Michael Hix named interim chair of the Department of Music

Michael Hix named interim chair of the Department of Music

Michael Hix, associate professor of Voice, will serve as interim chair of the Department of Music at The University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts. Hix served as associate chair for five years under the direction of former chair Professor Eric Lau. Lau has recently accepted the appointment of Dean of UNM’s University College and Honors College.

Hix will serve beginning July 1, 2021, and will serve in this post for one year.

“I am proud that someone from within the Music department, with such passion for music education and an understanding of the department, is taking this most important leadership role,” said UNM Fine Arts Dean Harris D. Smith. “I look forward to working with Michael in moving the department and college forward as we reopen and plan for the future.”

Hix holds master’s degrees in both voice and historical musicology and a doctorate of Music in voice from Florida State University. As a baritone soloist, he has been featured in concerts with the Boston Pops, Oregon Bach Festival, Arizona Bach Festival, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Santa Fe Symphony, and the New Mexico Philharmonic among others. As a musicologist, he was the recipient of the American Musicological Society Thomas Hampson Award, the Simonton Literary Prize, and a DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) Research Visit Grant. He has taught at UNM since 2012.

“I am delighted that Michael will step into this important position,” Lau said. “He is well-suited to serve the department in this way and I know he’ll do a great job. I’m excited to see what the department will achieve with his leadership.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the faculty, staff, and students during the 2021-2022 academic year,” Hix said. “I am thankful for Dr. Lau’s dedication and excellent work during the last five years, and I have appreciated his mentorship and friendship. I look forward to continuing the mission of the Department of Music as we educate future generations of music lovers, professional musicians, and music educators.”