Honorary professors

In June 2023, Danish National Academy of Music appointed Swedish saxophonist, arranger, and composer Joakim Milder as an adjunct professor for a five-year term. He is particularly affiliated with the rhythmic department in Esbjerg, which houses the academy’s study program "Contemporary Rhythmic Musician."

The program is characterized by a particularly broad understanding of the concept of rhythmic music, making Milder’s artistic profile and stylistic versatility a perfect match. As one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation, Joakim Milder has, throughout his career, played with a wide range of artists—from Lisa Nilsson and niche jazz projects to concerts and recordings with legends such as Red Mitchell, Paul Bley, and Tomasz Stańko.

A unanimous faculty expressed their support for the choice, stating:
"Joakim Milder’s immense versatility allows him to move freely across virtually all genres within improvisational music. He possesses vast knowledge and life experience from the music industry and works open-mindedly with both people and music, naturally incorporating an awareness of equality in his work."

Milder’s credentials also include 35 years of teaching at the conservatory level, as well as serving as the artistic director of the "Norrbotten Big Band"—one of Scandinavia’s most prominent large rhythmic ensembles—for the past 10 years. Regarding his role at the academy in Esbjerg, he stated:
"It is a great honor to receive this offer from the Danish National Academy of Music—an institution with an excellent reputation. I am truly looking forward to meeting students and colleagues, initiating processes, raising new questions, and creating meaningful music!"

At the appointment ceremony, Principle Claus Skjold Larsen expressed:
"It is a great pleasure to welcome such a distinguished artist and far-reaching talent as saxophonist Joakim Milder to the Danish National Academy of Music. His extensive experience as both a musician and educator will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to everyone at SDMK."

In 2023, British organist Henry Fairs was appointed as an adjunct professor in the church music program at the Danish National Academy of Music.

With this appointment comes the task of inspiring and motivating students while ensuring the continued development of the academy’s church music program in Esbjerg.

Regarding his appointment and the challenges ahead, Henry Fairs stated:
“I am absolutely delighted to take up this position and to be associated, both professionally and personally, with the flourishing organ and church music department of Danish National Academy of Music. I hugely look forward to future collaborations, involvement in great music making, and many exciting projects in my capacity as Honorary Professor of Organ.”

Since 2020, Henry Fairs has been a professor of organ at the Universität der Künste, Berlin. Previously, he taught and led the organ department at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for many years. Additionally, he has held several guest professorships and served on juries for international organ competitions. As an organ soloist, he has won multiple international awards and explored a vast repertoire through extensive recordings and concert performances.

There is also great enthusiasm within DNA of Music’s organ faculty regarding his appointment. Mikkel Andreassen, who leads the conservatory’s organ department, stated:
“Henry Fairs possesses remarkable expressive, tonal, and technical mastery. He is an approachable, inclusive, and open-minded personality, making him a fantastic educator. We are very much looking forward to an inspiring and rewarding collaboration with this internationally renowned musician, who will be an important part of the ongoing development of the organ community at Danish National Academy of Music in Esbjerg.”

Principle Claus Skjold Larsen also commented on the appointment:
“With his strong artistic and pedagogical profile, Henry Fairs is an excellent match for the church music program in Esbjerg, where he will be able to teach and inspire students at many different levels.”