Albert R. Lee ’94
At the convergence of music, performance, education, and leadership, you will find Dr. Albert Lee '94. As a soloist in concert or opera, Lee has performed across the United States and overseas. Advanced studies took him from UConn to The Julliard School, where he earned a Master of Music Degree, and to Florida State University for his Doctorate. As an educator, administrator, and leader, he has held positions at Lincoln University, Troy University, and the University of Nevada, Reno. Today, Lee is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Equity, Belonging, and Student Life at Yale School of Music.
Arthur Bellucci ’72, former ND Concert Choir Director, met Lee as a ten-year-old at Saint Aedan School. Bellucci saw more than talent in the young Albert Lee; he saw promise, too. With encouragement from Bellucci, Lee applied to Notre Dame. A 1994 New Haven Register article about Lee's selection for a European tour with the prestigious United States Youth Chorale, Wind, and String Ensemble quoted Bellucci: "His voice is majestic, lyrical, sensitive, and mature. He is the best male voice I have ever worked with and is a role model for our students. I see a major music career."
Lee's successful high school career was about more than music. He was an honor student who participated on the Debate Team, served as a Peer Counselor, and participated in the Drama, Christian Students, and Spanish Clubs. His outreach beyond Notre Dame returned him to his native New Haven as a volunteer tutor in Project 10:10.
Instruction and educational leadership are the hallmarks of Lee’s nine-year tenure at UNV, Reno, and now at Yale School of Music. His course titles highlight his dedication as a mentor to aspiring performers and his commitment to honoring the legacy of Black composers and Black voices across genres. Both universities have sought his insight and expertise on search committees, strategic planning committees, and curriculum review committees, to name but a few.
More than anyone else, Gail Fowler, Lee’s mom and greatest fan, has delighted in his success and warmly welcomed him back to New Haven.
