Announcement: Faculty of Music Welcomes Dr. Shirantha Beddage
From Ryan McClelland, Acting Dean
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to announce that Dr. Shirantha Beddage will join the Faculty of Music as of July 1, 2024 as Assistant Professor in Jazz Studies. Dr. Beddage is a baritone saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Toronto.
Dr. Beddage is currently full-time faculty in the Humber College Bachelor of Music program, where he teaches in and coordinates the music theory curriculum, directs ensembles, and delivers applied lessons. Prior to joining Humber in 2009, he was Director of Jazz Studies at the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music (Columbus, Georgia). Dr. Beddage adjudicates regularly at festivals throughout Canada, including MusicFest where he has served as Vice-Chair of Instrumental Jazz since 2010.
Dr. Beddage has released three critically acclaimed albums as a leader: Roots and Branches, Identity, and Momentum—the last two nominated for Juno Awards. As a sideman, he has been featured on recordings with the Order of Canada Band, Suzie Arioli, Laila Biali, Nancy Walker, Mike Downes, and many others. His compositional skills have earned accolades such as the Montreal Jazz Festival Galaxie Rising Star Award, recognitions at the Canadian Songwriting Competition, and placements in the Emmy-winning TV series Fargo.
Dr. Beddage holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music, a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from William Paterson University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Humber College.
I look forward to welcoming Dr. Beddage to the Faculty of Music community next year—and to his contributions in the years ahead.
Best,
Ryan
Ryan McClelland (he/him)
Acting Dean
Associate Dean, Academic & Student Affairs
Professor of Music Theory
Faculty of Music
University of Toronto
ryan.mcclelland@utoronto.ca
(416) 946–0802
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