EarRelevant Staff | 5 AUG 2025
NEW YORK, New York— New Music USA has named Vanessa Rose as its next President and CEO, marking a new chapter for the national nonprofit dedicated to advancing contemporary music in all its forms. Rose, a longtime advocate for composers and an experienced arts administrator, will officially assume the role on October 15, 2025.
She succeeds Vanessa Reed, who led the organization from 2019 to 2025.
Rose joins New Music USA after a transformative six-year tenure as President and CEO of the American Composers Forum (ACF), where she broadened the organization’s national influence and deepened its commitment to equity and composer advocacy. At ACF, she launched forward-looking programs such as Anatomy of a Commission and expanded partnerships with institutions like the New York Philharmonic and The Juilliard School, while acquiring the media platform I CARE IF YOU LISTEN to extend ACF’s storytelling reach.
“Vanessa Rose’s appointment represents a natural evolution of her life’s work,” said Anne-Marie Spataru, Co-Chair of New Music USA’s board. “Her ability to lead with vision, prioritize community and equity, and expand reach while staying grounded in mission makes her the right leader at the right time.”
That sentiment was echoed by composer and board Co-Chair Juan Pablo Contreras, who noted Rose’s “unwavering commitment to living composers” and her alignment with the organization’s goals of building equitable and community-centered support systems for music creators.
For Rose, the move represents both a continuation and a new beginning. “Having worked alongside New Music USA for years, I’m thrilled to now join the organization at this exciting moment,” she said. “It has long been a vital national resource, and I’m honored to help advance its mission in this next chapter.”
A trained classical violinist with degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Mannes College of Music, Rose brings both artistic insight and administrative expertise to her new role. Her prior leadership experience spans a range of organizations, including the International Contemporary Ensemble, The Knights orchestral collective, and the American Composers Orchestra. She also served as board chair of the Performing Arts Alliance, a national coalition focused on advocacy and policy for the arts.
Her appointment comes as New Music USA looks to expand its national footprint and strengthen its support for artists. The organization currently supports an annual operating budget of approximately $3.2 million and provides more than $1 million annually in grants. Among its signature programs are:
- New Music Creator Fund and New Music Organization Fund – supporting independent artists and small organizations
- Next Jazz Legacy – a mentorship program for emerging jazz improvisers, co-run with Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice
- Reel Change Film Fund – targeted support for film composers
- Amplifying Voices – encouraging equity in orchestral programming
- New Music Inc. – a series of localized incubators for artist-led groups
The search for New Music USA’s next leader was conducted by HC Smith Ltd, with board members chairing the selection committee.
As she prepares to step into the role, Rose will be charged with guiding New Music USA’s strategic vision, fundraising efforts, and national partnerships — all with an eye toward sustaining and growing an inclusive ecosystem for new music and the artists who create it. ■
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- New Music USA: newmusicusa.org
Read more by EarRelevant Staff.
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