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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.

Professor of Composition Jeffrey Nytch—who directs the College of Music’s Entrepreneurship Center for Music and who was recently awarded a MacDowell Fellowship—considers the application of entrepreneurial principles as essential to his creative practice.

We’re excited to welcome Associate Professor of Double Bass Susan Cahill as the newest addition to the esteemed faculty of the ���������� College of Music.

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.”

Professor of Music Education and CMEA Hall of Fame inductee James Austin, Professor of Double Bass Paul Erhard, Associate Professor of Trombone William Stanley, and Professor of Piano and former Dean Daniel Sher have dedicated their careers to inspiring up-and-coming musicians and educators. We reflect on their contributions, achievements and legacy with gratitude.

In 2013, Allan McMurray retired after 35 years as professor at the College of Music, directing our bands, developing the master’s and doctoral programs in instrumental conducting, and more. He was the college’s first to receive a lifetime appointment as a Distinguished Professor and he’s recently been awarded the University Medal by the CU Board of Regents.

In addition to Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and our collaboration with El Sistema Colorado, the College of Music’s upcoming CU at Boettcher concert will feature the world premiere of composer Carter Pann’s new work: his five-movement, 17-minute Symphony No. 3–“On The Importance of Our Democracy.”

For Professor of Musicology Robert Shay, the many mysteries of Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas” are too important to ignore. His critical edition of the English composer’s score provides fresh answers to a number of questions.

The College of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Tanner who will join our faculty this fall!

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.