Trevor Weston recognized for artistic achievement, musical voice
March 2021 – Drew University Professor of Music Trevor Weston has received an Arts and Letters Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Weston, who chairs Drew’s music department, was one of 18 award recipients of the Academy’s 2021 Music Awards. The distinguished honor society accepted nominees by invitation only, and winners were selected by a committee of Academy members.
Four composers, including Weston, received the Arts and Letters Award in Music, which “honor artistic achievement and acknowledge composers who have arrived at their own voice.”
“Receiving this award is humbling,” said Weston.
“It means that leading American composers on the selection committee value the artistry of my compositions and my musical voice. The award represents a high profile national recognition for my work as a composer.
“I hope to use this acknowledgment to increase support for the study of music composition at Drew. I envision inviting composers and ensembles to campus—when we can do so safely—to perform their music as well as works by Drew students.”
In addition to the award’s financial prize, the winning composers will have their music presented in a concert at the Academy next spring. Weston will formally receive his award in a virtual ceremony this May.
For now, Weston will turn his attention back towards his students.
“The pandemic created an environment where professors and students became linked in a new common cause trying to manage our lives in a constantly changing future,” he said of remote instruction.
“In a strange way, I feel closer to students because some classes have involved shared discussions about the challenges of these times in addition to class material. I admire how students have continued to work during such difficult times. That has been inspiring.”
