Music Makers
UMass alums thriving in music
From the classroom to the studio, UMass alums are making their mark in music.
Lisa Linde ’92 was named the 2025 John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year for her work at Newton South High School and her advocacy for gender equity in jazz.
Fellow alumni educator Andrew Stetson ’10MM was honored among Yamaha’s 2025 “40 Under 40” music educators. At Texas Tech University, Stetson pioneered a music humanities program that engages students from all disciplines in accessible music education.
Matt Power ’92 retired after 30 years as a music educator and is now a freelance musician in Houston. Power recently spent a month in the Caribbean performing as a bassist and serving as music manager for Princess Cruises.
royal hartigan ’81, a drummer and jazz musician whose music draws from world cultures, has likewise taken his music abroad, often performing with his quartet, blood drum spirit.
Taija New ’12, a Springfield native, is an emerging rhythmic pop artist. New recently released the album Unsolicited Material, an 18-song collection with tracks ranging from reflective melodies to pump-up anthems.
