Executive Director The Diller-Quaile School of Music | New York, New York We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Patten has been appointed as the new Executive Director of The Diller-Quaile School of Music, effective August 12, 2024. Jennifer is a passionate educator, administrator, cellist, and dancer with extensive experience in music education and administration. She recently served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects at The New School’s College of Performing Arts. In this capacity, she was a member of the Deans Council senior leadership team overseeing Mannes School of Music, School of Drama, and School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. Jennifer collaborated with university leadership and faculty to develop innovative coursework, spearheaded unique projects and pilots, and cultivated partnerships with artists and organizations nationally and internationally. Notable achievements include establishing Grammy-nominated Sandbox Percussion as Ensemble-in-Residence, launching the Alexis Gregory Vendome Prize piano competition in its new home at the Mannes School of Music, and creating new summer programs such as the Mannes Summer Piano Festival in collaboration with Pavlina Dokovska. Previously, Jennifer served as Head of the historic Martha Graham School, where she revitalized training and programming, implemented a strategic growth plan, expanded community outreach in the Tri-State area, and secured significant grants and philanthropic support. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured continuity through a successful transition to online operations and strategic planning for the school’s return to hybrid and in-person instruction.Jennifer has been recognized with awards such as the Regional Representative for the Sue Lehmann Award for Excellence in Teaching from Teach for America and District Teacher of the Year by the Rhode Island Department of Education. She has presented her work at educational conferences across New England, emphasizing arts integration and excellence in teaching. Jennifer holds a BA in English and Music from Boston College, an MM in Musicology from Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, and an MA in Arts Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University. See the Diller-Quaile press release here.Rebecca Swartz led this search with Ivy Couch and Harley Bartles.
