key role in the university's music program. His career spans international performance, research, and publications in music theory, pedagogy, and global musical traditions. Education : Bachelor of Music (Oberlin Conservatory), Master of Music (Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins), Doctor of Musical Arts (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor) Kazez's research focuses on rhythm pedagogy, gamelan music of Java/Bali, and urban folk traditions of Turkey/Greece. He has conducted fieldwork in India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, supported by grants from the Ohio Arts Council, Wray Foundation, and Lilly Foundation. His scholarly contributions include two influential books: The Rhythm Book and Rhythm Reading: Elementary Through Advanced Training (W.W. Norton), the latter being the most widely used rhythm textbook in the U.S. He also edited Imprints of India: A Brief Guide to Indian Music, Dance, and the Visual Arts . Scientific Awards : 1996 Matthies Award 1996-1997 University of Chicago/Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship Kazez has performed recitals across Europe, India, Morocco, Poland, Hungary, and Africa, including at prestigious venues like London's Manor House, Paris's Temple Victoire, and Rome's Il Pitigliani. He has given 25 talks at leading U.S. music schools and collaborated with institutions like the Bombay Film Orchestra.

Jean Bernard CerinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Haitian Classical Music
• Early Music
• Opera
• +3 more

Jean Bernard Cerin is an Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the Vocal Program at Cornell University's Department of Music within the College of Arts and Sciences, and a core faculty member of the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program. As a multifaceted artist-scholar, he produces and performs across film, recital, oratorio, opera, and folk music traditions, praised for his "burnished tone and focused phrasing" by the Chestnut Hill Local. His educational background includes a Doctorate from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory in Boston, and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Cerin's research centers on cultural reclamation through early Haitian classical music, notably via his Lisette Project which investigates the oldest Haitian Creole song 'Lisette quitté la plaine'. His work bridges ethnomusicology and performance practice, incorporating Haitian kont (folktales) and collaborations with living composers to expand Western classical traditions. He actively explores intersections between Caribbean folk traditions and contemporary classical repertoire, particularly in vocal performance contexts. His notable honors include: Philadelphia Musical Fund Society’s Career Advancement Award (2022) Gerard Souzay Prize for best performance of a French Mélodie (2018) As Vocal Program Director at Cornell, Cerin mentors emerging artists in early music and cross-cultural performance practices. His projects receive institutional support for documentary production and national touring, including screenings at Princeton, Yale, and the American Musicological Society Conference. He has developed curriculum examining Caribbean folk albums and identity reclamation in the United States. Cerin founded the Lisette Project (2021) for Haitian classical music research and Kuwento Mizik (2014), a musical duo specializing in Haitian folktale adaptations that won Best Performance of a Folk Song at the 2021 Canto Latino Cyber Challenge. Kuwento Mizik released their debut album 'Lua Nova' and performs at major venues including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with upcoming appearances at the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society.

Pia BrancaccioView profile

Professor

• Early Buddhist Art
• South Asian Visual Cultures
• Gandharan Art and Archaeology
• +7 more

Pia Brancaccio is Professor in the Department of Art and Art History at Drexel University's Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, where she teaches courses in the arts of South Asia and is responsible for the Asian Art Curriculum. She has established herself as a leading scholar in South Asian art history with particular expertise in Buddhist cave architecture and Gandharan art. Her educational background includes a PhD and MA from Istituto Universitario Orientale in Napoli, Italy. Prior to joining Drexel University, she held research positions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles, and served as a Whitney Fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Professor Brancaccio's research focuses on early Buddhist art and cross-cultural exchange in South Asia with regional emphasis on ancient Gandhara (Pakistan) and the Deccan Plateau (India). She has published extensively on Buddhist caves in Western Deccan, including her monograph The Buddhist Caves at Aurangabad (2010) and edited volume Living Rock (2013). Her recent work has expanded to ancient Sri Lanka and Indian Ocean exchange networks, reflecting her growing interest in transnational Buddhist connections. She has been a longstanding collaborator with the ISMEO-Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan, contributing significantly to our understanding of Gandharan Buddhism through co-edited works like Gandharan Buddhism: Art, Archaeology (2006). Analysis of her recent publications (2014-2020) reveals consistent scholarly engagement with rock-cut architecture across South Asia, particularly examining the connections between Buddhist sites in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Her work demonstrates increasing attention to transnational networks, examining how Buddhist art and practice traveled along both the Silk Road and alternative trade routes. A distinctive feature of her scholarship is the integration of archaeological evidence with art historical analysis to reconstruct religious practices and cultural exchanges. Professor Brancaccio serves on editorial boards of academic journals based in Europe and Asia and is frequently invited as a speaker, panelist, and collaborator by institutions globally. Her research has been supported by numerous national and international grants, reflecting the significance of her fieldwork conducted extensively across South Asia. She maintains active collaborations with international archaeological missions, particularly in Pakistan, and has contributed to major museum collections through her cataloging and interpretive work.

