Boston, MA, February 1, 2026
News Summary
The Berklee College of Music has announced that Ron Savage has officially begun his tenure as the interim provost. This leadership transition reaffirms the college’s commitment to academic rigor and student growth. Savage, who will also continue as Dean of the Performance Division, brings over four decades of experience at Berklee. His dual role positions him to lead Academic Affairs and advance Berklee’s strategic initiatives, fostering innovation and enhancing the student experience in music education.
Boston, MA — The Berklee College of Music, a cornerstone of Massachusetts higher education and a global leader in contemporary music, has announced a significant leadership transition. Ron Savage has officially begun his tenure as the institution’s interim provost, effective February 1, 2026. This appointment positions Savage as the chief academic officer, tasked with providing overarching leadership for Academic Affairs and guiding the ongoing advancement of Berklee’s strategic plan. His elevation reflects Berklee’s steadfast commitment to fostering academic rigor, promoting student growth, and maintaining institutional excellence, all while acknowledging the profound community and economic impact of its programs within Boston and beyond.
Savage’s new role is complemented by his existing position as the new Dean of the Performance Division at Berklee College of Music, marking a dual leadership responsibility that underscores his extensive experience and dedication to the institution. Berklee continues to be at the forefront of music education, responding dynamically to important developments in the field of music education and music therapy with a clear mission to improve society through the transformative power of music.
A Distinguished Career in Music Leadership
Ron Savage brings a wealth of experience spanning over four decades at Berklee, having distinguished himself first as a student, then as a faculty member, and subsequently as an academic leader and passionate community advocate. His journey at Berklee began in 1993 when he joined the faculty. He later served as the chair of the Ensemble Department for 17 years, starting in 2000. During his leadership of the Ensemble Department, Savage was instrumental in significantly increasing the musical diversity of ensemble offerings, introducing genres such as gypsy jazz, acoustic blues, neo-soul, women in rock, heavy metal, and dub reggae.
Prior to his interim provost appointment, Savage served as the interim dean, and then dean, of the Professional Performance Division starting in 2018. In this capacity, he championed successful initiatives focused on diverse hiring, the development of new curriculum, and student recruitment. His impact extends to admissions, where he has recognized outstanding musical talent through more than 10,000 auditions conducted at various sites worldwide. Savage is also recognized for his role as the inaugural executive director for Berklee College of Music, contributing to strategy formulation for the entire organization, including the development of new models for education, new academic programs, career development efforts, and student success. Furthermore, he is a cofounder of the Berklee Black Scholars Initiative (BSI), which aims to foster a strong sense of community, support, belonging, and cultural history for Black and African American students through mentoring and various programs.
Cultivating Academic Rigor and Strategic Growth
As interim provost, Ron Savage assumes a pivotal role as the chief academic officer for Berklee College of Music, providing comprehensive leadership for Academic Affairs. His responsibilities encompass overseeing and directing all academic programs, operations, faculty, and staff across the college’s three divisions, a task he has managed since 2022. Under his guidance, Berklee has advanced initiatives designed to strengthen its global reach, foster innovation, and enhance the overall student experience. This includes expanding interdisciplinary performance opportunities, enhancing faculty development, and broadening global engagement.
These strategic efforts align with Berklee’s unified mission, established in Boston, as a global community of musicians, artists, and educators dedicated to cultivating professional excellence and developing innovative fields and practices. The institution’s vision focuses on building the future of arts education, emphasizing accessibility, pioneering innovation, and empowering creative leaders for lives of inspiration and impact. This mission also centers diversity in all its forms and the artistic traditions of the African diaspora, fostering an equitable and inclusive culture of teaching and learning to prepare students for purposeful careers in a rapidly changing world.
Innovation in Music Education and Therapy
Berklee College of Music’s commitment to improving society through music is evident in its robust programs in music education and music therapy. The institution offers distinct academic pathways for students passionate about utilizing their creativity to enhance lives, positioning itself as a global leader in music and health. The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy is recognized as one of the largest and most respected undergraduate programs globally, providing students with rigorous clinical, musical, and scientific training essential to become credentialed music therapists. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, and community environments, learning to assess needs and use music purposefully to address emotional, cognitive, physical, and social goals.
Further demonstrating its innovative approach, Berklee offers a Minor in Arts and Health, an interdisciplinary program open to students across all majors. This minor equips aspiring musicians and changemakers with the tools to design community-based programs, lead with cultural awareness, and integrate arts into various settings, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation to launch sustainable arts-for-health ventures. The Music and Health Institute at Berklee serves as a central hub for cross-sector collaboration, applied research, and real-world program development, connecting leaders in healthcare, education, technology, and the music industry to co-create solutions addressing health disparities and expanding access to care. The institute’s Innovation Studio actively shapes the future of the innovation economy through music, blending creative thinking, research translation, and human-centered design to transform clinical insights and research evidence into music-driven products, experiences, and tools that improve health outcomes and create market value.
Berklee also pioneers the integration of technology in music therapy, collaborating between its Music Therapy and Electronic Production and Design departments. This unique partnership aims to become a world-class innovator in developing and applying state-of-the-art technology for music therapy, supporting enhanced learning opportunities for students and clinicians, deeper research into music’s impact on behavior, and greater accessibility through technological advancements in clinical practice.
