Kevin Haden

Kevin Haden is a passionate educator and musician with more than 25 years of experience in higher education and the performing arts. Prior to his appointment as dean of music for Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Haden served as senior associate dean of strategic engagement and institutional excellence at Curtis Institute of Music. In his role at Curtis, Haden engaged constituencies to advance the institute’s commitment to artistic and educational excellence, and to foster and celebrate community values, access, and inclusion for all. Prior to Curtis, Haden served as dean of the school of music and associate professor at University of the Arts (UArts). 

Haden’s career began at New York University (NYU), where he studied music theory and composition. Over the next 16 years, he served in numerous administrative and teaching roles at NYU before becoming director of academic operations for the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. 

During his time at both NYU and UArts, Haden collaborated at all levels—from students to presidents—on a full range of academic, artistic, and operational activities, while also teaching music business, music composition, instrumental performance, and vocal performance courses and workshops. In addition, he coached numerous ensembles, produced recordings, and directed stage shows with talented students in genres ranging from classical to pop. He also led curricular innovations that championed modern and industry-focused approaches, as well as multi- and cross-disciplinary study and creative practice.

Outside of academia, Haden has enjoyed success in a range of creative professions. He has worked as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, arranger, music director, and equity actor. His discography includes numerous record label and independent releases as a solo pop/folk/soul artist and electronic dance music vocalist. His voice and vocal arrangements can be heard on top international dance labels such as Defected, Soul Heaven, D4 D4NCE, Glitterbox, 925 Music, and Isolation Nation. During his time in New York, Haden served as music director in the New York Musicals Festival (NYMF) and performed in off-off-Broadway and regional musical theater productions. He has written, arranged, and recorded music for theatrical productions at regional theaters across the country.