Diversity, equity + inclusion news

The Sphinx Performance Academy has changed the lives of thousands of underrepresented young musicians, offering a curriculum that includes lessons, master classes, recitals, career enrichment sessions and mentorship.

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis offers reflections and a vision for the future as he shares highlights from our newly revamped annual digital magazine—Colorado Music. “...our mission matters more than ever. Because what we do as musicians requires not only skill, but humanity—that is, the simultaneous conveyance of emotion, connection and understanding. Colorado Music takes stock of how far we’ve come.”

Congratulations to Izzy Fincher—the College of Music’s Outstanding Graduating Senior this spring—who will graduate with a BM in classical guitar performance, a BA in journalism, a business minor with a Music Entrepreneurship Certificate and a Music Theory Certificate, exemplifying the College of Music’s universal musician mission.

At the College of Music’s commencement ceremony on May 11, we’re thrilled to welcome alumnus Ashraf Sewailam back to campus … and to present him the College of Music’s 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award!

What does inclusivity look like at the College of Music today? What are the college’s DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion—goals going forward? We’re making strides, but we know we must do more.

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis shares highlights from recent College of Music activities and accomplishments, including his perspective on the significance of our 2023 Annual Distinguished Lectureship: “The research and lived experiences of trailblazers like André de Quadros ignite understanding of this current moment in American and world history—and how diverse, creative communities can help shape, sustain and support a democracy that ensures justice and liberty for everyone.”

Our world music ensembles mark three decades of exploring artistic identity, intercultural collaboration, global pedagogy and multidisciplinary approaches to music-making at the College of Music.

In a week-long residency coming up—including four free, public events—Canadian composer Alexina Louie will explore what it means to find your own voice and identity.

It was a busy fall for the American Music Research Center (AMRC)! One of the many efforts underway is the Soundscapes of the People project. Two CU Boulder PhD students—Lydia Wagenknecht and Ben Cefkin—are working on this project alongside AMRC Director Susan Thomas, Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology Austin Okigbo and...

“Having a ‘home’ audience of loyal Takács fans is a huge honor … and makes the concert experience more than just about the music itself. It’s about the relationships formed through the shared love of music.”