Biography

Ellen Dickinson is Director of Bell Programs at Yale University, and College Carillonneur at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.

Known for her ability to articulate how to use playing technique to result in the most musically expressive sound, Ellen brings out the best in her students. Over twenty of her students have completed the exam process to become Carillonneur members of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA), the highest professional certification offered by the GCNA.

She has served the GCNA in many capacities, including as vice president.

Ellen is known throughout the carillon world as a champion of new music.

In 2016, Ellen conceived and executed the largest new music project in the history of the carillon art, commissioning “50 for the 50th,” 50 new works in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Yale Memorial Carillon. The 50 commissions consisted of 47 pieces of concert music for carillon, an illustrated children’s book “Rosie Meets the Carillon,” a book of 48 carillon studies in all keys (composed by Ellen), and an historical exhibit.

“Commissioning new works may be the single most important way to advance the art of the carillon. Encouraging fresh artistic approaches, lifting up the composers, making a lasting impact, engaging diverse audiences — these are just a few reasons to commission new carillon pieces. Having commissioned more than sixty new works and counting, I have learned that most people may not realize how possible it is for their institution to commission a new work, and how possible it is to engage composers. The “ripple effects” of Yale’s project, 50 for the 50th, in 2016, have already been tangible. I hope for a future filled with many more commissions and new works, including music by composers of color, women, and music that represents many cultures. Commissioning diverse people and representing diverse musical styles is the most effective way to broaden our art and make it relevant for the future.”

— Ellen Dickinson

Ellen is Artistic Director and founder of Music on the Hill, an independent music organization with five performing ensembles and music education opportunities.

Over a period of twenty five years, Ellen served as Music Director and Organist of five churches. She has been the founding director of nine different ensembles, and has introduced many people to handbell ringing.

Christmas 2015 Ellen smiling[large_1X].jpg

Ellen holds the Master of Music in organ performance from the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music, and the Bachelor of Arts in music from Yale College.