Biography

David Z. Kushner, Professor of Music Emeritus in the University of Florida School of Music, holds the degrees B.M (Boston University), M.M. (College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati), and Ph.D. (University of Michigan). He directed graduate seminars in American Music, Nationalism in Music, Music Criticism, 19th-Century Music, 20th-Century Music, Piano Literature, Chamber Music Literature, Symphonic Literature, and Opera History, and continues to supervise doctoral dissertations. Professor Kushner is a recipient of the MTNA’s Master Teacher Certificate in Music History, the International Biographical Centre’s Award of Excellence, the American Biographical Institute’s Most Noted Speaker Award,  the State of Florida’s TIP (Teaching Incentive Program), PEP (Professorial Excellence Program), and Superior Achievement Awards, and The College of Fine Arts’ International Educator of the Year and Teacher of the Year Awards.  Professor Kushner has lectured and performed throughout the United States, and in Canada, Israel, Kenya, Australia, and in eastern and western Europe.

Dr. Kushner, who was the first president of the American Musicological Society Southern Chapter and a Charter Member and former president of the College Music Society Southern Chapter, is a co-founder and charter life member of the American Liszt Society, a life member of the Music Teachers’ National Association, a life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a National Arts Associate of Sigma Alpha Iota, a member of the Senior Advisory Council of the Nineteenth-Century Studies Association, and a member of the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda (charter member and first president, Gamma Zeta Chapter). He has also been recognized for his “Recitals in the Schools” program, which brings art music to students in the elementary, middle, and high schools. This unique enhancement to music education has received acclaim from students, parents, teachers, administrators, and civic and political leaders.