Dr. Zen Kuriyama earned a PhD in Musicology this past spring at Brandeis University and began a new position at Bates College this fall as Assistant Professor of Music (tenured track). Holding graduate degrees in vocal performance, choral conducting, and musicology, his multi-disciplinary training and scholarship has given rise to choral and orchestral conducting opportunities, several invited lectures, peer-reviewed publications, and teaching at the grade-school and college levels.
When asked to reflect on his journey since UH, Dr. Kuriyama said, “In so many ways, I owe everything to UH Mānoa. Mainly, to three professors: Maya Sypert, Miguel Felipe, and Kate McQuiston. Fiercely competent professionals in our field who supported me totally and completely. That is rare, as I later came to find out. Maya believed I had a voice; I went on to receive a master’s in voice. Miguel believed in my personhood in music; I went on to receive a master’s in conducting. And Kate believed I had something to say, so I received a Ph.D. in musicology.”
From a glance at Dr. Kuriyama’s CV, it’s clear he has a passion for learning, and his position at Bates reflects his varied fields of study. “I’ve done a lot of graduate school, to help grow the seeds planted by amazing mentors at UH Mānoa. Now, I get to use all that training: I am currently Assistant Professor of Music (tenure track) at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where I teach courses in music history, music theory, and direct the College Choir.”
The professional world of music can be intimidating for those of us still navigating uncertainties in our own abilities. His advice to students is: “Dream big and work hard. When people tell you that it can’t be done, do it anyway, and let the cards fall where they may. In graduate school especially, I had several so-called “mentors” who told me to give up. I didn’t, and I proved them wrong. Be kind, and prove people wrong!”