PHILADELPHIA—September 7, 2017—The Curtis Institute of Music has named Matt Morgan to the newly created position of Chief Technology Officer, responsible for developing a renewed technology infrastructure that will allow Curtis to continue to attract gifted students and support worldwide, while serving the needs of current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and patrons.
Mr. Morgan joins Curtis at a pivotal moment, as the school explores ways to create a more tailored, responsive way for online audiences to experience its world-class performances and rich educational content. He will continue the already significant and ongoing investment to upgrade Curtis’s digital infrastructure, including the consolidation of multiple websites into a more complete, user-friendly Curtis.edu, launched in September.
“Our strategic direction, Bold Intentions, recognizes that Curtis’s long-term success will depend on our ability to optimize current and emerging digital trends,” said Larry Bomback, Curtis’s senior vice president of administration. “The Curtis board of trustees has responded to this call with a renewed commitment to information technology, starting with the creation of the CTO position. Matt’s expertise in leveraging the power of data and technology will help us raise Curtis’s profile locally and globally, customizing a ‘virtual Curtis’ experience designed to meet every user’s unique preferences and needs on demand.”
“I am thrilled that Matt has agreed to take on the challenge of advancing Curtis’s technology infrastructure to the next level,” said Bill Stensrud, Curtis trustee and chair of the technology committee of the board. “Curtis needs digital tools which match the extraordinary quality of the staff, the students, and the educational experience. I am confident that Matt will provide the vision and the execution to make it happen.”
A seasoned consultant to nonprofit, public-service, academic, and cultural organizations, Mr. Morgan has also worked at the New York Public Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Brooklyn Museum. During the 2015–16 school year, Mr. Morgan worked with Curtis to revamp its technology strategy and business systems. Based on his recommendations, work began to prototype a single calendar and scheduling solution and to create a cross-departmental task force to streamline the internal digital systems used daily by students, faculty, and staff, in addition to the consolidation of multiple Curtis websites into a more complete Curtis.edu.
Continuing this work in his new role, Mr. Morgan will be responsible for innovation and operation of technical infrastructures and applications across the school, and serve as the primary expert for determining the college’s long-term data architecture, programming platforms, and emerging technology directions.
“Technological growth will be central to supporting and furthering Curtis’s incredible history and culture as we move into the future,” said Mr. Morgan. “This is a rare opportunity for a CTO to participate fully in the strategy of a world-class institution. I’m delighted to commit to Curtis and build on the strategic work we’ve already completed together.”
The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage a local and global community through the highest level of artistry. One of the most selective schools in the United States, Curtis accepts four percent of applicants each year on average, and a tuition-free policy ensures that talent and artistic promise are the only considerations for admission. By focusing its resources on a select group of about 175 young musicians each year, Curtis ensures that each student receives an education of unparalleled quality, distinguished by a “learn by doing” philosophy and personalized attention from a faculty that includes a high proportion of actively performing musicians.
Curtis students hone their craft through than 200 orchestra, opera, and solo and chamber music offerings each year and programs that bring arts access and education to the community. This real world training allows these extraordinary young musicians to join the front rank of performers, composers, conductors, and musical leaders, making a profound impact on music onstage and in their communities. To learn more, visit Curtis.edu.
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