Notable UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Faculty

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music stands as a prominent institution dedicated to the study and performance of music. Its faculty comprises accomplished individuals who contribute significantly to the fields of musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, and performance. This article highlights some of the notable faculty members, their achievements, and the school's commitment to fostering a diverse and enriching musical environment.

Distinguished Professors: Recognizing Excellence

UCLA's highest faculty rank, Distinguished Professor, is bestowed upon a select few who are pre-eminent authorities in their fields, recognized for outstanding teaching, mentorship, and university citizenship. The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music proudly includes several Distinguished Professors among its faculty.

Peter Kazaras: Opera and Vocal Performance

Peter Kazaras, the director of Opera UCLA and former Susan G. and Michel D. Covel MD Chair, joined UCLA in 2007 after a distinguished career as an opera performer, director, and leader of young-artist programs. As a tenor, he performed in leading opera houses worldwide and sang in premieres of works by renowned American composers like Leonard Bernstein and John Corigliano. At UCLA, Kazaras has directed or supervised nearly 40 productions and continues to direct for major professional companies, including the Washington National Opera, Seattle Opera, and the Los Angeles Opera.

Ian Krouse: Composition and Guitar Music

Ian Krouse, co-division chair and professor of composition, is internationally recognized as a leading composer of classical guitar music. His works encompass nearly every ensemble and genre, performed and recorded by major orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and soloists globally. In 2015, his Armenian Requiem, a 100-minute work for chorus, soloists, and orchestra, premiered to critical acclaim and was commercially recorded on the Naxos label. Krouse has also served as chair of the Department of Music and as an inaugural academic associate dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

Other Distinguished Professors

Kazaras and Krouse join Vladimir Chernov, Juliana Gondek, and Ray Knapp as current holders of the Distinguished Professor rank at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

Ethnomusicology Faculty: Exploring Global Musical Traditions

The Ethnomusicology program at UCLA is a premier center for the academic study of diverse musical traditions from around the world. The faculty in this department are experts in various regions and musical styles, contributing to the program's depth and breadth.

Helen Rees: Music of China and Intangible Cultural Heritage in East Asia

Helen Rees serves as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor, and Chair of Ethnomusicology, as well as the Director of the World Music Center. Her expertise lies in the music of China and intangible cultural heritage in East Asia.

Anna Morcom: Indian Music

Anna Morcom holds the Mohindar Brar Sambhi Professorship in Indian Music and is a Professor of Ethnomusicology. Her research and teaching focus on the rich musical traditions of India.

Other Ethnomusicology Faculty

Münir Beken: Associate Professor, specializing in World Music Theory and Composition, and Director of the Music of Turkey Ensemble.
Cheryl L. Keyes: Professor, specializing in Global Jazz Studies and Ethnomusicology, with a focus on Contemporary Jazz and Hip Hop.
Supeena Adler: Adjunct Associate Professor, World Music Instrument Curator and Conservator, and Director of the Music of Thailand Ensemble.
Diane White-Clayton: Continuing Lecturer, Director of the African American Music Ensemble.
Soheil Nadimi: Lecturer, Co-Director of the Music of Persia Ensemble.
Pejman Hadadi: Lecturer, Co-Director of the Music of Persia Ensemble.
Gamin Kang: Lecturer, Director of the Music of Korea Ensemble.
Robert F. Reigle: Lecturer, specializing in Musical Cultures of the World: Europe and the Americas.
Jesús Guzmán: Continuing Lecturer, Director of the Music of Mexico Ensemble.
David Bragger: Lecturer, Director of the Old-Time String Band Ensemble.
Maureen Russell: Adjunct Professor, specializing in Audiovisual Archiving, and Archivist of the Ethnomusicology Archive.
Abhiman Kaushal: Adjunct Professor, Co-Director of the Music of India Ensemble.
Joko Sutrisno: Lecturer, Director of the Music of Java Ensemble.
I Nyoman Wenten: Adjunct Associate Professor, Director of the Music of Bali Ensemble.
Mark Kligman: Mickey Katz Professor of Jewish Music and Professor - Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Humanities, Director of Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience

Composition Faculty: Shaping the Future of Music

The composition faculty at UCLA are accomplished composers who guide students in developing their creative voices and exploring diverse compositional techniques.

Richard Danielpour

Richard Danielpour is a renowned composer whose commissions include some of the most celebrated artists of our time, including Yo-Yo Ma, Jessye Norman, Dawn Upshaw, Emanuel Ax, Gil Shaham, Frederica von Stade, Thomas Hampson, Gary Graffman, and Anthony McGill. His works have been performed by major orchestras and ensembles worldwide. With Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison, Danielpour created Margaret Garner, his first opera, which premiered in 2005.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Kay Rhie

Kay Rhie joined the theory and composition faculty as an assistant professor. Her influences include film and jazz music, European avant-garde, and various folk traditions. A recipient of the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, her music has been performed at prestigious festivals and by renowned ensembles.

Performance Faculty: Leading Artists and Educators

The performance faculty at UCLA comprises leading artists who are dedicated to training the next generation of musicians.

Denis Bouriakov: Flute Performance

Denis Bouriakov, principal flute of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, serves as lecturer in flute performance. He is an internationally sought-after soloist and has won prizes in numerous prestigious competitions. Bouriakov is also an avid transcriber for the flute, expanding the instrument's technical and artistic possibilities.

The Evolution of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music has a rich history, evolving from the establishment of an art gallery and music department in 1919. Over the years, the institution underwent several transformations, including the creation of the College of Applied Arts in 1939 and the subsequent separation of departments in 1988. In 1991, the College of Fine Arts was disestablished, leading to the formation of the School of the Arts and the School of Theater, Film, and Television. The proposal for a dedicated School of Music was made in 2014, solidifying the institution's commitment to music education and performance.

Facilities and Resources

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support its academic and artistic endeavors.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Schoenberg Hall

Named in honor of composer Arnold Schoenberg, Schoenberg Hall houses the Dean's office, administrative offices, faculty offices, and two large theaters. The main auditorium, which seats about 520, hosts a variety of performances. Schoenberg Hall also includes the Henry Mancini Media Lab and the World Music Center, which houses the Ethnomusicology Archive and the World Musical Instrument Collection.

Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center

Completed in 2014, the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center provides a high-tech recording studio, rehearsal and teaching spaces, a café, and an Internet-based music production center. The center was made possible in part by a generous donation from Music Industry Executive and Philanthropist Morris “Mo” Ostin and his late wife, Evelyn Ostin.

Ensembles and Performance Opportunities

The Herb Alpert School of Music offers a wide array of performance opportunities through its 35 active ensembles, which encompass classical, contemporary, jazz, popular, and world music. These ensembles provide students with valuable experience in performing diverse musical styles and collaborating with fellow musicians.

The Institute of Ethnomusicology: A Legacy of Global Music Studies

Founded in 1960 under the supervision of Dr. Mantle Hood, the Institute of Ethnomusicology has been a pioneering force in the study of world music. Hood's vision emphasized the importance of musical practice and the study of musical instruments in their cultural contexts. The institute has fostered a diverse and comprehensive approach to ethnomusicology, attracting scholars and students from around the globe.

Outreach and Engagement

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is committed to outreach and engagement, offering resources in music education and programs that encourage students to pursue higher education. The school's outreach initiatives aim to make music accessible to a wider audience and inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers.

tags: #ucla #music #faculty #notable