academic web page: www.arts.rpi.edu/rolnick/

Neil Rolnick is a Professor of Music at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he is currently teaching a lecture course on Creativity & Information Technology, and a seminar on Improvisation & Composition.

In 2002 he stepped down after a decade of service as Chair of the Arts Department and founding Director of the iEAR Studios at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.

During his tenure as Chair, Rolnick oversaw the development of the nation's first Master for Fine Arts program in Electronic Arts, the development of the BS programs in Electronic Media, Arts and Communication (EMAC) and in Electronic Arts. The EMAC program, which grew from 0 to nearly 300 majors in four years is one of the most successful undergraduate programs ever developed at Rensselaer. The MFA program was recently ranked by US New & World Report as 8th among the nation's top graduate programs in media art.

Rolnick also led the growth of the Arts faculty from 4.5 to 12 tenure track positions, and the department's consolidation in its current home in West Hall. Before he stepped down, the iEAR Presents! series, which he began in 1982, celebrated its 20th year as the Capital District's premier presenter of new and experimental music. In 2005-06, the series celebrates 20 years of presenting work in all electronic media.