Happenings
There’s always something exciting happening at the College of Music! Stay informed and get to know our community through our accomplished students, alumni, faculty, supporters and college leadership.
Recent news
Dean’s Downbeat
Celebrate + aspire
“At the College of Music’s recent Eklund Opera gala, Chancellor Justin Schwartz described the magic of music as a hallmark of human connection; of a civilized society; and as its own kind of renewable energy. As I reflect on the first couple months of 2025, I’m struck by the countless ways in which our students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters embody these values. In these disorienting times, I’m heartened that our mission is more relevant than ever—as is my commitment to continue to celebrate and support our students and colleagues in their transformative work and artistic aspirations.” MORE
Browse previous editions of the Dean’s Downbeat,
a regular communiqué from Dean John Davis.
Noteworthy media mentions
Takács Quartet: Tiny Desk Concert (July 7, 2025, NPR Music)
Ivalas Quartet begins month-long Bravo! Vail residency on Tuesday (June 29, 2025, Vail Daily)
The Ivalas Quartet makes its Bravo! Vail debut July 1-27 with more than 16 free performances throughout the valley. The quartet was previously in residence at our College of Music under the mentorship of the Takács Quartet.
Bruns & Leslie research cybernetic human advancement with New Frontiers Grant (June 17, 2025, The ATLAS Institute)
Grace Leslie, associate professor (ATLAS Institute, College of Music) and Carson Bruns, associate professor (ATLAS Institute, Mechanical Engineering) have partnered to study ways to create the functionality of an implantable device with the ease of a wearable! Leslie hopes to apply her background in music and audio to create novel sensory stimuli like sounds and haptic feedback in place of a screen to help guide people toward achieving a “flow state” of peak performance in a range of activities.
