College of Visual and Performing Arts announces inaugural Billy Joel Fellowships in Composition

College of Visual and Performing Arts announces inaugural Billy Joel Fellowships in CompositionMay 03, 2006Jaime Winne Alvarezjlwinne@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) has selected the first two recipients of the inaugural Billy Joel Fellowships in Composition in the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music.

VPA established the fellowships — awarded to a total of four graduate fellows over a four-year time period — using a $320,000 gift from entertainer Billy Joel. VPA was one of seven East Coast institutions awarded gifts in fall 2005 as part of Joel’s long-term commitment to music education and his newly established music education initiative.

The inaugural Billy Joel Fellows are Jongyun Choi of Seoul, South Korea, and Diane M.R. Jones of Newark, Del. Choi holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music composition from the College of Music at Hanyang University in Seoul. Jones will graduate this month with a bachelor’s degree in music composition from the University of Delaware.

“I am delighted to have these two young composers join us this fall,” says VPA Dean Carole Brzozowski. “With the Setnor faculty’s help and guidance, they will be able to further develop their talents and realize the creative goals that Billy Joel intended with his generous gift.”

Choi and Jones will study at the Setnor School from 2006-08 and receive full tuition and a stipend during their two-year course of study. The women were selected for the fellowships because they are students of exceptional promise who plan to dedicate themselves to a career in composition. Their studies will include performance and recording opportunities, interaction with visiting artists and participation in master classes.