Bienen School of Music Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery will participate in an upcoming conference at the Eastman School of Music focused on preparing the next generation of music school leaders.

The Eastman Leadership Conference, to be held June 21-24, 2017 at the University of Rochester in New York, will provide a forum for understanding 21st century challenges in the evolving music field. Current and future music school leaders will have the opportunity to learn and discuss policies, programs, and strategies in a collaborative, professional, and musically rich environment.

Dean Montgomery joins two other prominent music school leaders in headlining the conference: Jamal J. Rossi, the Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School of Music; and Robert Cutietta, Dean of the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California.

The three deans, who have 75 years of combined experience in music leadership and administration, will provide insights during a panel discussion and lead various sessions as part of the diverse conference schedule. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including fundraising strategies, identity and advocacy, recruitment and enrollment, strategic planning, and best practices for effective leadership. 

This professional development program is open to current and aspiring music school deans, associate and assistant deans, department chairs, and select faculty and administrative staff members of music schools. In addition, a competitive graduate student fellowship program will allow five exceptional graduate students to participate in the conference and work alongside the participants and faculty.