The UMKC Conservatory is pleased to note that Dr. S. Andrew Granade has been appointed Interim Dean of the UMKC Conservatory. Andrew currently serves as professor of musicology and associate dean of academic and faculty affairs at the Conservatory. He completed his Ph.D. in musicology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005, and also holds a master of music from UIUC as well as bachelor degrees in piano performance and history from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He succeeds Diane Helfers Petrella.
In 2010, he was recognized with both the Chancellor’s Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Excellence in Teaching Award. Andrew’s research focuses on the American Experimental Tradition, particularly the composer and instrument builder Harry Partch. He also has an active interest in music history pedagogy, as well as film music, particularly that of science fiction film and television. He was recognized with the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Excellence in Research/Creativity Award in 2015.
Conservatory leadership has expressed overwhelming support for Andrew’s move into this role. His experience as an associate dean, overseeing faculty affairs and graduate education, demonstrated his skills as a thoughtful, level-headed and diplomatic leader. He will do a great job representing the Conservatory in our community, the state and beyond.
Andrew’s passion for research and teaching, and his knowledge of the Conservatory, will well serve students, faculty and staff as we conduct a national search for a new dean for the Conservatory.
Congratulations!