Find Academic Supervisors

David HorneView profile

Professor

• Composition
• Music Performance
• Artistic Research
• +3 more

David Horne is a Professor in Composition and Head of Graduate School at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) , holding a Personal Chair since 2008. He combines composition, performance, and education through his roles as director of the HARP (Hub for Artistic Research in Performance) , educator, and mentor. BMus (Curtis Institute of Music) PhD (Harvard University) Research interests span contemporary classical composition , artistic research methodologies , 20th-century symphonic analysis , and interdisciplinary music-visual collaborations . His works like Brontë Songs and Castle Rock engage with literary and architectural themes respectively, while Different Ghosts explores spectral concepts through clarinet quintet. Notable scientific awards include: BBC Young Musician of the Year 1988 (Piano Section) Funding from Vaughan Williams Foundation and Hinrichsen Foundation As an advisor, Horne has supervised 18 doctoral students to completion, focusing on topics ranging from performer-composer-instrument relationships to cinematic techniques in musical composition . He is currently co-authoring a monograph Music in Contradiction with Dr. Simon Clarke (2024 publication). HARP initiatives under his direction include international conferences and research lecture-recitals. He also serves as External Examiner for institutions including the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Ailbhe McDonaghView profile

Professor

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

Ailbhe McDonagh is a Professor of Cello at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), where she has taught since 2010. She is an internationally renowned cellist, composer, and recording artist, celebrated for her technical mastery and expressive interpretations. Her dual career combines solo performances at venues like the White House and festivals across Europe/USA, chamber collaborations with artists like John O’Conor and Lynda O’Connor, and leadership in ensembles such as the Ficino Ensemble and Trio Elatha. Education: MM (Master of Music) from Eastman School of Music BMusPerf (Bachelor of Music Performance) from RIAM Research & Composition: McDonagh’s compositional output exceeds 250 works, including pieces for solo cello, chamber ensembles, and orchestras. Her works are published by Boosey & Hawkes, ABRSM, and Hal Leonard. Notable compositions include Irish Four Seasons (2024 violin concerto), Bach: Complete Solo Cello Suites recording (2024), and It’s a Cello Thing pedagogical series. Awards & Recognition: Steinway & Sons recording label endorsement RTE Lyric FM CD of the Week (2012, 2020) Irish Examiner’s Top Albums of the Year (2020) Labs/Teams: Active with Ficino Ensemble (classical chamber group), Trio Elatha (Irish music crossover), and Anamus ensemble (for orchestral works).

Peter KatonaView profile

Lecturer

• Classical Guitar Performance
• Chamber Music
• Baroque Music
• +3 more

Peter Katona is a concert artist and lecturer in Guitar at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), specializing in classical and contemporary repertoire. He is a member of the renowned guitar duo 'the Katona Twins,' celebrated for performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the Philharmonie Berlin. Teaching Affiliation: Strings Department, RIAM Residencies: San Francisco Performances (2007–2011) Notable achievements include winning the Borletti-Buitoni Prize (2004) and collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott, and ensembles like the BBC Concert Orchestra. Their music has been featured in the TV series Fargo and Broadway's The River . CD Releases: Works by Scarlatti, Handel, Rodrigo, Albéniz, Piazzolla, and Manuel de Falla Grants and tours include a U.S. tour following their 1998 Concert Artists Guild Competition victory and a 2009 performance at the 'Night of the Proms' seen by 500,000 across Europe.

Áine Ní DhubhghaillView profile

Lecturer

• Irish Traditional Music
• Harp Performance
• Music Education
• +3 more

Áine Ní Dhubhghaill is a renowned Concert Harpist and Irish Harp lecturer at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), specializing in strings. She has performed globally, collaborating with orchestras like RTÉCO and RTÉNSO, and has accompanied notable figures including Seamus Heaney and Iarla Ó Lionáird. Her work focuses on advancing the harp’s prominence in Irish cultural heritage. She directed the International Harp Festival (An Chúirt Chruitireachta) from 2011–2016, leading to the TG4 Gradam Award for Cairde na Cruite. Her editorial contributions include Rogha na gCruitirí , a seminal Irish harp repertoire collection. Key roles: Chair of Cairde na Cruite and committee member of Cruit Éireann Harp Ireland Notable performances: World Harp Concert opening, state events for Queen Elizabeth II

