Critically acclaimed Australian musician takes up new role at UQ

One of Australia’s leading musicians and educators will join The University of Queensland as the Kinnane Professor of Music early next year.

Celebrated internationally as a clarinetist, composer, teacher and artistic director, Paul Dean will start his new role at UQ School of Music in January 2025.

Mr Dean, who is currently co-Artistic Director of Ensemble Q and Head of Winds at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium of Music, said he was excited to take on a new challenge at UQ.

“This role will allow me to combine all of the things I truly love about the art form - performing, ensemble work, inspiring young people to create, and the journey of exploration through the rich history of music,” Mr Dean said.

“I want to help UQ’s amazing young musicians explore the beauty and brilliance of music, through both performing and creating new works.

“I also hope to encourage the broader UQ community to consider the valuable role that music and the arts play in communities across the globe.”

Head of UQ’s School of Music, Professor Liam Viney said Mr Dean was an obvious choice for the role.

“This is a new position for the School that reflects our commitment to creativity and excellence, with Paul Dean being one of Australia's most distinguished and awarded musicians,” Professor Viney said.

“It was made possible thanks to the extraordinary bequest from the late Paula Kinnane (UQ Bachelor of Arts ’91) and her late husband Tony back in 2016, who established endowment funds that benefit arts and music programs at the University and across the state.

“Paul has many years of experience in organisations like the Australian National Academy of Music and the Queensland Youth Orchestras, making him an inspiring figure for young Australian musicians.

“He will enrich the School's curriculum by teaching clarinet, composition and 20^th century music history, while also contributing to the growing wind department at UQ, including as a conductor.”

Mr Dean’s world-class compositions and commissions will further build UQ's artistic research profile, as well as the School’s connections with industry partners and major performing arts organisations.

“These activities tie into UQ Arts more broadly, and we're looking forward to the collaborative projects Paul will develop with other disciplines within UQ Arts and beyond,” Professor Viney said.

Professor Viney said the Kinnane Bequest also included special reference to supporting music in regional and remote areas, where there is a need for specialist music teachers.

“The role of wind instruments in Queensland schools across the state has a rich historical legacy, and as one of Australia's most distinguished clarinetists, Paul is well-positioned to inspire the next generation of wind musicians," he said. 

Mr Dean received the 2023 APRA Award for Work of the Year - Large Ensemble for his Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra, as well as the winner of the 2022 Paul Lowin Orchestral Prize for Symphony No 1, Black Summer.