NEC Honors Alumni Innovators with EM Department Awards

NEC has recognized a diverse group of alumni with its Entrepreneurial Musicianship (EM) Department Alumni Awards, highlighting projects that expand the boundaries of performance, education, and artistic collaboration.

Among the honorees is Jenna Stokes ’23, whose work with the OUT Ensemble culminated in the debut album Seasons of Change. The project centers on themes of identity and transformation, bringing together musicians in a recording that reflects both artistic collaboration and social storytelling.

Soprano and educator Sahoko Timpone '90 Prep, ’94, ’96 MM was recognized for developing The Thomas Grubb Digital Legacy, an online initiative dedicated to preserving and expanding access to the pedagogical work of Thomas Grubb, widely regarded for his expertise in French vocal repertoire. Designed as a resource for singers, collaborative pianists, and educators, the platform offers materials aimed at sustaining and advancing performance practice in French art song.

Lauren Guthridge ’22 MM received the award for her continued development of the Embodied Music Lab, a professional training initiative that integrates movement, mindfulness, and musicianship. The program’s recent expansion broadens its reach to performers seeking holistic approaches to artistic growth and career sustainability.

Composer and pianist Dr. Mina Kim ’17 MM, ’23 DMA was honored for the Queer Ensemble Project, including a two-day residency at the Joseph S. Bryant School. The initiative focuses on inclusive music-making spaces and community engagement, connecting young students with collaborative performance experiences that reflect diverse identities.

Also recognized was Jeremy Cohen ’06 MM for the debut album of the New England Jazz Collaborative Orchestra. The project brings together regional jazz artists in a large ensemble setting, emphasizing both new works and the continued vitality of jazz as a collaborative art form.

The EM Department Alumni Awards celebrate NEC graduates who are shaping the future of music through entrepreneurial vision and community-focused artistry. This year’s recipients reflect a wide spectrum of impact, from digital scholarship and interdisciplinary pedagogy to recording projects and community-based performance initiatives.

Congrats to all!