Alumni Notes
Anna Piotrowski (BM ’14, violin), who minored in performing arts management and entrepreneurship, recently incorporated her Chicago-based freelance performing business under the name Piotrowski Strings Inc. She has expanded to include a team of string players available for hire as soloists or ensembles to meet a growing demand for her services for private events. (1/2025)
Jared R. Rawlings (PhD ’15, music education) was appointed tenured professor and director of the School of Music at the University of Missouri–Columbia on July 1, 2023. He previously a faculty member and leader at the University of Utah and at Stetson University School of Music.
Eric Robsky Huntley (BFA ’10, performing arts technology) serves as a lecturer in urban science and planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They also direct the MIT Spatial Analysis & Action Research Group and are the founder of OGRAPHIES Research & Design, a mission-driven spatial data science consultancy. (1/2025)
Ryan Shaw (BM ’06, MM ’11, music education) was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor of music education at Michigan State University. Shaw also recently published research in Arts Education Policy Review and the Journal of Research in Music Education, and was appointed associate editor of Music Educators Journal in July 2024.
Deanna Sirkot (BM ’13, clarinet) joins the seven-time national-prize-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet as operations and development manager, marking the ensemble’s first administrative position. With a wealth of past experience at the Arts Collab and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Sirkot has spearheaded initiatives that increased arts education opportunities and reached thousands of young artists each year. (1/2025)
Caroline Steiger (BM ’10, DMA ’16, horn) was recently appointed associate professor and director of brass at the George Mason University Riva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music after teaching at Texas State University for eight years. She is excited to join several SMTD alumni on faculty. (1/2025)
Luke Steinhauer (BFA ’16, musical theatre) gave a TEDx talk, “How You Say It Matters: Harnessing the Power of Your Voice for Strategic & Effective Communication.” Steinhauer is a professional vocal coach whose clients include Broadway, film, and TV stars and executives from Google, Meta, and other companies.
Austin Stewart (BM ’09, voice; PhD ’19, musicology) joined the Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS) as vice president for advancement. Stewart works closely with the senior management team, president / CEO Alan Fletcher, and the board of trustees on strategic planning, operations, and oversight of philanthropic programs to advance the goals of the AMFS.
Rachal Solomon (BM ’04, voice) recently accepted a position as adjunct professor of musical theatre voice for Florida International University. Her original compositions will be featured in the films God Will Listen, starring Dean Cain; Crossroads; Once Upon a Christmas and in the upcoming films Teenage Musical and Sweet Sixteen.
Ann Marie Stanley (PhD ’09, music education) was appointed director of the Penn State School of Music and professor of music education on July 1, 2023. She was previously the associate dean for graduate studies and the Aloysia L. Barineau Professor of Music Education at Louisiana State University.
Emery Stephens (DMA ’09, voice) has been granted tenure and promoted to associate professor of music in fall 2024 at St. Olaf College. He recently completed teaching artist residencies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Luther College, and Concordia College in Minnesota. He is the Minnesota district membership director of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
David Troiano (DMA ’06, organ) presented an organ recital that featured the world premiere of A Liturgical Suite for organ by Alejandro Consolacion III of Manila. It was given at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco and is based on several Eucharistic chants. (1/2025)