Ken Keaton

Dr. Ken Keaton
DMA, University of Miami
Professor of Music

Areas of Expertise:
Classical Guitar
Music History

Email: keaton@fau.edu
Office Phone: 561.297.2310
Office: AL 231

It is with great sadness that the Department of Music announces the passing of Dr. Ken Keaton in July, 2019. Dr. Keaton was a dedicated and inspiring teacher to all of his students, and he made it his life's commitment to help anyone who wanted to learn. He energetically shared his passion for music--as a classical guitar and music history professor, performer, and music reviewer. He made a great impact in the Department of Music for over 30 years, teaching music history to all of our majors in the undergraduate and graduate music programs. His former students have since established successful careers as performers and teachers. Dr. Keaton served as director of the undergraduate honors program for the Department of Music at Florida Atlantic University, and served as Associate Dean of The Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters from 1993 to 2008. 

Throughout his tenure at FAU, Dr. Keaton vigorously advocated for talented students who needed financial support in order to pursue their studies at FAU. If you would like to make a contribution towards music scholarships in memory of Dr. Keaton, please visit https://fauf.fau.edu/MusicScholarships, indicate “Tribute Gift” and “In Memory of Ken Keaton”, and your contribution can help FAU’s music majors realize their dream of becoming accomplished musicians. 

The Department of Music invites the FAU community and friends to a free concert to be presented by the Classical Guitar Society Remembrance and Celebration of Dr. Ken Keaton, on Sunday, April 19, 2020, 3 pm at the University Theatre. The members of the Classical Guitar Society will featured in extraordinary performances in tribute to Dr. Ken Keaton, the founder of the Society. This concert will feature some of his favorite works for classical guitar in solo and chamber ensemble settings, as performed by his former students and FAU alums.

“No me pueden quitar lo que he bailado” 
(Spanish proverb: They cannot take away from me that which I have danced)