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- Good Morning
Today’s highlights: Our culture consumption habits are under the microscope, with a look at what happens If You Quit Social Media and whether you’ll truly read more books (The New Yorker), while the question of motivation itself is explored in What If Laziness And Apathy Have Neurological Causes? (The Guardian).
In the arts, economic and political challenges dominate: A major report details How The Movie Theatre Business Can Be Saved by leveraging its strengths against an increasingly digital landscape (The Hollywood Reporter). In classical music, we examine the Major Economic Problem constraining the market in Korea (Korea Herald) and a Tumultuous Year For Washington DC Classical Music (Washington Post). The Trump administration wages a War On “Woke” Fonts in official State Department communications (The Guardian).
Despite the struggles, there is much to celebrate as we wrap up 2025. Congratulations to Nnena Kalu, a Historic Turner Prize Winner whose vibrant sculptures impressed the judges (BBC). We also look back at the Best Dance and The Best Classical Music Performances Of 2025 from The New York Times (The New York Times; The New York Times).
All these stories and more, below.
- Krugman and Kedrosky: A Most Enlightening Conversation About AI & Its Future<a href="https://www.artsjournal.com/herman/2025/12/krugman-and-kedroskya-most-enlightening-conversation-about-ai-its-future.html" title='Krugman and Kedrosky
A Most Enlightening Conversation About AI & Its Future‘ rel=”nofollow”>
As a longtime reader of Paul Krugman’s columns, I can say without hesitation that this is his best Substack conversation yet about AI and its ramifications. Thanks to Paul Kedrosky‘s clarity, I understand a helluva lot more of what is going on than I did until now.
Click the - Royal Ballet Star Matthew Ball Is Moving Into Choreography
And he’s not going to be a rule-breaker, trying to revolutionize the art form: “There’s nothing wrong with organic movement. … There’s a reason why it’s attractive, in the way nature’s attractive. There’s an inbuilt idea of beauty, and you can play with that.” – The Guardian
- The Best Classical Music Performances Of 2025
I love to be surprised: to come across premieres and fresh interpretations that upend my expectations and open my mind to new possibilities. When I think about the past year, those are the moments that stuck with me most. – The New York Times
- What If Laziness And Apathy Have Neurological Causes?
When these systems become dysfunctional, people who were once highly motivated can become pathologically apathetic. Whereas previously they might have been curious, highly engaged and productive – at work, in their social lives and in their creative thinking – they can suddenly seem like the opposite. – The Guardian
- 2025’s Best Dance
Emotion was often the bedrock of the dances and dance artists who rose to the top this year. – The New York Times
- A.A. Milne, Author Of Winnie-the-Pooh, Also Wrote Romance Novels
“For the next fifty years, females of all ages both delighted and troubled him. He was not sure he ever understood them, but … he wrote about women time and time again.” – Literary Hub
- Korea’s Classical Music Scene Has A Major Economic Problem
Korea’s classical music market remains chronically constrained. In an ecosystem dominated by private presenters, major international orchestras often need to schedule at least three concerts per visit to break even — a scale of economics that leaves little room for profit and even less for broad public access. – Korea Herald
- The Bain Report: How The Movie Theatre Business Can Be Saved
So, how does the cinema experience fit into this time? Its key benefits are “immersion, spectacle, and shared experiences,” the Bain report highlights. “But this is at odds with people’s evolving consumption of media, which is increasingly short-form, interactive, and digital.” – The Hollywood Reporter
- A Tumultuous Year For Washington DC Classical Music
More and more, the political noise around the Kennedy Center threatens to overwhelm the music within, and it’s unclear what, if anything, is being done to help. – Washington Post
- Frank Lloyd Wright Also Designed Typeface Fonts
What’s more, those fonts have been adapted for digital use. – Artnet
- If You Quit Social Media. Will Your Time Really Be Better Spent On…?
