Robert Dodson’s appointment as the new music director at the College of Fine Arts, combined with recent renovations to the CFA building, are part of an initiative to further integrate CFA into the Boston University community, students and administrators said.
Dodson, who assumed the position in September after former music director Andr’eacute; de Quadros stepped down last year, said he is excited to join the BU faculty and cannot wait to get involved in Boston’s artistic community.
‘I am delighted to have this opportunity to join the School of Music at Boston University,’ he said. ‘Its rich history and prospects, its renowned faculty of artists and scholars, its association with the intellectual and artistic resources of the College of Fine Arts and of Boston University, and its presence in the great City of Boston, together offer extraordinary potential for unique accomplishment in music.’
Dodson said he hopes to increase communication between CFA students and faculty while encouraging interaction between CFA students and the rest of the university.
‘Any vision that works for BU will be a shared one that we develop together,’ Dodson said.’ ‘Our goal is for the school of music to be a destination program for performers, scholars and teachers, both in the community and internationally.’
Staff members and students said they have been pleased with Dodson’s new leadership.
‘We are delighted to welcome Robert Dodson as Director of our School of Music,’ CFA Dean Walt Meissner said in a statement. ‘His track record of success in leading some of the country’s most prestigious music schools, his reputation as an effective and compassionate leader and his commitment to working in close collaboration with our faculty to move the School forward, all convinced us that he was the right choice.’
Dodson’s appointment follows the recent renovation of the basement of the CFA building. The project included an overhaul of practice rooms and the addition of lockers for CFA students, CFA spokeswoman Jean Connaughton said.
‘With the opening of the new music center this year, student and faculty morale are at an all-time high,’ she said. ‘Everyone’s really excited. There are lots of great things happenings in the school right now.’
Music students said they have also noticed a strong emphasis on communication between Dodson and students.
CFA Student Government Vice President Bo-Min Son said Dodson has been sending out email newsletters and updates, meeting with students and making an effort to include students in new developments within the college.
CFA junior Joe Pratolongo said the improvements are evident.
‘He seems like a really great guy who wants to make positive changes within the school,’ he said.’ ‘He has put a real emphasis on communication with students and trying to understand what they want. I feel like he is really going to listen and try to understand student needs, as opposed to just doing what he feels is best.’
Additionally, Son said the CFA student government is making efforts to increase interactions within CFA and university-wide.
‘As a student government, we are trying to bring all three schools together: theater, art and music,’ Son, a CFA junior, said. ‘Going along with the theme of one BU, we are trying to reach out and make CFA known in the school community.’
Dodson said he also puts an emphasis on the idea of community.
‘There are many wonderful things happening in the School of Music,’ he said. ‘I encourage everyone to come to a concert. There are hundreds every year and I would love to see every seat taken.’
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