Jazz music legend joins Monash University

In a coup for Monash University, internationally renowned performer, educator and musicologist, Dr Tony Gould AM has accepted the position of Professor within the School of Music – Conservatorium.

Commencing in 2012, Professor Gould will teach across the undergraduate program in jazz, classical performance, composition, history and arranging. In addition, he will work to enhance the development, understanding and promotion of ‘performance-based’ research within the music school.

Professor Tony Gould is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most distinguished jazz musicians and educators. In 2008, he was awarded an Order of Australia for his services to the arts, in particular, music education, as well as his work promoting jazz and improvised music.

With a career spanning more than five decades he has received innumerable accolades for his contributions to music as a composer, performer, recording artist, musician and teacher.

Professor Gould now brings that expertise to Monash University.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Rae Frances, said Professor Gould’s appointment enhances the Monash School of Music’s reputation as one of the premier music institutions in Australia. In addition, it promotes the School’s ever-growing international reputation for excellence in performance, composition, ethnomusicology and musicology.

 “Tony’s decision to join Monash is, without question, an absolute triumph for the University - there isn’t a better musician to build the already impressive reputation of the School of Music,” Professor Frances said.

“The School already attracts students and visiting academics from all over the world. It is also highly successful at obtaining competitive research funding. I can only envisage that with Tony’s expertise the School will continue to flourish.”

In accepting the position, Professor Gould emphasised his delight at joining the University where he completed his post-graduate studies; an institution that has a positive and bright future in music education, as well as more broadly.