Professor receives Guggenheim
In April, Katherine Balch ’16MusM, assistant professor adjunct of composition, was awarded a 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship. She was one of 198 recipients across 53 disciplines recognized for previous career achievements and exceptional promise. Her work often explores “tiny sounds, leaves, stacks of thirds, and music that jitters,” and has been commissioned by leading orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic.
Guitar professor retires after 40 years
Professor Benjamin Verdery retired after four decades of teaching guitar at YSM. Since 1985 he built a nationally recognized program, founded the Guitar Extravaganza festival, and mentored generations of students. In recognition of his impact, he was awarded the Samuel Simons Sanford Medal, the school’s highest honor, by Dean José García-León in May.
New guitar faculty
Guitarist João Luiz Rezende will join the faculty this fall. A Latin Grammy nominee and founding member of the Brasil Guitar Duo, Rezende has performed globally and premiered works by major composers including Leo Brouwer and Sérgio Assad. Also an award-winning composer, he’s known for bridging classical and Brazilian traditions and for mentoring young musicians worldwide.
loading
Print
Email