Friday, February 29, 2008

Robert Dodson named new Director of Division of Music at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts

By Pegasus News wire

Robert Kemble Dodson has been appointed director of the Division of Music at the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, effective May 2008. He has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in prestigious music schools, and most recently served as provost at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass., from 2004-2007.

“I am truly thrilled that Robert Dodson has agreed to come to SMU,” said José Bowen, Dean of the Meadows School of the Arts. “He has been sought after by music schools nationwide due to his exceptional experience, his outstanding reputation for quality, his leadership skills and his talent. Our search for a new director of the Division of Music – the largest division in the Meadows School – has been international, and is one of the most important we’ve undertaken. Faculty, staff and students were all absolutely staggered by Robert’s unparalleled accomplishments as an academic leader, his intelligence, and his passion, and he was unanimously endorsed by the search committee. His vision and expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Division of Music, the Meadows School and the entire university.”

“I am honored to be invited to come to SMU and to Dallas, where passionate commitment to the arts is so evident,” said Dodson. “I have admired the Meadows School of the Arts for many years; every aspect of the selection process has confirmed for me its exceptional qualities, accomplishments, and potential. I look forward with much anticipation to working with Dean Bowen, with colleagues in the Division of Music and beyond, and with members of the broader community to advance the cause of music and of this great university.”

As provost of the New England Conservatory, Dodson oversaw all aspects of the curricula, recruited and appointed key distinguished faculty, conducted college outreach activities, and developed associations with other institutions. Prior to that, he served as dean of two major music conservatories: that at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio from 1999-2004 and at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin from 1989-1999. He also was vice principal and then CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music at the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest music school, from 1981-88; associate professor and artist-in-residence at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada from 1969-81; and artist-in-residence and visiting professor at the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada from 1968-69.

“Along with all the members of the search committee, I am absolutely delighted with the appointment of Robert Dodson,” said Dr. Hal Williams, professor of history and committee chair. “Professor Dodson has an international reputation, a wealth of experience in leading outstanding music programs, and a passion for music. This is a world-class appointment, which will richly benefit the Meadows School, SMU, and music lovers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth community.”

Dorothy Wood, a member of both the search committee and the Meadows School Executive Board, added, “Robert Dodson impressed all of us with his deep love of music, his broad range of knowledge, and his ability to articulate his vision for the future. We strongly believe he is uniquely qualified to lead the Division of Music and we are very glad that he will be coming to the Meadows School.”

An accomplished cellist, Dodson was founder and managing director of The Chamber Music Institute in Canada, and performed with the internationally recognized Vaghy String Quartet from 1969-81. He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Indiana University and studied with world renowned cellist Janos Starker. A third generation professional musician, he remains active as a guest performer and visiting artist.

Dodson succeeds Nancy Cochran, who served as director for four years.

Posted by Shawn

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