Alumni garner faculty appointments
Thomas Novak ’91MM was promoted to Provost at the New England Conservatory. Having served as Dean of the College since 2007, Novak will continue to oversee Conservatory faculty, curriculum, admissions, financial aid, student services, entrepreneurship, community partnerships, and relationships with performing groups and other conservatories in the U.S. and abroad. President Tony Woodcock said, “This is a testament to Tom’s tremendous commitment and significant contributions to NEC over the past ten years. Tom is an admired and respected leader and an indispensable member of my team. I look forward to his continued work and involvement in the school.”
A member of the NEC administration since 2001, Thomas Novak was hired as Performance Outreach Manager, but within a month, was appointed Acting Director of Admissions and, later that same year, Director of Admissions. In January 2003, his role was expanded to Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid and Assistant Provost. Shortly after President Woodcock joined NEC in 2007, Novak was appointed to the position of Dean of the College. He has also continued to coach chamber music, often guiding NEC honors ensembles such as Quintet Royale.
Matthew Barnson ’12DMA recently accepted a post as assistant professor of composition at Trinity College, Dublin. Barnson has recently served as the chair of the theory and composition department at the Third Street Music School Settlement and on the faculty of Rocky Ridge Music Center. His music has been featured at the ISCM World New Music Days in Stuttgart, New York’s MATA and Sonic Festivals, and at the Aspen Music Festival, Centre Acanthes, Ostrava Days, and June in Buffalo.
Katherine Lee ’02AD was appointed the chamber music coordinator at the Music Institute of Chicago, ranked as one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the country. She has been on the piano faculty there since 2003. She is also currently the Community Outreach Director for the Beethoven Festival in Chicago, which is organized through the International Beethoven Project.
Doug Lindsey ’10MM was appointed assistant professor of trumpet at Kennesaw State University. He will teach applied lessons, conduct masterclasses, run brass-related activites, and perform regularly in recitals and concerts. Lindsey commented, "I couldn't have done it without my time at Yale!"
In addition, Lindsey was recently named an Edwards trumpet performing artist. The sponsorship allows for funds for educational outreach and offers a unique opportunity to help to develop the new line of Edwards' newest instruments.
Naomi Seidman ’04MM has accepted an appointment as assistant professor of flute at Pennsylvania State University, to begin fall 2012. Seidman is a founding member of the Rhapsoidos Trio (soprano, flute, and piano). She has given master classes at the University of Texas at Austin, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M, University of Texas at Brownsville, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She is a co-founder of the annual Coastal Bend Flute Symposium, whose guest artists have included Jill Felber, Kimberly Clarke, and Carol Wincenc.
