Benjamin Oyler

Benjamin Oyler is an Adjunct Professor of Musicology at the University of Puget Sound in the Music Department. His research explores the political economy of music in the 20th and 21st century United States, blending musicology, ethnomusicology, sound studies, philosophy, and critical theory. Oyler investigates topics such as musical virtuosity in digital media, creative labor, and the impact of music-based technologies on children’s cognitive development.

• Education:
  • PhD in Music Studies, University of Pennsylvania
  • MM in Musicology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • BA in Musicology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

His scholarly work connects practices like "woodshedding" (intensive musical practice) to virtuosic performance and examines intersections between social media and contemporary musicology. As a guitarist and improviser, Oyler has performed in diverse ensembles spanning jazz, punk rock, country, and free improvisation. Contact: boyler@pugetsound.edu.