Alexander Brose — Unlocking Potential: The Power of Music Education
With over 25 years of experience, Alexander Brose shares his unique leadership journey. He highlights the invaluable year spent shadowing his predecessor, Peter Simon. This opportunity gave him rare insights and a wealth of institutional knowledge, laying the foundation to lead the Royal Conservatory of Music through its next phase of growth.
We dive into the rich history of The Royal Conservatory of Music and its crucial role in promoting music education across Canada and beyond. As public school music programs face budget cuts, Brose emphasizes the importance of expanding access to music education. He underscores innovative initiatives like Smart Start, which engages children in music from infancy, demonstrating the profound impact of early exposure to music on child development.
This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of music’s transformative power and its essential role in personal and societal development. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how music connects, educates, and bridges cultures.
*photo credit: Stuart LoweWho is Alexander Brose?
Mr. Brose has over 25 years of experience working in the performing arts and education. Most recently, he was the inaugural Executive Director and CEO of the Tianjin Juilliard School in China, the first and only branch campus of The Juilliard School in New York City. There, he worked closely with colleagues both in Tianjin and New York to create an inclusive and supportive institutional culture. This culture upheld Juilliard’s educational and artistic excellence and respected the surrounding influences of China.
Raised in South Korea, Hong Kong, and the United States, Mr. Brose received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian Studies, with a concentration in China, from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
An award-winning vocalist, Mr. Brose has performed in prestigious concert venues across the globe, including on the U.S. nationally syndicated radio show A Prairie Home Companion, at the Seoul National Arts Center in South Korea, with the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, N.Y., and with the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus, among others.
"The Royal Conservatory touches the lives of tens of thousands of musicians on a daily basis and, as a result, exudes an energy that I have never felt at any other performing arts organization. I feel profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead The RCM forward into the future – into more households, teaching studios, classrooms, and performance venues worldwide."
-Alexander Brose Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO
He has served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy (Grammys) in the United States and the American Chamber of Commerce in China. He currently sits on the advisory councils of the Cornell University Glee Club, the school’s oldest student organization, as well as the Tianjin Juilliard School. A sought-after public speaker, Mr. Brose has presented at major arts conferences and universities in both the U.S. and China.
Prior to that, he was the Vice President for Development at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado, where he was responsible for all fundraising and strategic relationship-building activities. He raised US$75M as part of a capital campaign and worked with AMFS leadership to create a new strategic vision for the organization.
Mr. Brose began his career in senior management roles at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in California. He spent a decade there, serving as Director of Admissions and Associate Vice President for Advancement.
Mr. Brose lives in Toronto with his Canadian wife and two children.
*text adapted from The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Official Website
Where to listen?
All episodes, after publication, are also available in video form on our Facebook and YouTube Channels. All are hosted by Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowman.
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