The UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has officially announced the induction of a new faculty member to its roster. PhD graduate Sam Reenan will join CCM as the latest Assistant Professor of Music Theory starting August 15, 2025. With an accomplished background, Reenan's arrival is set to bring a fresh wave of academic vigor to the institution's music department.
Sam Reenan, a notable graduate from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he not only earned his PhD but also a Master's in music theory, is equally anchored in the sciences with bachelor's degrees in music theory and biological sciences from the University of Connecticut. His academic journey, as reported by UC News's announcement, has equipped him to adeptly blend analytical frameworks with the creative flow of music.
Reenan's educational approach is thoroughly modern. He recognizes the intrinsic value of fostering not just musicianship, but also the vital soft skills of communication and collaboration among his students. Before joining CCM, Reenan cut his teeth as Theory Coordinator and Director of Graduate Studies at Miami University. There, he undertook the task of teaching a wide-ranging music theory and aural skills curriculum that sought to fundamentally enhance the educational experiences of both undergraduate and graduate students.
His commitment to integrated learning was highlighted by his significant contribution to the design of an interdisciplinary arts writing course. This feat garnered the team the Roger and Joyce Howe Award for Excellence in Disciplinary Writing Instruction. This course, as described in the university's press release, was created to potentially benefit any major looking to sharpen their writing within the arts. Reenan's experience at Miami University is intended to translate seamlessly into his new role at CCM, bringing a richness of experience to the forefront of music education.
Since his appointment was publicized, the CCM community has buzzed with anticipation for Reenan's contribution to the continued excellence of the institution's music theory department. As students and faculty alike prepare to welcome him, there's a palpable expectation that Reenan's teachings will resonate not only within the hallowed halls of CCM but also well beyond, in the broader landscapes of music and academia.
