Chris Best

Dr. Chris Best is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Tutor in Music Composition at Falmouth University since 2010, previously holding the position of Reader in Music Composition at Dartington College of Arts. He specializes in acoustic composition for dance and concert halls, with research interests in collaborative practices and multimedia contexts.

Qualifications:

• AMusD (Nottingham University, 1988)
• MPhil (Cambridge University, 1984)
• BMus (Lancaster University, 1983)

Research Interests: Acoustic composition across dance and concert formats, collaborative creative processes, and interdisciplinary multimedia projects. His work emphasizes performer collaboration and explores innovative instrumental combinations.

Awards:

• 2015 & 2013: Britten Pears Foundation commission funding
• 2012: Finalist in the Taukay Edizioni Musicali International Composition Competition

Teaching & Supervision: Teaches music composition, history, theory, and film scoring across BA(Hons) programs. Supervised 1 completed PhD student and examined 7 research degrees (including roles at Falmouth, Edinburgh, and Malta Universities).

Collaborations: Works with ensembles like the Malta Philharmonic, Fisarchi Ensemble, and Scottish Dance Theatre. Active in international teaching through residencies in Spain, Malta, Sweden, and Denmark.