Known for his relentless creativity and boundary-defying artistry, saxophonist Timo Vollbrecht has built a reputation as a true phenomenon in the jazz world. Originally from Berlin, Timo made the bold move to New York 15 years ago, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant scene and honing his distinctive musical voice. Today, he leads the Jazz Program at Brown University, balancing a thriving academic career with an impressive array of genre-spanning projects. For his latest venture, Timo Vollbrecht – Bremen New York, he brings together a stellar international lineup—Ralph Alessi (trumpet), Chris Tordini (bass), Thomas Strønen (drums), and Elias Stemeseder (piano)—bridging the musical worlds of Bremen and New York. We caught up with Timo to talk about this exciting project, his journey, and what drives his continued evolution as an artist.

The Brown University music scholar embraces cultures, storytelling and soundscapes to advance “fierce expression” through composition and her dedication to her work with students.

Brown University PhD Candidate in Music & Multimedia Composition Han geul Lee Earned a Special Prize in the 5th Ise-Shima International Composition Competition

Brown University Professor of Music Emily Dolan co-edited Sonic Circulations: Music, Modernism, and the Politics of Knowledge (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press 2025)

In Intro to Rap Songwriting, students learn to listen deeply, engage with a complex art form, and share their hearts.

In this Q&A, Jodry reflects on a musical journey at Brown that spanned 33 years and culminated in a monumental farewell concert that drew alumni from around the world.

Brown University PhD Candidate Annie Kim Earns Fellowship from the American Musicological Society

Each May, the Department of Music faculty vote on and bestow academic and performance awards to outstanding undergraduate students at Brown University. The awards are presented in person at the Honors & Awards Ceremony. This year's ceremony was presided by Professor Eric Nathan, Director of Undergraduate Studies. The 2025 awardees are listed below. Congratulations to all recipients of awards this year!

Before becoming a producer on the show, Nathan Winoto ’25 — a senior studying music, sociology and economics — was involved in theater at Brown. Since joining his first year, he has directed various productions at Brown, including Ensemble’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!” and Brown Opera Productions’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” In an interview with The Herald, Winoto said that joining his first Broadway show has been “very exciting.”

Achondo is a newly hired Assistant Professor, Ethnomusicology and Musicology, at Memorial University

Under the flashing lights of Providence clubs and at bustling campus orientation events, a community of Brown students thrive behind speakers instead of on the dance floor. Whether engaging a crowd, highlighting sounds from their home countries or finding fun in their passion for music, each student DJ at Brown approaches their art in a unique way.

Jones starts her appointment at SAIC in fall 2025

The Telegraph Quartet delivered a beautiful performance at the Grant Recital Hall Monday night, playing with measured passion and undeniable control. It was a colorful, yet erratic experience that left the audience slightly disoriented but appreciative of the composers’ technical mastery.

Brown University Associate Professor of Music Anthony Cheung was recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and The Yvar Mikhashoff Trust for New Music in 2024

In this new body of work, Carter continues his investigation of systems of power in the US by utilizing the flag — across several mediums — as a conceptual lever to spur reflections on how the history and promise contained within its imagery corresponds to the realities of American culture and society.