Gregory Beyer

Gregory Beyer is a Professor of Percussion at Northern Illinois University, a Fulbright Scholar, and a contemporary music specialist blending orchestral, jazz, and world music traditions. He co-founded Arcomusical, a nonprofit dedicated to the Afro-Brazilian berimbau, which has released two critically acclaimed albums: MeiaMeia (2016, Innova Recordings) and Spinning in the Wheel (2019, National Sawdust Tracks). Arcomusical’s collaborative work, including the commissioned piece "Roda" by Elliot Cole, has been performed over 25 times, notably as a concerto with the Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra.

As Artistic Director of Arcomusical and a member of the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition’s Grossman Ensemble, Beyer bridges academic rigor with global musical traditions. His interdisciplinary approach has earned recognition, including a Fulbright Scholarship and a Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant.

• Current Roles: Director of Percussion Studies, Northern Illinois University
• Organizations: Arcomusical (Artistic Director), Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition (Grossman Ensemble member)