The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Department of Music is pleased to welcome two new faculty members, Dr. Thomas Kloss as an assistant professor of music and associate band director, and Dr. Tyler Ramos as an instructor of music.
With more than 27 years teaching instrumental music in both secondary and higher education, Dr. Kloss brings a wealth of experience to the Department of Music. Having earned degrees from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, he is a reflective practitioner who is continually seeking out new teaching skills, strategies, and innovations. He values experiential learning and student-centered experiences and says he is looking forward to a new adventure in teaching on Oʻahu. “Meeting the students and faculty of the UH Department of Music has been a real joy. I’m excited to be a part of the music ‘ohana and see what our future holds.”
A UH Mānoa Music alumni who was raised on Oʻahu, Dr. Ramos has performed at venues across North America and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Literature, along with a Music Theory Minor and Arts Leadership Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. He says of his teaching philosophy, “I believe that we can learn something from every piece of music, regardless of style. We learn best when we study all types of music!” He is excited to return to UH Mānoa, now as an instructor, stating, “The UH Department of Music is a special place. Having been in their shoes, I can tell the students that the faculty here are really rooting for student success. Practice and study hard, as you never know how the connections you make here will help you later in your professional life.”
Welcome Dr. Kloss and Dr. Ramos!