On his return from his latest series of international recitals and workshops at the ITEC 2014 event in Bloomington, Indiana, euphonium star Steven Mead was delighted to be informed that he has been awarded a Professorial Chair at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Recognition

The accolade has been granted in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the fields of performance, instrumental pedagogy and instrument design.

Professor Linda Merrick, Principal of the RNCM stated: “We are very proud to be able to honour Stephen’s outstanding contribution to the music profession and to the work of the RNCM in this way.”

Honour

Speaking to 4BR, a delighted Steven said: "This is a great honour from the RNCM. I have made the 100 mile journey to Manchester every week for 24 years and have enjoyed every minute of my time there.

I have been privileged to work with some of the finest young talents in the low brass world during this time, and I sincerely hope to continue to do so for many years to come."

Career

During his career, Steven has performed on 73 recordings (32 of which are solo albums), held the position of Artistic Director with numerous international festivals (including the International Tuba Euphonium Conference and the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival) and has collaborated with Besson Musical Instruments on euphonium design since 1985.

Congratulations

Antoine Beaussant, President of the Buffet Group added his congratulations, when telling 4BR: "His 30 years of instrumental pedagogy with young students makes him the reference teacher, professor, jury, or artistic director of most of the euphonium events in the world."

He added: "We have been very grateful to use his talent, knowledge, energy, team spirit and authority over the years. He has been able to work with international teams from our French head offices near Paris to our craftsmen and technicians in our factories of Amboise, Munich and Markneukirchen, and to guide them to produce world class instruments.

Our teams all around the world frequently invite him for masterclasses, lectures and concerts. They know that his reputation, his talent and his knowledge will always attract a huge and knowledgeable audience."

Repertoire

During his career, Steven Mead has helped to develop the repertoire for euphonium through the commissioning of 165 works from over 50 composers, whilst his international profile has seen him perform in 36 different countries.

He was appointed Guest Professor at Osaka College of Music in 2012 and Augsburg University 2013.

This is a great honour from the RNCM. I have made the 100 mile journey to Manchester every week for 24 years and have enjoyed every minute of my time thereSteven Mead

Students

Many former students at the RNCM have also gone on to become noted international euphonium and baritone performers, including David Thornton, Mark Bousie, Gary Curtin, Katrina Marzella, Matthew White, Kristy Rowe, Adam Frey, Dr. Matthew Van Emmerick, Dr. Pat Stuckemeyer, Dr. Aaron Tindall, Daniel Helseth and many more.

He also enjoys a highly successful collaboration with Denis Wick Products Ltd, who recently made him their International Ambassador.