Kevin Haden Appointed Dean of UArts’ School of Music

Kevin Haden, a renowned educator, musician, composer and lyricist, has joined University of the Arts as dean of the School of Music. Haden will bring his visionary and collaborative leadership to UArts, advancing the school’s mission to embrace an evolving music landscape and positioning it at the vanguard of creative practice. He will also work closely with his colleagues in the university’s other schools and programs, spanning art, dance, design, film and theater, to sustain and deepen the relevance of an interdisciplinary arts-focused education.

Haden holds an MA in Music Composition and a BM in Music Theory and Composition, both from New York University. Prior to joining UArts, he served as director of academic operations for NYU’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. In one of the largest and most complex academic departments at NYU, Haden oversaw its critical operations and served as a key advisor to its chair. Haden was also active in the university’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Courses, Curricula and Programs committees.

Since 2005, he has taught numerous courses in performance, composition and music business and guided NYU’s vocal and instrumental acoustic pop ensemble, channeling his experience as a professional musician to inform his students. In one recent class, Haden led students as they engaged in semester-long experiences operating Village Records, an NYU record label founded in 1995. Additionally, he contributed significantly to the university’s Music Business Summer Institute, a two-week intensive experience for high school students interested in music business opportunities in higher education, for more than 17 years.

“Now more than ever, I find inspiration at the nexus of music and other creative arts like dance, theater, film, visual art and literature,” Haden said. “Leading a School of Music as committed to the value of cross-disciplinary study as UArts was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m so thrilled to be here.”

Though grounded in its storied history, the School of Music’s curricula draw heavily on contemporary developments and music’s ever-changing role in society to frame its pedagogy. The school comprehensively integrates performance, technology, business and education, forging creative catalysts for collaboration across disciplines and industries. As Haden assumes leadership of the school, he will champion music as a cultural force and a prism through which artistic explorations can be examined.

As a musician, Haden is recognized for his versatile voice and songs that fuse multiple genres. A gifted songwriter, composer and lyricist, he crafts a provocative blend of genres that include folk, soul, pop, dance and rock with compelling lyrics and infectious hooks. His diverse and inviting catalog includes releases from renowned international electronic dance music labels, two independent LPs and a wide array of releases across social media. Haden was also featured on Alaia & Gallo’s international dance hit “Who is He?” and Gok Wan and Kumora’s “All Night Long,” released in late June.

Haden succeeds Micah Jones, who served as the school’s director and then dean for a total of seven years. Jones, a critical advocate for the School of Music, emphatically prioritized student success throughout his tenure. He will retain an academic leadership role, serving as the program director for Instrumental Performance.

“The School of Music has seen significant advancement and success through the past seven years, including the growth of our Music Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology program and the strengthening of our culture,” Jones said. “I look forward to bringing the skills I’ve developed to the Instrumental Performance program and supporting Kevin as we reinforce UArts’ reputation as a prime destination for students seeking to hone their creative voice.”