One of the more common doomsday scenarios about social media goes something like this: an internet-addicted public, hooked on the dopamine hits of engagement and the immediate satisfaction of short-form video, loses its ability to read books and gets stupider and more reactionary as a result. – The New Yorker
- A Historic Turner Prize Winner
The judges praised Nnena Kalu’s brightly coloured sculptures – which are haphazardly wrapped in layers of ribbon, string, card and shiny VHS tape – and her drawings of swirling, tornado-like shapes. Kalu, 59, is an autistic, learning disabled artist with limited verbal communication. – BBC
- And Now… The Trump Administration’s War On “Woke” Fonts
US diplomats have been ordered to return to using the Times New Roman typeface in official communications, with secretary of state Marco Rubio calling the Biden administration’s decision to adopt Calibri a “wasteful” diversity move, according to an internal department cable seen by Reuters. – The Guardian
- Historic Movie Palace Is Remade Into Palm Springs’ New Performing Arts Center
The Plaza Theatre had a star-studded opening in 1936, with the premiere of the Greta Garbo vehicle Camille. But it fell on hard times and closed in 2014. It has just reopened after a $34 million renovation and already has over 100 events scheduled, including classical, jazz, and film. – Los Angeles Times (Yahoo!)
- Music Director, Dance, Vassar College
R00032461
Poughkeepsie, NY
Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact mailto:careers@vassar.edu.
Position Summary:
The Music Director is the key resource for the students, faculty and staff of the Vassar College Dance Department. The Music Director maintains the department’s music library, oversees music editing for performances, and ensures that all musical elements meet high artistic standards. This role serves in selecting appropriate repertoire and supporting rehearsals and dance classes, contributing to the overall excellence of the department’s educational and performance offerings. This is a part-time (28 hrs./wk.), in person, benefits eligible position for the academic year (42 wks./yr.).
Responsibilities:
- Manage musician staff for weekly studio classes such as ballet, pointe, jazz, and modern with a thorough knowledge of the specialized music skills needed to accompany such classes.
- Edit all music for multiple dance performances each year, work with the Theater Director to ensure music quality for performances.
- Stay abreast of new music editing technology and update the department’s music editing software as needed.
- Research, obtain and rehearse music required by rehearsal director or choreographer
- Regular practice to maintain and improve pianistic skills
- Advise and work with faculty and students regarding music selection.
- Rehearse with faculty and/or students outside scheduled lesson times.
- Assist rehearsal directors and choreographers with rehearsal leadership.
- Collaborate with music faculty for additional performance projects as needed.
- Compile new music scores for our music library.
Required knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Advanced piano playing, inclusive of sight reading, and a broad knowledge of musical styles.
- Thorough knowledge of piano repertoire.
- Ability to choose appropriate music as instructor sets exercise during class and to respond immediately when asked to find an alternative choice of music.
- Ability to improvise in classical or contemporary styles appropriate to the classes being taught.
- Ability to memorize, prepare, and adapt musical selections for classwork, class projects, and performances.
- Knowledge of terminology relating to ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with choreographers, students, faculty and staff.
- Ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing and to follow routine verbal and written instructions.
- Must be able to work on short notice if needed.
- Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to interact socially with others.
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Demonstrated knowledge of music theory including fundamentals for musical periods.
- Knowledge of historical performance practices and styles related to piano technique.
- Two or more years prior accompanist experience.
Compensation
The compensation for this position is $29.77 -$38.71 hourly.
When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6776069.
