Andrew Mast serves as the Dean of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. His passion and mission as a dean are to engage with students, faculty, and staff to facilitate their learning, well-being, and personal growth.
Mast joined SUNY Potsdam in July 2026 after 22 years at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, where he held the position of Associate Dean of the Conservatory and Kimberly-Clark Professor of Music. Prior to his administrative appointment, he served as the Director of Bands, leading the Wind Ensemble while teaching courses in first-year studies, conducting, and band history. His teaching career has been recognized with several accolades, including the Lawrence University Freshman Studies Teaching Award, the Young Teacher Award at Lawrence University, and the Faculty of the Year Award at St. Ambrose University.
The same questions that inspired him in his work with ensembles of musicians now motivate him in his efforts to identify and foster connections between individuals, disciplines, and departments within a campus community. His current work is characterized by its focus on optimizing the efficacy and well-being of all interactions, whether musical, pedagogical, or logistical. Beginning with his interest in the self-governing nature of ensembles, he has delved into topics such as entrainment, murmuration, and groove.
Dr. Mast holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Band Conducting and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Tuba from the University of Iowa. Additionally, he earned a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. Prior to his tenure in higher education, Dr. Mast dedicated seven years to teaching instrumental music in public schools in Iowa and Minnesota, engaging with students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Under his guidance, ensembles performed at prominent conferences, including the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National and North Central Regional Conferences, as well as the Wisconsin Music Educators Association. Notably, a 2012 recording released on the Mark Records label showcases music commissioned and premiered by the Lawrence Wind Ensemble.
Dr. Mast is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association and a co-founder of the Vincent Persichetti Society. His scholarly contributions have been published in esteemed publications such as The Instrumentalist, the Journal of Band Research, the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series, and The Annals of Iowa.