TAYLOR HANEX began her musical journey at the Peabody Preparatory before earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano from the Peabody Conservatory. After initially aspiring to become a music professor, she shifted her career path upon graduation, entering the financial sector.
She began her finance career with roles at Irving Bank Corp. and Microband Corp. before joining Merrill Lynch in 1987. Now a Senior Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President of Wealth Management, she specializes in helping high-net-worth clients manage their investments and develop strategic financial solutions. She has also served as a consultant for investor education programs, including the NASD-funded TV/411 Save Smart curriculum, which aired on public television.
A dedicated supporter of Peabody, Hanex established the John J. Hanex Memorial Scholarship in 1991 to assist conservatory students who have lost a parent, honoring her late father. In 2009, she became the first Peabody Conservatory alumna to serve on the Johns Hopkins University Board of Trustees, further strengthening her commitment to the institution that shaped her early years.
Held by Thomas Dolby
THOMAS DOLBY, a trailblazer in electronic music and multimedia innovation, has shaped the music industry for over 35 years. Rising to fame as an early MTV icon, he blended technology and music, producing hits like She Blinded Me With Science and co-writing the first platinum-selling rap single, Magic’s Wand by Whodini. His synth and production work have earned five Grammy nominations and collaborations with legends like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Joni Mitchell.
Beyond music, Dolby has been a pioneer in tech, holding multiple patents and co-founding Beatnik Inc., which powered polyphonic ringtones for over two billion mobile devices. His work spans film, television, and gaming, with contributions to projects by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, as well as soundtracks for Grand Theft Auto and The Dark Eye. From 2001 to 2012, he served as Music Director for TED Conferences, later venturing into filmmaking with his award-winning documentary The Invisible Lighthouse.
Appointed Homewood Professor of the Arts at Johns Hopkins University in 2014, Dolby now leads the Peabody Conservatory’s Music for New Media program. He is also the author of The Speed of Sound, a memoir detailing his groundbreaking career at the intersection of music and technology.