Our Faculty

Background

Described by the Baltimore Sun as both a "lyrical and rhythmically incisive" conductor, Paul McShee, artistic director of instrumental studies and assistant professor at Binghamton University, is known for the "energy and sincere expression" of his performances. Equally at home on the podium and in the opera pit, McShee is sought after as a conductor for opera productions in the U.S. and Europe. He was a staff conductor for the Baltimore Opera Project, guest conductor for La traviata and Madama Butterfly at Paul Hamlyn Hall in London, and music director of the PopUp Opera Program in Edinburgh, Scotland.

McShee has conducted the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, The Missoula Symphony Orchestra, the London Paradisal Players, L’Orchestre QuiPasseParLà, L’Orchestre Band-Son, the Philharmonie Mihail Jora and the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic.

A champion of new music, and works of underrepresented composers, McShee is currently preparing a collected edition of the instrumental works of Margaret Bonds. Additionally, he has worked with composers including Kenneth Fuchs, Avner Dorman, Anna Clyne and Nathan Fletcher.

He holds the DMA in conducting from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and a MM from the University of Connecticut. He has served on the faculties of the University of Minnesota, the University of Connecticut, and Binghamton University. His current research concerns the intersections between philosophy and the music of Brahms, Wagner, and Mahler. His dissertation, “Gentle into that Good Night: Rejection of Linear Structural Narratives in Finales by Brahms, Wagner, and Mahler,” was recognized by Peabody Conservatory faculty with a commendation.

McShee studied under Marin Alsop, Gustav Meier, and Harvey Felder. His principal flute teachers were Emmanuel Pahud, Verena Bosshart, and Teresa Bowers.

Education

• DMA in conducting, Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University
• MM, University of Connecticut