Music School Faculty Recognized as Prominent Professors
UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Announces New Distinguished Professors
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is proud to announce the appointment of two esteemed figures in the world of music as Distinguished Professors: Peter Kazaras and Ian Krouse.
Peter Kazaras, a renowned opera director and vocal coach, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Known for his work in both academic and professional music settings, Kazaras has made significant contributions to opera productions and music education. His expertise in voice and stage direction is highly regarded.
Over the years, Kazaras has directed for major professional companies, including the Washington National Opera, Seattle Opera, and the Los Angeles Opera. At UCLA, he has directed, supervised, or produced nearly 40 productions since joining the school in 2007. Currently, he serves as the director of Opera UCLA.
Kazaras arrived at UCLA after a celebrated career as an opera performer, director, and leader of young-artist programs. He has been promoted to the rank of Distinguished Professor, UCLA's highest faculty rank.
Ian Krouse, on the other hand, is a respected composer, sound designer, and audio engineer. His work encompasses contemporary composition and innovative sound projects. Krouse's career combines creative artistry with technical proficiency in music technology and composition.
Krouse's contributions to the Herb Alpert School of Music are highly anticipated. He has written for nearly every ensemble and in nearly every genre, and his works have been performed by major orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and soloists around the world.
In April 2015, Krouse's Armenian Requiem premiered to great acclaim and was quickly commemorated in a commercial recording on the Naxos label. Krouse is internationally recognized as a leading composer of classical guitar music.
Krouse has served as chair of the department of music and as an inaugural academic associate dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. He joins Vladimir Chernov, Juliana Gondek, and Ray Knapp as current holders of the Distinguished Professor rank at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. The school is honoured to count Krouse among its musical community.
Together, Kazaras and Krouse have influenced generations of UCLA students, inspired colleagues, and enriched their musical fields as well as our broader culture. Their appointments as Distinguished Professors recognize their outstanding contributions to music performance, education, and innovation at UCLA.
Peter Kazaras' expertise in voice and stage direction, cultivated through his work in both academic and professional music settings, is a testament to his significant contributions to music education. Ian Krouse's career blending creative artistry with technical proficiency in music technology and composition is an embodiment of continuous learning and self-development in the field of music.