Carole HaberView profile

Professor

• Voice Performance
• Opera
• Bel Canto
• +2 more

Carole Haber serves as Professor of Voice at the New England Conservatory (NEC), holding the inaugural Wendy Shattuck Chair in Voice—the institution's first endowed faculty position in vocal studies, established in December 2009. Renowned for her mastery of Mozartean and Bel Canto repertoire, she has performed with leading orchestras under conductors including Robert Shaw, Christopher Hogwood, and Sarah Caldwell, earning acclaim from The New York Times , Opera News , and The Boston Globe . Education: BA, Crane School of Music SUNY/Potsdam MM, New England Conservatory (voice studies with Lynn Meyers and Helen Hodam) Specializing in classical vocal performance, Professor Haber's expertise centers on operatic interpretation with emphasis on Mozart's works and 19th-century Bel Canto technique. Her career highlights include premiering Daniel Pinkham’s The White Raven (1996) and Robert Kyr’s Passion According to Four Evangelists (recorded on New Albion label), alongside a 1997 Carnegie Hall debut in Brahms’s Requiem with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She remains active in concert and recital performances nationally. Awards: 1989 Eleanor Steber Music Foundation Award 1989 N. Meyer Baker Award Professor Haber has cultivated significant talent through her mentorship, with students securing positions at major opera institutions including Chicago Lyric Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Zurich Opera Studio, New York City Opera, Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Baroque, Glimmerglass Opera, and Carmel Bach Festival. Her pedagogical influence extends to programs at Tanglewood, Caramoor Festival, and Cincinnati Young Artist Program. Prior to NEC, she served on the faculty of Boston University, with recordings released on BGI and New Albion labels.

• Roman Drama
• Senecan Tragedy
• Neronian Literature
• +4 more

Dr. Erica Bexley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University. Her research focuses on Roman drama, particularly Senecan tragedy and Neronian literature, with a special interest in performance theory and textual interpretation. She holds a collaborative role in editing Roman Law and Latin Literature and has authored a monograph, Seneca's Characters , exploring fictional identity in Senecan plays. Her work bridges ancient literature with modern theoretical frameworks, examining themes like autonomy, exemplarity, and legal humanities. Education: Australia and U.S. (exact institutions unspecified) Previous Affiliations: University of Cambridge, Swansea University Research Interests: Roman Tragedy/Comedy, Stoic Philosophy, Neronian Age, Ancient Performance Culture Her outreach programs include school lectures on Seneca’s multifaceted role as philosopher, dramatist, and statesman, and the cultural dynamics of Neronian Rome. She advises graduate students in Latin literature and collaborates on projects analyzing Seneca’s influence on political theory across eras. Key publications include Seneca's Characters (2022) and edited volumes on Roman law-literature intersections. Her research spans Seneca’s Apocolocyntosis, Lucan’s Pharsalia, and the Octavia’s historical reenactments, with recent work on Plautus’ tragic afterlife.

Gordon HaramakiView profile

Associate Professor

• Musicology
• Baroque Music
• Classical Music History
• +4 more

Gordon Haramaki is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at San Jose State University (SJSU), serving as Graduate Coordinator and Music History Coordinator. He directs the Collegium Musicum, the university's early music ensemble, and was a founding member of Musica Humana, an Early Music Collective at UCLA. Additionally, he co-edits echo: a music-centered journal , an online interdisciplinary publication. Education: PhD in Musicology, University of California, Los Angeles (2008) MA in Musicology, UCLA (2000) BA in Music, UCLA (1998) Research Interests: His work focuses on late Renaissance and early Baroque music, particularly the works of Claudio Monteverdi. He explores intersections between music, text, and performance practices, with additional interests in film music, Japanese court music (gagaku), and American Musical Theater. Key themes include genre representation, embodiment in music, and interdisciplinary connections between music and other arts. Key Awards: Ciro Zoppo Research Fellowship (2001) for work on Nicholas Lanier Ingolf Dahl Award in Musicology (2005), sponsored by the American Musicological Society UCLA Distinguished Teaching Assistant Award (2004) Advising and Leadership: Haramaki emphasizes innovative teaching and student engagement, as reflected in his Distinguished Teaching Award. He advises on Baroque performance practices and coordinates graduate programs in music history. Through his direction of Collegium Musicum, he integrates historical research with live performance. His collaborative projects include founding Musica Humana and co-editing echo , fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. Labs/Teams: Directs SJSU's Collegium Musicum ensemble and collaborates with Bay Area early music groups like Philharmonia Baroque and San José Chamber Orchestra. His work bridges academic research and performance through initiatives like the Beethoven Center and Humanities & Arts Student Showcase.