David LancasterView profile

Associate Professor

• Music Composition
• Classical Music
• Orchestral Composition
• +3 more

Dr. David Lancaster is an Associate Professor of Composition at the School of the Arts, York St John University since 1994. His work spans over 100 original compositions performed globally, including orchestral, chamber, choral, and electronic pieces. He served as Composer in Residence at Charterhouse (funded by the Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust) and taught at Langley College and Amersham and Wycombe College. He leads the MA Composition programme and supervises PhD candidates in composition. Education: Bachelor's and Master's in Music Studies at University of York and University of Cambridge Research Interests: Composition techniques across genres Integration of electronic elements with traditional orchestration Collaborations with visual artists and choreographers Awards: Michael Tippett Award (1986) Leeds University/Black Dyke Award (2002) Roles: Musical Director of York Railway Institute Band Director of York's late Music concert series

Steven MeadView profile

Professor

• Brass Performance
• Music Education
• Euphonium Pedagogy
• +3 more

Steven Mead is a renowned Professor of Euphonium and Senior Tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where he has taught since 1989. His roles include chamber music coaching, conducting, and serving as Artistic Director of the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival and Bolsover International Brass Band Summer School. He holds a BA from Bristol University, ALCM (Associate of the London College of Music), and was honored as a Fellow of the RNCM in 2008. Dr. Mead’s research and performance focus on brass pedagogy, euphonium innovation, and cross-cultural collaborations. His work spans solo performances with orchestras worldwide, premiering over 500 works, and recordings on his Bocchino Music label. Notable achievements include winning four National Brass Band Championships at London’s Royal Albert Hall, two Euphonium Player of the Year titles, and Best Soloist in BBC’s Best of Brass (twice). He has led workshops globally, designed instruments with Besson, and pioneered criteria-based adjudication in brass competitions. His discography includes over 75 CDs, with releases like Rococo Variations (2016) and Audacious (2008), showcasing his technical mastery and artistic vision. Collaborations include Sound-Inn-Brass, Spanish Brass Quintet, and the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland. His contributions extend to educational materials, instrument consulting, and advocacy for low brass music. Current projects include directing international festivals and advancing brass pedagogy through innovative teaching methods and global outreach.

• Musicology
• Russian Music
• Bulgarian Musical Traditions
• +3 more

Vlada Bespalova is a researcher affiliated with the National Music Academy, contributing to musicology and performance studies. Her work focuses on harmonic analysis in Russian piano music, Bulgarian folk traditions, and interdisciplinary studies in music education and acoustics. She has published extensively in journals such as MUSIC PERFORMANCE ART and MUSICAL AND RESEARCH ART . Her research interests include the compositional techniques of Modest Mussorgsky, Scriabin’s cosmic symbolism, and the pedagogical practices of Bulgarian and European musical instruments. She has also explored modern methodologies for citation analysis in musicology and the historical development of cello pedagogy in German schools. Bespalova’s articles analyze both classical and contemporary works, emphasizing the intersection of technical innovation and cultural context. Her work highlights the role of Bulgarian folk ensembles, psychoacoustic principles in audio production, and the preservation of Jewish songs through arrangements. She has collaborated on projects examining Aristides Quintilianus’ ancient treatises and modern theatrical-musical synergies. Though no formal awards are noted, her publications reflect a deep engagement with both historical and applied aspects of music research. She contributes to academic discourse through methodological studies, such as innovative training techniques for brass instruments and solfège pedagogy.