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
- Of Sports Betting And Music Competitions
I acknowledge that it is important to be able to honor great musicians in a very public way but I believe there is a better method for doing so that some prize-giving organizations currently employ. – Nightingale Sonata
- Philly Fringe Returns To Regular-Season Programming
“The legendary festival, known for experimental and boundary-pushing theater, previously offered year-round programming before the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. In recent years, it has seen record-breaking audience growth, prompting producing director Nell Bang-Jensen to expand beyond the month of September.” – The Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)
- Emily Nussbaum Named The New Yorker’s Theatre Critic
“Nussbaum, a highly respected culture writer who received a Pulitzer Prize for her television criticism, has been a member of the New Yorker writing staff since 2011. She takes over the position from Helen Shaw, who has left The New Yorker after being appointed chief theatre critic at The New York Times.” – Playbill
- As Benin Bronzes Are Being Returned To Nigeria, There’s Nowhere Suitable Which Can Display Them
When 100 of the restituted sculptures were exhibited last month in Benin City, there was no high-tech security and the labels were on paper stuck to the walls. Meanwhile, the flashy new Museum of West African Art, built to house the bronzes, isn’t permitted to have or show them. – The New York Times
- People Over 70 Who Listen To Music Daily Face Significantly Lower Risk Of Dementia, Finds New Research
“A major new study led by researchers at Monash University (in Melbourne) … found that daily musical engagement correlates with a marked reduction in dementia incidence.” – Limelight (Australia)
- A New Solti Conducting Competition Is Starting Up In Budapest
This one, which takes place next October, will involve the Hungarian Radio Symphony and Hungarian National Philharmonic and is being organized by Müpa, Budapest’s equivalent of Lincoln Center. – Bachtrack
- Baritone Jubilant Sykes, 71, Stabbed To Death
A Grammy-nominee (for Leonard Bernstein’s Mass conducted by Marin Alsop) who moved smoothly between classical, musical theater, and gospel, Sykes was found dead in his home following a 911 call from his wife reporting an assault. His 31-year-old son Micah is in custody as the suspect. – Los Angeles Times (Yahoo!)
- 2025 Turner Prize Goes To Nigerian-Scottish Artist Nnena Kalu
“Kalu, an autistic artist with learning disabilities and limited verbal communication, … (won) for her colourful drawings and sculptures made from found fabric and VHS tape, becoming the first artist with a learning disability to take home the £25,000 ($33,300) prize.” – The Guardian
- Paul Taylor’s “Esplanade” At 50
How the landmark modern dance was created, whom it influenced, and why it’s still magical today. – The New York Times
- Why Are We Curious About Some Things And Not Others?
All this infophilia raises an important question: if we like information so much, why don’t we seek out more of it? – Psyche
- Dallas Black Dance Theatre Makes Its Interim Artistic Director Permanent
Richard A. Freeman Jr. served on an interim basis for two seasons, including holding the company together through the turmoil following the firing of 10 dancers for attempting to unionize. – KERA (Dallas)
- Pew Arts And Culture Names A New Leader
Christina Vassallo, 45, follows Paula Marincola, who retired in October after serving as the center’s first director, since 2008. After leaving the Fabric Workshop in 2023, Vassallo became director of the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. – Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)
- How Streaming Made Documentaries Popular (And Wrecked The Form)
Presently, non-fiction filmmaking (in the form of docuseries) stands as a cornerstone of streaming economics, a format bolstered and degraded by an ever-growing demand for cheap, time-consuming content. – Stat Significant
- How Netflix Upended The Movie Business
Netflix’s movies don’t have to abide by any of the norms established over the history of cinema: they don’t have to be profitable, pretty, sexy, intelligent, funny, well-made, or anything else that pulls audiences into theater seats. – n+one
- How A Crazy Musician Spent Six Months Teaching An Octopus To Play Piano
Did Mattias Krantz pull it off? Sort of. Here’s what he did, how well it worked, and why it didn’t work better. – ZME Science
- Princeton’s New Museum Is An Important Building
This extraordinarily rich design is certainly assertive throughout, but it is completely in synch with the nature of an institution that has been collecting for 255 years, one that inevitably reflects the sprawling curiosity and a worldliness—or lack thereof—among generations of Princetonians. – James Russell
- Playwrights Are Breaking Theatre’s Fourth Wall
These writers create an environment in which characters can enter or exit the main storyline as if from a magic door. Audiences are cognizant of this portal, but they are encouraged to forget its existence when the drama ramps up, thereby allowing them to have their cake and eat it too. – Los Angeles Times
- The Golden Globes Are Back (And Still Problematic)
So, yes, for all intents and purposes, the Golden Globes are back. But regarding ethical practices, today’s for-profit Globes may well be worse than ever, crossing the line in ways that are more egregious than the shady maneuverings that put the awards on life support not so long ago. – Los Angeles Times
- Gertrude Stein Knew She Was A Genius — And That The World Would Only Realize It After She Died
“‘Those who are creating the modern composition authentically are naturally only of importance when they are dead,’ Stein once wrote. Accordingly, she spent a good portion of her life making arrangements for her afterlife.” – The New Republic
