Kenneth T. Bean is a distinguished conductor recognized for his clarity, precision, and artistry on the podium. With a career spanning orchestral leadership, youth music education, and community engagement, he has built a reputation for inspiring musicians and audiences alike through dynamic performances and a deep commitment to artistic excellence.

Currently, Kenneth serves as the Georg and Joyce Albers-Schonberg Assistant Conductor of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, where his responsibilities include leading the Symphonic Orchestra of the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey. He also currently serves as Assistant Conductor of Symphony in C where he co-directed the Symphony in C Summer Music Camp and served as the founding Music Director of the Symphony in C Youth Orchestra, leading the ensemble from its inception in 2014 through the 2023–24 season.

Kenneth is also the founding Director/Conductor of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute’s Young Musicians Debut Orchestra, a role that underscores his dedication to nurturing young musicians and fostering orchestral excellence at the pre-professional level.

Kenneth has collaborated with some of the country’s most esteemed musicians, including violinist Jennifer Koh, cellist Thomas Mesa, Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim, and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Principal Trumpet Billy Hunter. His guest conducting engagements have included appearances with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Symphony in C, Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble, Oberlin Sinfonietta and the American Repertory Ballet, where he conducted the world premiere of Ethan Stiefel’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Beyond his work on the podium, Kenneth is a passionate advocate for equity in music education. As Co-Founder/Associate Director of The Primavera Fund, he has played a crucial role in mentoring and financially supporting young musicians from underrepresented communities, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to pursue professional careers in classical music.

In addition, Kenneth serves as Director of the Junior Session at Kinhaven Music School, where he has long been a transformative presence since joining the faculty in 2000. His recent appointment as Director marks a new chapter in his leadership at the esteemed institution. 

A dedicated educator and mentor, Kenneth holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Jackson State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Trumpet Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music. His extensive training and hands-on experience have equipped him with the vision, skill, and leadership to cultivate excellence in orchestral performance and music education.

Through his unwavering commitment to the art of conducting, Kenneth T. Bean continues to shape the future of classical music, inspiring the next generation of musicians while delivering performances of exceptional depth and vitality.