Pieter SchuermansView profile

Professor

• Composition
• Conducting
• Interdisciplinarity in the Arts
• +3 more

Pieter Schuermans is a Professor and Composition Coordinator at LUCA School of Arts campus Lemmens, KU Leuven. He holds a PhD from KU Leuven and is a versatile composer, conductor, and interdisciplinary artist. His roles include Special Guest Lecturer, Director of Artistic Practice, and Coordinator for Comics and Graphic Arts programs in Brussels and Ghent. He founded eaRis company, focusing on interdisciplinarity through performances like Looking Through Eardrums , touring Europe and beyond. As a musician, he has performed with leading ensembles including the Collegium Instrumentale Brugense and Ataneres Ensemble. He chairs Composers Archipelago Flanders (ComAV), promoting Flemish composers through initiatives like Belgian Music Days and the Fingerprints CD series. Education: Masters in Music (Composition, Double Bass, Flute, Symphonic Conducting) from LUCA, PhD in Music Theory (KU Leuven). Research focuses on composition, conducting, and interdisciplinary practices. Notable collaborations include work with Quatuor Danel, Brussels Philharmonic, and Radio Klara. His artistic output spans compositions, performances, and multimedia installations. Recent projects include Approach and Analysis of a Violin Technical Artistic Process (2023–2027) and exhibitions like Echoing Silence (2022). Awards and recognitions are noted but not explicitly listed. Leadership roles in youth orchestras and international conducting engagements highlight his broader impact on music education and performance.

• Jazz Guitar
• Blues
• Rock
• +3 more

Engel Mayr is a Lecturer for Guitar at the Faculty of Music Education at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music, currently on paternity leave. He also serves as Head of the String Instruments department at the Faculty of Music. His artistic major is Guitar, with a focus on jazz, blues, rock, and funk. He has extensive experience in musical theater productions such as West Side Story and Evita . Mayr studied Jazz Guitar under Edi Köhldorfer, Marcus Ratka, and Peter Legat. His pedagogical work emphasizes artistic and technical mastery, complemented by his role as a producer and mixing engineer at his studio, Studio Mäusepalast. He collaborates with diverse artists across genres including pop, metal, and punk. His professional engagements include work with bands like Russkaja, Hallucination Company, and his own blues/rock trio. He is widely recognized as one of Austria’s most sought-after guitarists and producers.

Michael KaulkinView profile

Lecturer

• Music Composition
• Choral Music
• Orchestral Music
• +3 more

Michael Kaulkin is a lecturer in the Pre-College Division at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), where he has taught composition and musicianship since 2008. He also serves on the faculties of summer Kodály programs at Holy Names University and Portland State University, adapting Kodály techniques to emphasize musical memory and inner hearing. Education: Master of Music (SFCM), Bachelor of Music (University of the Arts), post-study at Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary. Kaulkin’s compositions for chorus, orchestra, chamber ensembles, and film have been performed globally by groups like the Oakland East Bay Symphony and San Francisco Choral Artists. His work includes choral arrangements such as the Neapolitan Carol and extended works like 'Cycle of Friends.' Notable performances include 'String Quartet No. 1 (City Walks)' by Juventas New Music Ensemble (2025) and 'Tumbalalayka' by institutions such as the LSU Chamber Singers (2024). Scientific Awards: Ruth Boshkoff Prize for choral composition (2020) The American Prize (finalist) – 'City Walks' for string quartet (2015) Highsmith Award (SFCM) for orchestral composition – 'Misterium Tremendum' (2000) Kaulkin’s teaching philosophy combines rigorous technical training with a relaxed, student-centered approach, influenced by his studies in Hungary. His compositions emphasize lyrical depth and expressive vocal techniques.

Rebecca NederhiserView profile

Assistant Professor

• Music Education
• Orchestral Conducting
• Oboe Performance
• +3 more

Rebecca Nederhiser is an Assistant Professor of Music at Wartburg College, where she conducts the Wartburg Community Symphony, leads the Kammerstreicher string ensemble, and teaches courses in music theory, oboe, and conducting. Her innovative work includes creating community-engaging traditions like a string camp and the St. George String Quartet. PhD in Orchestral Conducting from University of Nebraska–Lincoln (DMA) Master's degrees in Oboe Performance (Washington State University) and Orchestral Conducting (Central Washington University) Bachelor's in Music Education from Warner Pacific University Her research focuses on Arnold Schönberg's Society for Private Musical Performances' chamber arrangement methodology and British women composers, including Avril Coleridge-Taylor's unpublished manuscripts. She pioneered AI-imagery integration in Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite and earned recognition for collaborative performances like Jocelyn Hagen's 70th-anniversary commission. She received 3rd Place in the 2023 American Prize Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award for Orchestral Programming and presented her research on British Women in Music at the 2025 International Conductor’s Guild Conference in London.

