Music School Faculty Given Prestigious Professor Titles
Two esteemed musicians and educators, Peter Kazaras and Ian Krouse, have been promoted to the rank of Distinguished Professor at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
Peter Kazaras, a celebrated conductor, stage director, and voice teacher, has made significant contributions to the school's vocal and opera departments. With a career spanning many world-renowned opera houses, Kazaras is well-known for his work in opera as both a conductor and director. He has also been instrumental in coaching singers and developing opera programs.
As the director of Opera UCLA, Kazaras has overseen nearly 40 productions at the university. He has also regularly directed for major professional companies, including the Washington National Opera, Seattle Opera, and the Los Angeles Opera.
Ian Krouse, on the other hand, is a renowned composer, performer, and educator specializing in contemporary music and composition. Krouse is celebrated for his innovative approach to blending traditional and modern musical elements.
Krouse is internationally recognized as a leading composer of classical guitar music. His most notable work, the Armenian Requiem, is a 100-minute piece for chorus, soloists, and orchestra. This powerful composition premiered in April 2015 to great acclaim and was commercially recorded on the Naxos label.
In addition to his role as a composer, Krouse is also the co-division chair and professor of composition at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. He has served as chair of the department of music and as an inaugural academic associate dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
The promotions of Kazaras and Krouse to Distinguished Professor reflect their outstanding achievements in their respective areas and their commitment to advancing music education at UCLA. They join Vladimir Chernov, Juliana Gondek, Ray Knapp, and others in holding this prestigious rank, UCLA's highest faculty rank, recognizing outstanding professors who are pre-eminent authorities in their fields.
The Herb Alpert School of Music looks forward to the continued contributions and leadership of both Kazaras and Krouse. Their exceptional creativity, gifted teaching, and outstanding service have influenced generations of UCLA students and enriched their musical fields.
Peter Kazaras' significant contributions to the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music extend beyond his role as a conductor and director, extending to his coaching of singers and development of opera programs – a testament to his dedication to both lifestyle and education-and-self-development.
Ian Krouse, as a leading composer of classical guitar music and a respected educator, demonstrates a unique balance between traditional and contemporary music, exemplifying both his artistry and commitment to education-and-self-development in music.
