Dr. Michael Albaugh
Dr. Michael Albaugh is a distinguished musician, composer, and nationally acclaimed arts leader who assumed the role of Executive Director at the Cape Symphony in March 2020. His mandate is to synchronize the organization's orchestra and educational initiatives with a progressive vision aimed at enhancing the Cape Symphony's impact across all communities on Cape Cod. Dedicated to showcasing the cultural arts organization's versatility, Dr. Albaugh strives to commemorate, celebrate, and explore the lives, history, and future of the communities it serves. Both on and off the stage, the Cape Symphony engages with communities to "Inspire Joy" through the celebration of the arts.
In his prior role as the Director of Education and Community Initiatives with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Dr. Albaugh significantly advanced the orchestra's commitment to community service through the HEAR initiatives, focusing on Health, Education, Access, and Research. His leadership led to the expansion and flourishing of the Free Neighborhood Concert series and the New Audience New Places programs, reaching tens of thousands of new listeners throughout the city. Dr. Albaugh spearheaded the Orchestra's growth in healthcare and sensory-friendly programs, earning the prestigious 2019 Kimmel Award for Accessible Experience.
During his tenure at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dr. Albaugh pioneered the Summer Jazz Academy at Bard College, a distinguished two-week residential high school jazz program, and the Junior Jazz Academy at Juilliard, a one-week day camp for middle school students. His innovative approach to Jazz at Lincoln Center's pre-K education program, WeBop, resulted in a licensable curriculum and certification program adopted by organizations nationwide.
Dr. Albaugh's esteemed career also includes service as a faculty administrator at Montclair State University and seven years as the Director of Music at Interlochen Center for the Arts. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he received the National Teacher Recognition Award in 2005 from the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts.
Educationally, Dr. Albaugh earned his B.A. in music education and guitar performance from West Liberty State College. He holds an M.M. in composition with an emphasis in music technology from Bowling Green State University and a D.M.A. in composition with an emphasis in music theory from West Virginia University. As a ProMusica International Grant recipient, Dr. Albaugh conducted field research in West Africa, delving into the study of Ewe music and culture in Kopeyia, Ghana.
