Music theorists Andrew Mead and Daphne Tan appointed to IU Jacobs School of Music faculty
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2013
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Mead as professor of music theory and Daphne Tan as assistant professor of music theory.
Their teaching duties will begin in the fall of 2013, pending approval from the Trustees of Indiana University.
"Andy Mead is a leading scholar in post-tonal music from Schoenberg to Babbitt and the present day, but he also has a vast knowledge of the common-practice tonal repertoire, to say nothing of his accomplishments as a composer and an organist," said Julian Hook, chair of the Music Theory Department. "His presence at IU will enhance the vitality and versatility of our department."
Mead received his B.A. from Yale University and earned a Ph.D. in composition at Princeton.
For the past 30 years, he has taught music theory at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and was chair of the Music Theory Department from 1995 to 2004.
As a theorist, Mead has specialized in music of the 20th century, with particular emphasis on Milton Babbitt, Elliott Carter, Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern.
He is one of the editors of "The Collected Essays of Milton Babbitt," published by Princeton University Press.
Also an organist, he recently collaborated with University of Michigan faculty member Marilyn Mason to offer courses on Messiaen, Reger and Karg-Elert.
His compositions have been performed by the PRISM saxophone quartet, Speculum Musicae and Brave New Works as well as by solo performers such as cellist Darrett Adkins, saxophonist Timothy McAlister, soprano Jennifer Goltz and clarinetist Robert Spring.
"I am thrilled at the prospect of becoming part of such a distinguished institution as the Jacobs School of Music," said Mead. "I am looking forward to working with this extraordinary group of students and faculty."
"The department is delighted that Daphne Tan has chosen to launch her promising career at the Jacobs School of Music," Hook said. "Her work engages aspects of psychology and cognition, and complements the research areas covered by our current faculty. In addition, she has already established herself as a highly effective classroom teacher."
Tan's research centers on the intersection of music theory, philosophy and psychology in the early 20th century.
In addition, she has published and presented research in music cognition and perception, with topics related to musical form, emotion and expertise.
Tan recently completed a Ph.D. at the Eastman School of Music.
Her dissertation, "Ernst Kurth at the Boundary of Music Theory and Psychology," received the Alfred Mann Dissertation Award.
A dedicated teacher, Tan was a recipient of the Eastman School of Music Teaching Assistant Prize for excellence in classroom instruction.
She has taught courses in music theory and aural skills at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, the Eastman School of Music, McGill University and the Eastman Community Music School.
A native of Ottawa, Canada, Tan holds a B.Mus. in clarinet performance and music theory and an M.A. in music theory from McGill University.
"I am very pleased and honored to be joining the Indiana University community," said Tan. "And I'm anxious to begin contributing to its rich musical and intellectual tradition."
