Phyllis Chen

Phyllis Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Music at SUNY New Paltz's School of Fine & Performing Arts. An internationally recognized composer and performer, she specializes in interdisciplinary work involving toy instruments, found objects, and experimental sound exploration. Her creative practice integrates Japanese musical traditions like shakuhachi with contemporary avant-garde techniques.

Research interests focus on:

• Innovative composition methodologies using unconventional sound sources
• Cross-cultural musical dialogues between Eastern and Western traditions
• Crowd-sourced artistic collaborations and participatory art forms
• Historical context of toy instruments in contemporary performance

Her artistic output includes award-winning albums recognized for pushing boundaries in classical music. Publications demonstrate consistent exploration of:

• Acoustic ecology and multisensory experiences
• Extended instrumental techniques and microtonal systems
• Collaborative processes across artistic disciplines

Significant honors include the Cage-Cunningham Fellowship, Fromm Foundation Commission, and multiple Independent Music Awards. She founded/directs the UnCaged Toy Piano initiative and co-founded the International Contemporary Ensemble, establishing platforms for experimental music innovation.