Alumni
We’re thrilled to announce that Wei Wu (MM ’13) has been named the College of Music’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus in recognition of his international opera career and commitment to new works. Reflecting on his journey, Wu—a Grammy Award-winning artist—encourages future artists to stay open, embrace collaboration and remain resilient, emphasizing that passion and preparation are key to long-term success.
The research of alumnae MarieFaith Lane (MM ’22, AD ’24) and Joy Yamaguchi (DMA ’24) explores how compassionate studio teaching, rather than perfectionism, fosters creativity and curiosity‚ offering a first-hand example of what it means to be a universal musician as graduates of the College of Music.
The Â鶹ĘÓƵ Diverse Musicians’ Alliance presents its annual Persevering Legacy event celebrating women composers including those from historically marginalized groups. Meet some of the student performers, learn about their chosen works and join us on March 26!
For composer and arranger Ilan Blanck (MM ’23), collaboration is integral to his creative identity and career success. His College of Music experience encouraged curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn alongside others—an approach that continues to guide his work across genres including a community concert on Feb. 21 featuring several fellow alumni and students.
Before enrolling at Â鶹ĘÓƵ, alumnus Alan Stanek had been considering other schools; but encouragement from then-Band Director Hugh McMillen, in addition to the prospect of scholarship support, brought him to the College of Music.
It’s well known that the Â鶹ĘÓƵ College of Music is home to incredibly talented faculty teaching passionate, gifted students. Less well known is just how many staff members have musical magic up their sleeves, too: Meet a few of them!
Congratulations to the winners—and all participants—of the College of Music’s annual graduate student competition, named in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bruce Ekstrand.
The Â鶹ĘÓƵ College of Music’s Thompson Jazz Studies Program is excited to announce the addition of Applied Jazz Strings—taught by recent alumna and current Jazz Studies Lecturer Enion Pelta-Tiller—to the college’s BA, MM and DMA jazz performance degrees.
On Sept. 23, the “Always a Flutist” Faculty Tuesdays recital celebrates the flute through community by showcasing the instrument in solo, duo, quartet and a 50-member flute orchestra. Performers include flute faculty, alumni and current students—as well as talented area high school musicians, and faculty and staff musicians from across campus!
The American Music Research Center awarded the 2025 Alex Craig and Christina Lynn-Craig Living Music Award to Katiann Nelson and Kristina Butler, both recent voice performance grads.