New Music Prof Settles In
After 9 years in New York, Fuerst looks forward to change of scene but not change of pace; rejected Yale's offer
Casey Cheney
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Arts
The laws of music have a new spokesman in Howard Music Hall this year.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Fuerst moved to Hillsdale this fall from New York to teach theory and composition and his students say the energy he exudes in class is contagious.
He Fuerst applied for the position after he received a surprise email from Artist-Teacher in Music Brad Blackham, whom he met two years ago when college musicians performed one of Fuerst's compositions. Hillsdale College's offer to fill the position vacated last year by Assistant Professor of Music Omri Shimron, who left Hillsdale for Elon University in North Carolina, beat out a competing bid from Yale University.
He didn't sweat the decision, Fuerst said. Hillsdale offered him a position first, along with more responsibility than Yale did.
Fuerst teaches music theory, labs and private composition classes. And though his current contract lasts one year, he said he plans to apply for a permanent position.
"It seems like they really take care of the faculty," he said. "The people in the department are so nice."
If the students have it their way, Fuerst will be here for a while.
"He always makes things interesting," said sophomore Nick Nestorak. "He always tries to help us out. He's always open to meet with us."
His willingness to help students matches his enthusiasm in class. Junior Catherine Karner said the rapport he has already developed with students makes for enjoyable - and energetic - lectures.
"It spurs us all on to greater heights of silliness," she said.
Junior Monica Way agreed.
"He comes in with his mug of coffee and talks faster and faster, and his speech accelerates through the class," she said.
But students don't just appreciate Fuerst's energy. Sophomore Isaac Johnson said Fuerst has the ability to bring a lecture to students' level.
"He's always willing to slow things way down for us," he said.
Of the nine years he spent in New York, Fuerst spent seven attaining his master's and doctorate in composition at the Juilliard School of Music. He commuted four hours each way to teach five hours of piano lessons every day for the last two years and worked eight hours on Saturdays.
"After nine years in New York, it got old," he said.
Though he is now the one passing on knowledge, Fuerst said he maintains the mentality of a student.
"You're always learning as a musician," he said. "I feel like more of a student than they are. I even had to go through orientation again!"
Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Fuerst moved to Hillsdale this fall from New York to teach theory and composition and his students say the energy he exudes in class is contagious.
He Fuerst applied for the position after he received a surprise email from Artist-Teacher in Music Brad Blackham, whom he met two years ago when college musicians performed one of Fuerst's compositions. Hillsdale College's offer to fill the position vacated last year by Assistant Professor of Music Omri Shimron, who left Hillsdale for Elon University in North Carolina, beat out a competing bid from Yale University.
He didn't sweat the decision, Fuerst said. Hillsdale offered him a position first, along with more responsibility than Yale did.
Fuerst teaches music theory, labs and private composition classes. And though his current contract lasts one year, he said he plans to apply for a permanent position.
"It seems like they really take care of the faculty," he said. "The people in the department are so nice."
If the students have it their way, Fuerst will be here for a while.
"He always makes things interesting," said sophomore Nick Nestorak. "He always tries to help us out. He's always open to meet with us."
His willingness to help students matches his enthusiasm in class. Junior Catherine Karner said the rapport he has already developed with students makes for enjoyable - and energetic - lectures.
"It spurs us all on to greater heights of silliness," she said.
Junior Monica Way agreed.
"He comes in with his mug of coffee and talks faster and faster, and his speech accelerates through the class," she said.
But students don't just appreciate Fuerst's energy. Sophomore Isaac Johnson said Fuerst has the ability to bring a lecture to students' level.
"He's always willing to slow things way down for us," he said.
Of the nine years he spent in New York, Fuerst spent seven attaining his master's and doctorate in composition at the Juilliard School of Music. He commuted four hours each way to teach five hours of piano lessons every day for the last two years and worked eight hours on Saturdays.
"After nine years in New York, it got old," he said.
Though he is now the one passing on knowledge, Fuerst said he maintains the mentality of a student.
"You're always learning as a musician," he said. "I feel like more of a student than they are. I even had to go through orientation again!"
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