January 21, 2016

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Mahon as manager of the Conservatory of Music & Dance.

Mahon joins the college from the University of Regina (U of R) where he served as head of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. He brings a diverse background in non-profit arts management, strategic planning, fundraising, music education and community relations.

Mahon holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Musicology), a Master of Music (Guitar Performance) and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary. He also has an Associate Diploma (Guitar Pedagogy) from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and a diploma in music performance (Classical Guitar) from Mount Royal University.

“What interested me the most about this position was Medicine Hat’s reputation for having a supportive arts community,” says Mahon. “I also appreciate the landscape, weather and sunshine amongst other things.”

Mahon explains that initially his focus will be on strengthening program offerings, meeting the local art groups and looking for opportunities to collaborate and partner.

“I believe that environments like the conservatory should be inclusive and able to accommodate various generations and skill levels. At the U of R I enjoyed success in starting a Conservatory of Creative Preschool program and I’d like to explore the possibility here as well,” says Mahon.

Terry Chapman, dean of the Division of Arts & Education explains that she looks forward to seeing the direction his leadership takes the conservatory.

“Brad has a depth of knowledge and experience that we feel will support the strategic direction of our institution in particular as it pertains to the arts,” says Chapman. “He respects the success that the conservatory has had and wants to build on that so that we can continue to attract students, partnerships and art enthusiasts to the Cultural Centre.”

Beyond his role as a manager, Mahon is also an award-winning and acclaimed guitarist, teacher, adjudicator, clinician and lecturer.

To learn more about MHC’s Conservatory of Music & Dance visit www.mhc.ab.ca/Conservatory.