Dr. Howard Watkins has been named a Presidential Visiting Fellow at Yale for the Spring Semester.

In his new position, Watkins will serve as a coach and collaborative pianist for the Yale Opera program.

Watkins is a renowned recitalist and has collaborated with such artists as  Kathleen Battle, Lawrence Brownlee, Grace Bumbry, Joyce DiDonato, Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazón, and Matthew Polenzani, among others. He is also an assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera and has worked with the Chamber Music Society and the MET Chamber Ensemble.

Watkins is also on the faculty of the Juilliard School, the Bard College Conservatory of Music, and the Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artist Program.

“Dr. Watkins has distinguished himself as a performer, educator, and leader in our field, and I am so very pleased that our students will have the opportunity to work with an artist of his stature during the spring semester,” YSM Dean Robert Blocker said on Yale University’s official website. “His artistry and humanity will enrich the lives and careers of our Yale Opera students.”