David Rakowski

David Rakowski is the Walter W. Naumburg Professor of Composition in the Department of Music at Brandeis University, where he has served on the faculty since 1995. He previously taught at Stanford University and Columbia University, and has held part-time teaching appointments at Harvard University and the New England Conservatory. He has also been a visiting professor at Ithaca College and the University of Utah, among other institutions.

His research and creative work focus on composition, music theory, and orchestration, with a prolific output spanning symphonies, concertos, chamber works, song cycles, and music for children. He is best known for his 100 high-energy piano études and 100 piano préludes, which are performed worldwide and represent a significant contribution to contemporary piano literature.

Rakowski's extensive recognition includes the Rome Prize, the Elise L. Stoeger Prize, the Barlow Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and two Pulitzer Prize finalist nominations. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2016 and has received numerous commissions and residencies from leading institutions.

• Rome Prize (American Academy in Rome)
• Elise L. Stoeger Prize (Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center)
• Barlow Prize
• Guggenheim Fellowship
• Pulitzer Prize Finalist (twice)
• Arts and Letters Award, American Academy of Arts & Letters
• Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer Prize for Teaching and Mentoring

As an educator, Rakowski has mentored generations of composers and has been recognized for excellence in teaching. He has held residencies at MacDowell, Yaddo, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Bogliasco Foundation, supporting his ongoing creative development.