Haralabos StafylakisView profile

Lecturer

• Contemporary Classical Music
• Progressive Metal
• Chamber Music
• +5 more

Haralabos (Harry) Stafylakis is a Lecturer of Music in Studio Composition at the Conservatory of Music, State University of New York at Purchase. A New York City-based, JUNO-nominated composer originally from Montreal, his work fuses classical traditions with the energy and aesthetic of heavy metal, described as 'dreamy yet rhythmic' by The New York Times and 'ferociously expressive' by the Times Colonist. He is actively involved in contemporary music through composition, performance, and education. Education: BMus, McGill University MA, The Graduate Center, CUNY DM, The Graduate Center, CUNY Stafylakis’s research and creative interests center on contemporary classical composition , particularly the integration of progressive metal and chamber or orchestral music. His work explores narrative depth, emotional intensity, and environmental themes, often structured as programmatic symphonic poems or concept-driven chamber works. He is deeply engaged in new music communities, especially through cross-genre collaborations and collective initiatives. His recent compositions reflect a consistent trend in fusing classical rigor with metal’s visceral energy. Works like Calibrating Friction and Incinerate demonstrate his focus on rhythmic propulsion, dramatic contrasts, and virtuosic performance. Thematic concerns often include existential, environmental, and mythological narratives, as seen in Holocene Extinction and Wheel of Time . These pieces span orchestral, chamber, and solo forms, showcasing his versatility and conceptual ambition. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Charles Ives Fellowship, American Academy of Arts and Letters ASCAP Leonard Bernstein Award SOCAN Classical Composer of the Year Four SOCAN Foundation Awards for Young Composers JUNO Nominee (2022, Iguana ) JUNO Nominee (2024, Calibrating Friction ) Stafylakis is a founding member of the ICEBERG New Music collective, which promotes emerging composers and innovative programming. He has advised and collaborated with numerous performers and ensembles, including Dame Evelyn Glennie , Roomful of Teeth , JACK Quartet , and Animals As Leaders . His works have been supported by commissions from orchestras such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and ensembles like Land's End Ensemble , often with backing from organizations like the SOCAN Foundation . He maintains an active creative lab through his website and recordings, with works released on New Amsterdam Records , Naxos , Analekta , and others. His recent album Calibrating Friction exemplifies his signature chamber and metal fusion style, produced in collaboration with Adam Pietrykowski.

