Brandee Younger has been appointed to the harp faculty at both New York University and The New School. We spoke with Younger about her new positions at both institutions. On her appointment at NYU, she says “as an alum of NYU Steinhardt, I am delighted to join the faculty. NYU’s broad programming and music business opportunities really make it a unique, one of a kind place for music students looking to make a career in the field. I look forward to continuing to expand the department along with Bridget Kibbey with lessons, technique classes, chamber music, and masterclasses. This June, we will present a summer intensive through the school that I am really excited about.” At the New School, Younger has accepted a dual appointment at the Mannes School of Music and The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. When asked her thoughts on her position at The New School, she says “with my own career spanning across genres, being able to work with students across Mannes and the Jazz schools is quite relevant and timely. I have long been an admirer of the schools’ progressive curriculums and creative teachings and look towards sharing what I have with the students. In addition to lessons, I am quite excited to lead an Alice Coltrane Ensemble.” At both schools, she says that “students have the opportunity to learn from more than one teaching artist and I think this puts them at a real advantage. I feel honored to be a part of these programs where students will be able to leave school with music and business skills to succeed in various genres.”
Younger is a well–known composer, educator, and performer. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance and Music Management from the Hartt School of Music and a Master of Music in Harp Performance from NYU. She has performed with artists including Pharaoh Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Charlie Haden, Common, John Legend, The Roots, and Stevie Wonder. In 2019, she released her fourth studio album entitled Soul Awakening and was signed to Impulse! records. Her original song “Hortense” was featured in the Netflix documentary Beyoncé: Homecoming. Younger serves as Director at Large of the American Harp Society, Inc. and holds a leadership position at the Apollo Young Patrons Steering Committee. To learn more about Younger, visit her website.
