Alan Fletcher, head of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music, has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Dr. Fletcher is the seventh president and CEO in the institution's 57-year history. He will return to CMU through February before beginning work at Aspen on March 1.

"We are pleased to have found such a perfect match for the job," said Matthew Bucksbaum, chair of the AMFS Board of Trustees and head of the search committee. "Alan combines the highest levels of administrative and musical knowledge in one package. He is an accomplished and active composer, with a deep knowledge of and passion for classical music, plus he is extremely well respected as a leader in the world of music education."

Al Dietsch, chair elect of the AMFS Board and a member of the search committee, said committee members were looking for the most qualified person and they found that in Dr. Fletcher.

"With Alan's extensive professional knowledge and experience, and warm personal nature, he will fit in wonderfully with the Aspen Music Festival and School family and the Aspen community.

Dr. Fletcher, who has headed CMU's Music School since 2001, succeeds Don Roth, who served with the festival from 2001 to 2005.

"This is one of the best jobs in the whole world of music," said Dr. Fletcher from a cellular phone in Aspen yesterday. "Aspen is a combination of great professional festivals and education."

Dr. Fletcher said it's unlikely CMU has began its search for his replacement, although Jared Cohon, university president, had been aware he was under consideration for the position in Aspen.

"The school of music is in great shape," said Dr. Fletcher. "It's a wonderful faculty and staff with a great future."

Before arriving at CMU, Dr. Fletcher held leadership and faculty positions, including provost and senior vice president, at the New England Conservatory. Dr. Fletcher holds doctorate and master's degrees from the Juilliard School and a bachelor's degree from Princeton University, and has studied with such distinguished composers as Roger Sessions, Milton Babbitt, Edward T. Cone and Paul Lansky.