Administration and staff

Robert Shay became Dean of the College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder in August 2014, having previously served as Director of the School of Music at the University of Missouri (from 2008 to 2014) and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Conservatory at the Longy School of Music, in Cambridge, Massachusetts (from 2000 to 2008).

James Austin is Professor of Music Education and Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. He currently teaches graduate courses, and directs master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.

Steven Bruns is an associate professor of music and currently serves as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music. He also teaches courses in music theory and analysis. He holds a BME magna cum laude from Northern State College, SD and received his MM and PhD in music theory from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Courtney Rowe joined the College of Music Advancement Team in May 2015. She is thrilled to work with donors in support of the exemplary programs offered through the College of Music and is focused on music+ , the college’s $50 million campaign. She also enjoys working with donors who are passionate about the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Prior to joining CU, Courtney held several programmatic and fundraising positions with organizations in...

Prior to coming to the University of Colorado, Susan Thomas was at the University of Georgia, where she was professor of musicology and women’s studies. At UGA, she co-directed the Athens Music Project, a research, curriculum and outreach initiative that explores the multiple music histories for which the Athens region is renowned.

She provides leadership and direction for the College of Music's concerts and strategic communications team. Together, they market and promote the College's performances as well as bring visibility and attention to its activities and accomplishments. Joan McLean Braun also curates the Artist Series and serve as executive director of CU Presents.

Leigh Holman is an established stage director in the fields of Opera and Musical Theatre. As director of the Opera Colorado Ensemble Artists, she has directed two touring productions per season, concerts and other presentations to promote Opera Colorado and the young artists that are contracted into the program. In summer 2010, she served as founder, Artistic Director, and Stage Director of CU NOW premiering new operatic works by Robert Aldridge, Herschel Garfein, Dan Kellogg, and J. Michael Martinez.

Bonjack provides leadership and direction for the services, collections and personnel at the Howard B. Waltz Music Library. She also directly engages the College of Music community through outreach efforts, research assistance and classroom instruction.

Betancourt oversees the operations, finances, bookings and personnel management at Macky Auditorium.

John Davis is Professor of Jazz Studies and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Operations. He is an active clinician, performer and guest conductor throughout the United States and Canada. He joined the University of Colorado faculty in 1999 and has taught courses in jazz history, jazz administration and pedagogy, big band, combo, vocal jazz, and jazz techniques.

At the College of Music, Ted Mulcahey services the fleet of pianos including tuning, voicing, regulation, rebuilding and repair. He is the point of contact for anything related to piano and harpsichord maintenance as well as moving. Mulcahey received his advanced training from Steinway and Sons in New York City, where he became a Concert Technician and head of the Steinway Hall Selection Room.

Mark Mikkelsen assists Ted Mulcahey in servicing the College of Music’s piano fleet.