The WMU College of Fine Arts is pleased to announce Dr. Keith Kothman has been selected as the new director for the School of Music. Dr. Kothman will start July 1, 2020.
“I’m grateful that Dr Kothman has accepted the director position to lead our outstanding School of Music,” said Dean Dan Guyette. “His many achievements and strong administrative skills are a great complement to the talents of our faculty and staff. I look forward to working with him.”
Currently professor of music and director of the School of Music at Montana State University, Dr. Kothman was previously an associate professor of composition at Ball State University, where he had also been the director of the music technology program and coordinator of undergraduate programs in music. His Ph.D. in Music Composition came from the University of California, San Diego. He received his B.M. and M.M. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. His recent work has focused on live-performance electronic music involving laptop, iPad, various MIDI controllers, and LittleBits synthesis modules. Dr. Kothman studies the aesthetics of modernism and postmodernism, the sociology of music, technology and culture.
Dr. Kothman brings a wealth of administrative experience to the School of Music along with many years as a creative artist, teacher and researcher. He will be replacing current Director Brad Wong, who announced his retirement last fall.
This hire was result of a month’s long process by the search committee and chair Scott Irelan.. Those committee members include: Maria Cristina Fava, Rhea Olivacce, Robert A White, Julie Little, Jane Kozhevnikova, Kevin West, Christopher Biggs, Brittney Young, Kimberly Dunn Adams, Scott Boerma, Andrew Rathbun and Edward Roth.
An update from the WMU School of Music regarding events and COVID-19.
In accordance with university policy, Southwest Michigan Vocal Festival has been cancelled for Thursday, March 12. For further announcements regarding other School of Music events, please visit wmich.edu/music/events and updates will be made on an ongoing basis.
