Jutras named director of UGA school of Music

Athens, GA – Peter Jutras, Professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy in the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music, has been named director of the Hodgson School by Franklin College of Arts and Sciences dean Alan Dorsey. The appointment is effective July 1, 2019.

“The Hodgson School of Music is one of the pillars of our vibrant arts programs, attracting some of the best young musicians in the world to study and train at UGA,” Dorsey said. “I am confident that Dr. Jutras will lead with integrity to promote an atmosphere in which creativity, scholarship, service, and outstanding instruction will continue to flourish.”

A 2015 recipient of the Richard B. Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, Jutras holds the B.M. degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music, the M.M. degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Southern Methodist University, and the Ph.D. in music education with an emphasis in piano pedagogy from the University of North Texas. He is currently the associate director for research and graduate studies in the Hodgson School.

“I have been fortunate to serve as a faculty member at the Hodgson School for the past 13 years, and it has been a wonderfully enriching experience,” Jutras said. “The students and faculty are inspiring, dedicated, caring musicians who are passionate about their art and scholarship. It will be an honor and a privilege to lead this world-class group in the years ahead.”

Jutras succeeds Dale Monson as director of the school of music, who served since January 2009.

“I want to thank Dr. Monson for his tireless devotion to the students, faculty and staff of the Hodgson School of Music,” Dorsey said. “His leadership and vision have made lasting contributions to the arts at UGA as they raised the prominence and reputation of the school of music.

A frequent presenter at conferences across the country and around the world, Jutras has published articles and research in The Journal of Research in Music Education, The Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Scientia Paedagogica Experimentalis, American Music Teacher, Clavier Companion, a leading national piano pedagogy publication for which he served as editor-in-chief. He has conducted extensive research on adult music study, specifically on the benefits of adult piano study and participation in avocational bands. In recent years, he has led an innovative outreach program in which UGA students provide online music instruction to a girls’ school in Eldoret, Kenya.