Renowned Scholar and Music Expert Michael Beckerman Appointed as the New Dean for The UCLA Herb Alpert Music School
Michael Beckerman, a renowned music scholar and academic, has been appointed as the new dean of UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music. This prestigious appointment comes in recognition of Beckerman's significant contributions to the field of musicology, particularly his work co-editing the acclaimed collection, *Martinů and His World*.
Beckerman, currently serving as the Carroll and Milton Petrie Professor of Music and Collegiate Professor of Music at New York University, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His tenure at UCLA is expected to begin on or before October 1, 2025.
Throughout his career, Beckerman has held distinguished positions at Lancaster University and UC Santa Barbara, among others. He is also a respected member of numerous boards and editorial boards, including the NYU Center for Ballet, the Kalabis Foundation, and the Journal of Film Music.
As a musicologist, Beckerman specialises in Czech and Eastern European music, with strong ties to ethnomusicology, composition, and performance. His academic, professional, and administrative experience, coupled with his UC roots, were cited as reasons for his suitability to lead the school.
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is renowned for its diverse offerings, boasting over 40 ensembles performing music from around the world. The school is home to renowned musical scholars, industry experts, and world-class musicians, educators, and composers, all within one institution. It values all musical traditions as vital expressions of an evolving global society.
Chancellor Frenk and Darnell Hunt, UCLA's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, are confident that the school will continue to fulfil its vital role on campus and will reach new heights under Beckerman's leadership. The school prepares students for twenty-first century music careers and emphasises active engagement in the greater Los Angeles community.
Beckerman has received numerous awards for his work, including the Dvorák Medal, the Janáček Medal, the Gratias Agit Award, the Harrison Medal, and the Deems Taylor Award. He is also the author or editor of seven books.
Professor Beckerman is deeply committed to teaching and has received the Golden Dozen Teaching Award from NYU and the George Estabrook Distinguished Alumnus Award from Hofstra University. His impact as dean is expected to include fostering academic rigor, enhancing the school’s reputation in music research, and expanding interdisciplinary opportunities.
For a complete profile, including Beckerman's vision and initiatives at UCLA, it would be best to consult UCLA's official announcements or the Herb Alpert School of Music's website.
In his new role as dean of UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music, Michael Beckerman is expected to continue promoting academic rigor and enhancing the school's reputation in music research. His commitment to education-and-self-development, evident in his receipt of the Golden Dozen Teaching Award from NYU, will undoubtedly contribute to the school's success in preparing students for general-news worthy music careers.
