Daniel Sawler

Daniel Sawler is a Lecturer at the Eastman School of Music and an instructor at the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) and Eastman Experience: Summer Classical Studies. He holds a Bachelor’s in Composition (2018) and a Master’s in Music Theory Pedagogy (2020) from the Eastman School of Music, where he graduated with distinction.

His research focuses on Comprehensive-Musicianship pedagogy, particularly in pre-collegiate education, and applying Schenkerian analysis to Sergei Rachmaninoff’s music. He has developed ECMS’s counterpoint curriculum and revised fundamentals courses, integrating discussions of history, politics, jazz, pop, and film music into Western music theory education.

• Academic Affiliations: Eastman School of Music (alma mater), ECMS (current teaching role), Eastman Experience: Summer Classical Studies.
• Education: B.A. in Composition (2018), M.A. in Music Theory Pedagogy (2020).

Scientific Awards:

• Jack L. Frank Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020)
• ESM Graduate Award (2018–2020)
• Howard Hanson Tuition Scholarship (2014–2018)
• Paul Sacher Scholarship (2014–2018)
• Bernard Rogers Memorial Prize (2018)