Curtis Welcomes New Staff Members David Bahanovich and Kevin Haden

As Curtis prepares to launch its historic 100th anniversary season in October, the school is pleased to welcome two new staff members: David Bahanovich as associate provost, and Kevin Haden as senior associate dean of strategic engagement and institutional excellence.

Mr. Bahanonich joins Curtis from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, where he served as dean of music. At Curtis, he will work closely with Provost and Dean of the Conservatory Nick DiBerardino (Composition ’18) to ensure the successful integration and implementation of the school’s artistic and academic initiatives. Mr. Bahanovich will provide administrative oversight of the provost’s office and oversee the senior associate dean of academic affairs, senior associate dean of student life, senior director of scheduling and logistics management, registrar, senior director of production, director of performance activities, and director of academic operations and administration.

Mr. Bahanovich brings over two decades of experience in higher education and holds an international profile as a music director, cellist, producer, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur. As music director, his work spans contemporary dance, theater, opera, multimedia, and particularly feature films, where he has maintained a close association with Academy Award-winning Merchant Ivory Productions for more than two decades. Deeply committed to fostering innovation in the music conservatory sector, he draws on extensive leadership experience in both higher education and the wider music industry. His active involvement in arts education extends nationally and internationally, contributing to the Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Europe’s cultural and educational network representing over 300 member institutions in 57 countries. In addition to his leadership roles, he has served on the boards of several prominent arts and education organizations in the U.K. and is a frequent speaker at international conferences. A graduate of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, he also holds an M.B.A. and is currently completing his Doctor of Business Administration degree in higher education management.

Mr. Haden previously served as the dean of the school of music at University of the Arts and director of academic operations for the department of music and performing arts profession at New York University’s Steinhardt School. At Curtis, he will directly engage with students, faculty, and staff to assess current practices and identify opportunities for growth, with a special focus on community culture and the successful delivery and integration of programs. He will work with members of Curtis’ constituencies to advance the school’s commitment to artistic, educational, and inclusive excellence.

Mr. Haden will serve as a strategic thought partner to the provost, with an emphasis on student empowerment, faculty advocacy, creativity, and community connection. He will work with Vice President of People and Culture Kimberly Gould to instill, advance, and celebrate community values, access, and inclusion, and will coordinate with community partners to deepen Curtis’ relationships within the city and its surrounding region. He will serve on Curtis’ Council for Inclusive Excellence, supporting and enhancing the work of the manager of strategic initiatives and community culture in identifying community goals and activating the entire Curtis community in the shared work of operationalizing Curtis’ vision for inclusive excellence.

Outside of academia, Mr. Haden has enjoyed professional success as a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. His discography includes numerous independent and label releases as a pop/folk/soul artist and electronic dance music vocalist. His voice has been featured on top international dance labels such as Defected, Soul Heaven, D4 D4NCE, Glitterbox, 925 Music, and Isolation Nation. 

Photo of Kevin Haden by De’Lon Grant.