Wouter Capitain

Dr. Wouter Capitain is a postdoctoral researcher at the Musicological Seminar, Georg-August-University Göttingen, and a lecturer in Musicology at Utrecht University’s Department of Media and Culture. His work bridges musicology, cultural studies, and postcolonial theory.

• PhD in Musicology (cum laude), University of Amsterdam
• Research focuses on music’s role in constructing human exceptionalism through case studies like Disney’s The Jungle Book and Orwell’s novels

His research examines how music reinforces cultural binaries between nature/culture and human/non-human, drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks. Recent publications analyze Edward Said’s theoretical contributions and harmonic structures in rock music.

Scientific Awards:

• Rubicon Grant (NWO) for postdoctoral research
• Edward W. Said Fellowship (Columbia University)
• Music & Letters Award
• Finishing Fellowship (University of Amsterdam)
• Fulbright Visiting Fellowship

Capitain supervises BA and MA theses at Utrecht University and has been actively involved in academic societies like the Royal Society for Music History of the Netherlands and the Arnold Bake Society.