Fostering Performance and Student Development
Under Ron Savage’s leadership as Dean, the Professional Performance Division plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of musical talent. This division is responsible for delivering a comprehensive music performance curriculum, encompassing private lessons, labs, ear training, and various ensemble experiences. The curriculum is meticulously designed to instill the discipline and technical mastery essential for success in professional music careers, preparing students to excel in a wide array of musical styles. Berklee’s academic offerings embrace a comprehensive range of contemporary and historic styles, including jazz, rock, hip hop, reggae, salsa, heavy metal, and bluegrass. These programs provide a scholarly and practical learning experience that integrates performance and writing, covering influential styles, relevant technologies, and diverse career opportunities for today’s music professional.
Savage’s previous work as Dean included successful initiatives in diverse hiring, new curriculum development, and student recruitment, all of which contribute to the vibrancy and breadth of the division. The development of musicianship is foundational to Berklee’s curriculum, fostering self-discipline for excellence, empathy in music-making, and the openness and curiosity vital for creativity. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only technically proficient but also possess the personal qualities necessary for leadership and impact in their chosen fields.
Berklee’s Community Impact in Boston, MA
As an institution founded in Boston, Berklee College of Music maintains a strong and active presence within the local community, contributing significantly to Boston’s cultural and economic landscape. The college’s commitment to community engagement is exemplified by initiatives like the City Music program, launched in 1991, which provides music instruction to underserved youth in the Boston area. This program offers comprehensive and advanced musical training, with many high school seniors receiving full-tuition scholarships to continue their education at Berklee College of Music.
Berklee also supports the local community through the Berklee Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, which offers funding to Boston nonprofits for community-based projects that enhance the vibrancy and quality of life in the Fenway neighborhood. The institution actively enriches the public cultural experience through its “Summer in the City” series, featuring over 200 free concerts by students, faculty, and alumni at various iconic locations throughout Greater Boston from June to September. These concerts often include partnerships with Boston Parks and Recreation, bringing free musical performances directly to Boston parks. Additionally, “The Movement @ Berklee” is a student-led program managed by Berklee’s Office of Community and Government Relations, utilizing performance as a catalyst for community building and social change through youth mentorship and outreach.
Further demonstrating its dedication to community well-being, the Community Health Musician Certificate program, developed by Berklee’s Music and Health Institute, trains musicians to design and lead inclusive, music-based programs that support connection, creativity, and community resilience, addressing challenges like social isolation and stigma.
Driving Future Leadership Through Education
Berklee College of Music, under the academic leadership of Ron Savage, is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and mindset necessary for effective leadership in the arts and beyond. The institution’s philosophy emphasizes that the self-discipline required for excellence, the empathy inherent in music-making, and the curiosity vital for creativity are critical qualities for achievement in any pursuit. These values are foundational to developing individuals who not only excel musically but also contribute meaningfully to their communities. The transformative educational experiences at Berklee prepare students for purposeful lives and careers as creative leaders in a rapidly changing world. This focus on academic freedom, personal responsibility, and continuous innovation ensures that Berklee alumni are well-prepared to make lasting impacts in the global music industry and society at large.
Conclusion
The appointment of Ron Savage as interim provost marks a pivotal moment for Berklee College of Music, reinforcing its dedication to academic leadership, innovation, and community engagement. His extensive background and commitment to fostering excellence will undoubtedly guide Berklee’s academic mission forward, ensuring that the institution continues to produce disciplined, creative, and socially responsible leaders in the performing arts. As Berklee builds the future of arts education—pioneering in its embrace of innovation and committed to empowering artists—the institution remains a vibrant force in Boston MA college news and a vital contributor to the broader Massachusetts higher education landscape. We encourage readers to explore the diverse programs offered by Berklee, attend campus events that showcase student talent, and stay updated on the exciting developments within Boston’s dynamic college community.
| Role/Initiative | Key Responsibilities/Achievements | Tenure/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Interim Provost | Chief academic officer, leadership for Academic Affairs, advancing strategic plan, overseeing academic programs and faculty. | Effective February 1, 2026 |
| Dean of Professional Performance Division | Oversight of music performance curriculum (private lessons, labs, ear training, ensembles), championed diverse hiring, new curriculum development, student recruitment. | From 2018 (initially Interim Dean), currently Dean |
| Chair of Ensemble Department | Significantly increased musical diversity of ensemble offerings (gypsy jazz, neo-soul, etc.). | 2000 for 17 years |
| Executive Director for Berklee College of Music | Integral to core leadership team, involved in strategy, new education models, career development, student success, community outreach. | Inaugural role |
| Berklee Black Scholars Initiative (BSI) | Cofounder, fostering community, support, belonging, and cultural history for Black and African American students. | Established initiative |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ron Savage’s Appointment and Berklee College of Music
- What is Ron Savage’s new role at Berklee College of Music?
- Ron Savage has officially begun his tenure as Berklee College of Music’s interim provost, effective February 1, 2026.
- What are Ron Savage’s primary responsibilities as interim provost?
- As interim provost, Ron Savage serves as the chief academic officer for the institution and provides overall leadership for Academic Affairs, including the continuing work to advance Berklee’s strategic plan.
- What other leadership positions has Ron Savage held at Berklee?
- Ron Savage was also promoted as the new Dean of the Performance Division at Berklee College of Music. He previously chaired the Ensemble Department for 17 years.
- How does Berklee College of Music contribute to music education and therapy?
- Berklee College of Music has responded to important developments in music education and music therapy, aiming to improve society through music. It offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy program and a Minor in Arts and Health.
- What community initiatives does Berklee College of Music have in Boston, MA?
- Berklee has initiatives such as the City Music program, which provides music instruction to underserved youth in the Boston area, and the Berklee Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, which funds community-based projects. Additionally, the “Summer in the City” series offers free concerts throughout Greater Boston.
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