2021-22

Senior Spotlight: Maya Stepansky ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Maya Stepansky, a drummer from Montclair, NJ, wrote her senior thesis as a composition that explored of sonic painting through drum performance and computer music. A member of Jazz Small Group I, her favorite musical memory on campus was getting to play with the great Dave Holland in Richardson Auditorium.

Senior Spotlight: Bryant So ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Bryant So, from Colorado Springs, CO, has participated as a violinist with the Princeton University Orchestra and Opus Chamber Music Ensemble, and as a vocalist with the Katzenjammers a capella group.

Senior Spotlight: Natalie Stein ’22

Jun 7, 2022

“From my time as an undergraduate student at Princeton, I’m most proud of all the music I’ve written here, especially my thesis. Regardless of what the future holds, I will always be able to carry it with me.”

Senior Spotlight: Maya Keren ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Maya Keren, from Philadelphia, PA, has spent many happy moments on the towpath dock—her favorite spot on campus—while pursuing a concentration in Music with Certificates in African American Studies and Music Performance, and playing at Terrace Club with the Julien band from her first to senior years.

Senior Spotlight: Emily Liushen ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Emily Liushen, from Louisville, KY, has dedicated her studies to both the composition and performance of music. For her senior thesis for the Music Department, she wrote a clarinet quintet.

Senior Spotlight: Anson Jones ’22

Jun 7, 2022

“From my time at Princeton, I am most proud of how much I’ve explored different topics and fields, how much I’ve learned about what my real passions are, and how much I’ve discovered about who I am.”

Senior Spotlight: Akiva Jacobs ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Akiva Jacobs, a guitarist and bass player from Newton, MA (and, as they think people would be surprised to learn, a scorpio!) composed and conducted an original composition for jazz large ensemble for their senior thesis in the Department of Music while pursuing Certificates in Music Performance and Latin American Studies.

Senior Spotlight: Ed Horan ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Ed Horan, from Hoboken, NJ, has created a concept album/audio-only musical retelling of the original Pinocchio story in culmination of his composition concentration in Music.

Senior Spotlight: Jeffrey Gordon ’22

Jun 7, 2022

“For me, being a music major meant always trying to prioritize what feels most important and most moving! I’m not sure what’s next for me yet, but I think that I’ll carry forward this ability to listen ‘inwardly’ for sure.”

Senior Spotlight: Justin Coon ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Justin Coon, a Wisconsin native, wrote an original composition for his senior thesis in the Department of Music.

Senior Spotlight: Leila Ruth Abou-Jaoude ’22

Jun 7, 2022

Leila Ruth Abou-Jaoude, from Lexington, KY, composed an original musical about the German Romantic concert pianist and composer Clara Schumann for her senior thesis.

Book Announcement: Prof. Simon Morrison

Nov 20, 2021

Congratulations to Prof. Simon Morrison, whose new book, Roxy Music’s Avalon, is soon to be published by Bloomsbury and is now available for pre-order. About Roxy Music’s Avalon: Having designed Roxy Music as …

Jazz Director Rudresh Mahanthappa DownBeat Critics Poll Winner

Jul 14, 2021

Congratulations to Director of Jazz, Rudresh Mahanthappa, who has again been selected the Alto Saxophone winner in the DownBeat International Critics Poll. The August issue of DownBeat, which arrives on …

Welcoming Jacqueline Appleby, Director of Administration and Operations

Jul 6, 2021

The Department of Music is thrilled to officially welcome Jacqueline Appleby as its first Director of Administration and Operations! Jacqueline has remotely joined the staff this week, coming to us from …

Letter from the Chair: An Invitation

Jun 15, 2021

A Letter from Department of Music Chair Professor Wendy Heller: Dear students, faculty, and staff, Over the past few weeks many of you have taken to the streets and raised your voices …