Matt JensonView profile

Professor

• Jazz Composition
• Reggae Music
• Afro-Cuban Piano
• +7 more

Matt Jenson is a Professor in the Piano Department at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches private piano lessons, Hammond organ labs, Afro-Cuban piano labs, and the innovative course The Music and Life of Bob Marley . He is also the creator of the Art of Reggae online educational platform and leads experiential music trips to Jamaica. His work bridges performance, education, and cultural immersion. Educational Background: Master of Music (MM) in Jazz Studies, New England Conservatory of Music (1992) Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, University of New Hampshire (1987) Matt's research and teaching interests revolve around jazz, reggae, improvisation, ensemble groove, and the sociopolitical dimensions of music, especially as expressed through the life and work of Bob Marley. He emphasizes the connection between music and social justice, encouraging students to use their art for truth, healing, and activism. His pedagogical approach is highly personalized, integrating theory, technique, songwriting, arranging, and cross-genre improvisation. Though no formal publications are listed, his creative output includes leading multiple performance ensembles—such as The Liquid Revolution, Rebel-Tumbao, and the Berklee Bob Marley Ensemble—and producing original music under the new ambient project Unmarked Routes , set for release in Fall 2025. This project explores sonic hypnogogy, blending piano, string quartet, woodwinds, and experimental electronics in a contemplative, hypnotic soundscape. Matt is a vocal advocate for fair compensation for musicians. He highlights systemic inequities in music streaming platforms like Spotify and supports legislative efforts such as Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’s Living Wage for Musicians Act . His advocacy underscores the importance of artists in shaping cultural and existential realities. He has performed and collaborated with notable artists including Judy Mowatt, Rita Marley, Chinna Smith, Ronnie Earl, and Eddie Palmieri. He studied with jazz luminaries Geri Allen, Dave Holland, Ran Blake, and Eddie Palmieri, further grounding his artistic and educational philosophy. He conducts clinics and masterclasses across the U.S. and Jamaica, expanding his influence as a music educator and cultural ambassador. Matt leads the Unmarked Routes ensemble, which features cellist Catherine Bent, violinist/violist Bengisu Gokce, woodwind player Stan Strickland, and engineer John Escobar. The group recorded at Guilford Sound in Vermont, aiming to create emotionally resonant, genre-blurring music that invites deep listening and reflection.

Drew DolanView profile

Professor

• Music Composition
• Percussion Performance
• Improvisation
• +3 more

Drew Dolan is a composer and educator actively engaged in contemporary music creation and performance. Currently teaching at the University of Cincinnati and previously at Kennesaw State University, he specializes in courses related to Music Theory, World Music, and 20th Century Music & Politics. Doctoral studies at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Master's and Bachelor's degrees from Bowling Green State University and Georgia State University Dolan's research and creative practice centers around instrumental composition, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experimental performance techniques. His work explores: Cultural ritual integration in music Improvisation with unconventional instruments Visual-art inspired sound structures Mechanical/robotic musical tools Cross-disciplinary multimedia performance Historical narrative musicalization His recent publications demonstrate a focus on: Expanded percussion techniques Chamber ensemble innovation Temporal manipulation in composition Hybrid instrumental use Performance space acoustics Instrument adaptation experiments Dolan's teaching emphasizes both traditional theoretical frameworks and contemporary performance practices, though specific student advising details remain unrecorded.

Libbie KentView profile

Associate Professor

• Music Composition
• Music Theory
• Conducting
• +3 more

Libbie Kent is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at Arizona Christian University, where she has been teaching since 2003. She previously held teaching and leadership roles at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Grand Canyon University. At ACU, she served as Music Department Chair from 2004 to 2012 and has been actively involved in university committees such as the Curriculum and Assessment Committees. Educational Background: B.M. in Music Theory and Composition, Arizona State University M.M. in Music Theory and Composition, Arizona State University B.A. in Violin Performance, Indiana University, Bloomington Her primary research and artistic interests include music composition , music theory pedagogy , conducting , and violin performance . She has composed and arranged works for orchestras, chamber ensembles, churches, and television, blending sacred, educational, and theatrical contexts. Her compositions often engage with American and liturgical traditions. Libbie's recent artistic outputs reflect a strong commitment to interdisciplinary and community-based music, with works premiered at festivals and performed in collaborations with churches and colleges. Her compositions span orchestral, chamber, and sacred genres, often featuring reimaginings of American classics and liturgical texts. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Patricia Roberts Harris National Composition Fellow Patricia Roberts Harris Prize and Performance (2005) Composition Prize and Professional Recording by North American Artists Foundation (2002) Arizona Viola Society Commissions (2012) Ballet Score Commission from DeVere Dance Company (2006) She has advised various student ensembles and led numerous productions, though formal student advisees are not listed. Her grant and commission history includes support from church ministries, dance companies, and arts foundations. Libbie has led music ministry efforts at multiple churches and produced theatrical works integrating academic and community musicians. Libbie Kent has been a producer and conductor for church music ministries and theater productions, including collaborations with Paradise Valley Community Church, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, and Southwestern Repertory Theatre. Her work emphasizes bridging academic music with community and spiritual engagement.