Manuela TopalbegovicView profile

Lecturer

• Violin Performance
• Viola Performance
• Chamber Music
• +2 more

Manuela Topalbegovic serves as a Lecturer of Applied Music (Violin & Viola) in the Department of Music at Washington University in St. Louis. She is an accomplished violinist and violist actively performing with major ensembles including the Perseid String Quartet (as second violinist), Union Avenue Opera, Bach Society of St. Louis, and Winter Opera across the Saint Louis region. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Music from Webster University, where she received the Buder scholarship for gifted students under Yuly Iliashov Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a graduate string quartet assistantship under Benny Kim and Gregory Sandomirsky Specializing in string performance, her artistic focus spans solo recitals, chamber collaborations, and orchestral repertoire. Her pedagogical approach integrates technical mastery with expressive interpretation through teaching positions at the Community Music School of Webster University and Webster Groves Elementary Schools Strings Program. As an educator, she mentors students across private studios and institutional programs while maintaining an active performance career with regional orchestras including Kingsbury Ensemble, Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, and Paducah Symphony. Her collaborative work extends to frequent recitals with pianist Diana Umali and engagements with Salem Chamber Orchestra and Rosewood Ensemble.

Patricia PollettView profile

Professor

• Classical Music
• Chamber Music
• Viola Performance
• +3 more

Professor Patricia Pollett is a distinguished Casual Academic in the School of Music at The University of Queensland. Recognised as one of Australia's leading string teachers and performers, she specialises in viola and violin instruction. Her career spans international performances with ensembles like I Solisti Veneti and the White Halo Ensemble. Pollett holds qualifications from the University of Adelaide (BMus) and the Royal College of Music (ARCM). Her research focuses on Australian viola music and 20th-century ensemble works. Education: Bachelor of Music (BMus), University of Adelaide Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM), specialising in violin and viola Research & Performance Interests: Australian music for viola Twentieth-century chamber music Instrumental pedagogy Historical performance practices Performance Highlights: Member of the White Halo Ensemble and former member of Perihelion Collaborations with the Australian World Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and Griffith Trio World premiere performances of Andrew Ford's 'The Scattering of Light' Awards: Churchill Fellowship (studied with Peter Schidlof and Bruno Giuranna) Teaching & Advocacy: Lectures in violin and viola at UQ Viola technique workshops focusing on sound production and instrument setup Active in music education initiatives across Australia Ensembles & Teams: White Halo Ensemble (current) Australian World Orchestra (frequent collaborator) Aether Instrumental Quintet (2010-2013) Bangalow Festival Players

Nermeen MouftahView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sociocultural Anthropology
• Middle East Studies
• Islamic Literacy
• +5 more

Nermeen Mouftah is an Assistant Professor in Sociocultural Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Chicago , where she also teaches in the Global Middle East Studies and Religious Studies programs. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto , an MA from University College London , and a Graduate Diploma from the American University in Cairo . Prior to UIC, she served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University's Buffett Institute and as an Assistant Professor at Butler University. PhD, University of Toronto (Anthropology) MA, University College London (English Literature) Graduate Diploma, American University in Cairo (Arab and Islamic Civilizations) BA, University of Toronto, Trinity College Her research focuses on Muslim social interventions in development, humanitarianism, and care ethics, particularly their intersections with Christian, national, and international systems. Her 2024 book Read in the Name of Your Lord examines Islamic literacy campaigns in post-Mubarak Egypt. Current projects analyze Muslim approaches to child guardianship through fieldwork in Morocco and the U.S., while earlier work studied Pakistan's Eid al-Azha hide auctions and Egyptian NGO Islamic reform movements. Recent publications address cognitive dissonance in Islamic pedagogy , the paradox of orphan care in Islamic law, and scriptural reasoning across Abrahamic faiths. She co-edited a special issue centering Muslims in global humanitarian discourse. Though no specific awards are mentioned, her work has been published in International Journal of Middle East Studies , The Muslim World , and Contemporary Islam .