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DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS GRADUATES

Congratulations to our Spring 2021 Doctor of Musical Arts Graduates:

Carolyn Braus
D.M.A. in Saxophone

Written by Tim Powell

To say that Carolyn’s presence is going to be missed in the saxophone studio and wind and percussion area is an understatement. While her playing is truly world class, Carolyn’s teaching, personality and natural demeanor set her apart from so many in the field. Congratulations, Dr. Braus! I’d like to purchase one of the first copies of your new release this summer.
 

Lucia Disano
D.M.A. in Wind Conducting

Written by Michael Votta

“Hi. I play clarinet in the Marine Band, and I want to be a conductor.” That introduction was the beginning of a wonderful time of experimentation and growth for both of us. It's hard to know what the next plot twist in this adventure might be, but whatever it is I’m confident you will handle it with your usual combination of poise, grace and determination. I can't wait to see how the story ends!
 

Minji Kim
D.M.A. in Choral Conducting

Written by Edward Maclary

Minji came to us by way of Korea, Ohio and Texas and brought with her excellent musicianship and superior conducting technique. But her quest for learning and growth never wavered and she has worked assiduously to become the very best that she can be. Along the way she has been a truly wonderful colleague and I have loved teaching Minji—especially how to swear properly in English!
 

Jesse Blane Munoz
D.M.A. in Violin

Written by David Salness

Jesse sports a scintillating tone that delights the listener while stoking a measure of envy. His guileless personality has won him only friends. Along with memorable playing, his dissertation culminated in a fascinating "family tree" demonstrating the nexus between Polish and Russian composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Jesse's multi-pronged career flourishes in beautiful Sarasota!
 

Pyung Kang Oh
D.M.A. in Violin

Written by James Stern

Sharon’s dissertation project identifies a significant subset of the violin literature—works in the form of, or containing a chaconne—and provides future violinists with a valuable and comprehensive resource for studying this body of work, how it evolved over time and how it acquired such multi-layered meaning for the modern player. Her own brilliant performances make a strong case for the centrality of this musical form to the aesthetics of violin playing.
 

Joseph Scott 
D.M.A. in Wind Conducting

Written by Michael Votta

Joey, seeing the mature musician you’ve become, it’s hard to recall the young conductor who began the master’s program five years ago. Your current position at Mount St. Mary’s University is but the first step in what I’m sure will be an exciting musical life. Wherever that life takes you, you’ll always be part of the Maryland family—and we are the richer for your presence. All best wishes!
 

Cheuk Hang Sin
D.M.A. in Violin

Written by Irina Muresanu

Throughout his years as a doctoral student, Benedict has contributed to the life of the school through his musical skills, as well as beautifully documenting through photography many concerts and events. His dissertation on Chinese violin music has opened the door to a previously unknown wealth of repertoire. We wish him the best of luck in all his future professional endeavors!!
 

Ying-Shan Su
D.M.A. in Collaborative Piano

Written by Rita Sloan

With a voice as deep as her probing mind, Ying-Shan Su has impressed us all with her wonderful performing, culminating in her brilliantly-presented dissertation recitals. Equally impressive, however, have been her musically astute comments and kindnesses to her colleagues and collaborative partners. Even though today marks the next step in her continuing musical journey, we will sorely miss her. 
 

Kei Sugiyama
D.M.A. in Violin

Written by James Stern

Kei’s performance dissertation project focuses on musical masterworks that played a major role in the historical rise of the interpreter—the musician who makes a career solely by performing works composed by others, in contrast to the complete musician of earlier times for whom composition and performance were two sides of a single creative impulse. By way of advocating for a return to this more integrated sense of being a musician he wrote, for this project, some brilliant original compositions that not only should be welcome additions to solo and ensemble programs, but can serve a pedagogical purpose as well.
 

Nicholas John Tavani
D.M.A. in Violin

Written by David Salness

Nick is a musician's musician! As a member of the fellowship Aeolus Quartet, his artistry impacted our school while making waves internationally at competitions. Through managing his career and as resident ensemble at the Juilliard School, he finished his complex dissertation involving mathematical analysis and its artistic application. The magnitude of his heart and mind is rare indeed!

Mijiail V Tumanov Pavlov
D.M.A. in Piano

Written by Larissa Dedova

I am happy to offer my warmest congratulations to you, Misha! Your Dissertation CDs are of the highest artistic and professional quality. It was great to work with you—a wonderful musician and pianist! I know that your future in music is bright, whatever you choose to do. Very proud of you! Bravo!