Ju-Yong Ha, assistant professor of music in the Humanities Department at Hillyer College, is this year's recipient of the Donald W. Davis University Interdisciplinary Studies Award. It is presented annually to a faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to the University Interdisciplinary Studies program as an effective interdisciplinary teacher and scholar.
Ha teaches courses that demonstrate and embody his commitment to exploring the intersections of music, culture, and social activism. By doing so, he provides students with a comprehensive understanding of what can otherwise be highly complex themes.
Ha’s achievements beyond the classroom are numerous and equally noteworthy, including his directorship of the New York Sanjo Festival & Symposium. His history with publications, presentations, and cultural ambassadorships further underscores his dedication to interdisciplinary studies, such as his efforts to promote Korean traditional music and culture.
“Dr. Ha’s effectiveness as an interdisciplinary teacher and scholar has profoundly impacted students and colleagues at UHart. His innovative approach to teaching and ability to integrate diverse disciplines have enriched the learning experience,” says Margaret R. Tarampi, director of University Interdisciplinary Studies and associate professor in the Department of Psychology. “His commitment has made a lasting impact on our institution and will continue to influence future generations of scholars.”
With a doctorate in musical arts from the City University of New York and a master’s degree in music from the University of Hartford, Ha has developed a broad spectrum of specialties for his classroom, research, writing, and presentation work. This includes contemporary composition, Asian diaspora and performing arts, music and gender, traditional Korean music, improvisation, music and spirituality, and K-pop.
Exploring the intersections of music, culture, and social activism, emphasizing the importance of globalism and cultural exchange, and sharing the role of music and art in shaping social and political identities are among Ha’s professional objectives. This is seen, as well, in his creation of several unique courses with names such as The Silk Road: Music, Art, Culture, and Identity and Activist Art: Music. Similarly, his literary contributions include such works as “I Am a New Yorker: Localization, Globalization and Korean Community Arts in New York City” (World of Music) and “Homage for Future: Orchestra Asia” (Journal of the National Theater of Korea).
Ha has also procured numerous grants to support music festivals and other culture-enriching events on behalf of students, the University, and the Greater Hartford community.