An experienced arts executive and educator, Maria Mathieson, has been named the new director of the Peabody Preparatory following a robust national search. As director, she will lead the continued growth of Baltimore’s premier community school for the performing arts, overseeing all aspects of operations and instruction for about 2,000 students. Mathieson comes to Peabody from Levine Music in Washington, D.C., where she has served as head of music education since 2011. Her tenure at Peabody begins on July 16, 2018.
“The Peabody Preparatory is entering an exciting period of growth, in both on-site and digital platforms, and Maria’s expertise in – and passion for – arts education and administration are exactly what we need in a leader,” notes Abra Bush, the Peabody Institute’s senior associate dean of institute studies. “The faculty and staff who served on the search committee and I are all thrilled to welcome her to our Peabody family.”
In addition to developing and leading the overall educational experience for Levine, Mathieson’s background includes teaching and leading music programs as well as managing public relations and fundraising for The Salvation Army in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. She holds an MBA from the University of Maryland University College and has trained with the Community Arts Education Leadership Institute in New York.
“I believe in the difference that arts education can make in people’s lives,” Mathieson says. “With its unique mission and proud history, the Peabody Preparatory has served so many in the greater Baltimore community, and I look forward to working with the faculty and administration to continue and strengthen Peabody’s impact.”
Founded in 1894, the Peabody Preparatory is a national leader in quality, 21st-century arts education, serving the greater Baltimore community on campuses in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore City, as well as in Towson, Annapolis, and Howard County. It is open to students of all ages and levels of ability with offerings ranging from early childhood classes for infants; to instrumental, vocal, and dance instruction for school-aged students; to the Adult and Continuing Education program for adults. Through scholarship programs like Tuned-In and the Estelle Dennis/Peabody Dance Training Program for Boys, the Preparatory offers high-level training to young people who might not otherwise be able to study music or dance.
