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In 2024, Er-Hsuan Li (DMA ‘24) received a project grant from our Entrepreneurship Center of Music in support of the world premiere of a piano concerto composed by John Clay Allen (DMA ’19) who’s also a College of Music lecturer in music technology + composition. “The Stone Harp” album was released on streaming platforms in March featuring both Allen’s piano concerto with Li as soloist, as well as Allen’s concerto for oboe and string orchestra featuring Ingrid Anderson (BM ’08) as soloist. Congratulations to all involved!

Alumna Christina Lynn-Craig, a board member of the college’s American Music Research Center, is making a generous donation to ensure the continuation of the George Lynn Memorial Award and the Alex Craig and Christina Lynn-Craig Living Music Award. The two awards are given to College of Music students on a rotating basis. This spring, the George Lynn Memorial Award was granted to Glenda Luck and Grace Stringfellow.

Joanie and David Andrews established the Mary Catherine Ramsour Memorial Endowed Voice Scholarship Fund to continue the legacy of Joanie Andrews’ sister: Mary Ramsour earned degrees in voice performance and vocal pedagogy from CU ������ý���� and went on to found an opera company, lead a church music program and make creative expression a central pillar in her life. The scholarship in her name is designed to encourage non-traditional voice students to pursue their dreams, as she did.

We’re thrilled to announce that Wei Wu (MM ’13) has been named the College of Music’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus in recognition of his international opera career and commitment to new works. Reflecting on his journey, Wu—a Grammy Award-winning artist—encourages future artists to stay open, embrace collaboration and remain resilient, emphasizing that passion and preparation are key to long-term success.

The research of alumnae MarieFaith Lane (MM ’22, AD ’24) and Joy Yamaguchi (DMA ’24) explores how compassionate studio teaching, rather than perfectionism, fosters creativity and curiosity‚ offering a first-hand example of what it means to be a universal musician as graduates of the College of Music.

The CU ������ý���� Diverse Musicians’ Alliance presents its annual Persevering Legacy event celebrating women composers including those from historically marginalized groups. Meet some of the student performers, learn about their chosen works and join us on March 26!

For composer and arranger��Ilan Blanck (MM ’23), collaboration is integral to his creative identity and career success. His College of Music experience encouraged curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn alongside others—an approach that continues to guide his work across genres including a community concert on Feb. 21 featuring several fellow alumni and students.

Before enrolling at CU ������ý����, alumnus Alan Stanek had been considering other schools; but encouragement from then-Band Director Hugh McMillen, in addition to the prospect of scholarship support, brought him to the College of Music.

It’s well known that the CU ������ý���� College of Music is home to incredibly talented faculty teaching passionate, gifted students. Less well known is just how many staff members have musical magic up their sleeves, too: Meet a few of them!

Congratulations to the winners—and all participants—of the College of Music’s annual graduate student competition, named in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bruce Ekstrand.