Find Academic Supervisors

Jane KershawView profile

Associate Professor

• Viking-Age Archaeology
• Early Medieval Archaeology
• Scandinavian Settlements in Britain
• +5 more

Jane Kershaw is the Gad Rausing Associate Professor of Viking Age Archaeology at the University of Oxford, specializing in Early Medieval and Viking-Age archaeology with a geographic focus on Northwest Europe, particularly Britain and Scandinavia. Her work centers on Scandinavian settlements in Britain, Viking silver economies, and gender/cultural identity through interdisciplinary archaeological, archaeometric, and numismatic approaches. Her research critically examines the Viking Age (c. 750-1050 AD) through material culture analysis, with core interests in silver provenance, bullion economies, and gender dynamics. She integrates scientific methods like lead isotope analysis with traditional archaeology to investigate trade networks, resource exploitation, and cultural interactions across Eurasia, emphasizing how material practices shaped identity and social structures in frontier zones of the Viking world. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in archaeometric silver studies (80% of works), with strong focus on provenance methodologies, bullion economy mechanics, and cross-cultural exchange networks. Key themes include Islamic dirham circulation, Scandinavian settlement patterns, and innovative analytical techniques for non-destructive metal analysis, demonstrating consistent interdisciplinary rigor across temporal and geographic scales. Her scientific awards include: ERC Starting Grant (Silver and the Origins of the Viking Age, 2019-ongoing) Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (Britain’s Viking Silver Hoards, 2017–2019) British Academy Post-Doctoral Fellowship (The Bullion Economy of Viking England, 2012-2017) Junior Research Fellowship, Balliol College, Oxford (2012-2014) Randall MacIver Studentship, Queen’s College, Oxford (2010-2011) Dr Kershaw actively supervises doctoral research including Anthony Del Rio's DPhil on Viking-Age Scandinavian settlement in northern England. Her ERC-funded project coordinates an international team conducting large-scale silver analysis, while her British Academy and Leverhulme fellowships established foundational research on Viking bullion economies. She maintains extensive museum collaborations for hoard analysis and public engagement through media appearances. She leads the ERC-funded "Silver and the Origins of the Viking Age" project with a dedicated research team, maintains an active research blog for public dissemination, and engages in knowledge exchange through BBC Radio 4's In Our Time program on Viking historical impacts.

Sonia Tamar SeemanView profile

Associate Professor

• Middle Eastern Music
• Southeastern European Music
• Romani Communities
• +5 more

Sonia Tamar Seeman is an Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology in the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin, with cross-appointments at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Center for Women and Gender Studies, and Center for Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian Studies. She serves as the Bachelor of Arts Program Coordinator for Music, UT's Fulbright Program Advisor and Chair, and directs the Bereket Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. Dr. Seeman earned her Ph.D. from UCLA in 2002 with the dissertation "'You're Roman!' Music and Identity in Turkish Roman Communities". Prior to UT Austin, she taught at UCSB for four years as a post-doctoral fellow and lecturer. Her research centers on Middle Eastern and Southeastern European musical traditions, specializing in Romani communities' expressive culture since the mid-1980s. Through fieldwork in Macedonia (1985-87, 1989) and Turkey (1995-1999, 2003), she examines how music mediates identity formation amid Ottoman legacies, nationalism, and cosmopolitanism. Current work investigates Turkish cultural expressions and gendered identity negotiations during European Union accession processes, integrating phenomenological and post-structural frameworks. Recent publications reveal evolving scholarly trajectories from foundational identity studies in Turkey to Balkan music analysis and pedagogical innovation. Her 2019 monograph "Sounding Roman" synthesizes decades of Romani performance research, while articles on Macedonian Čalgija demonstrate music's role in national identity construction, and pedagogical works advance embodied learning techniques in ethnomusicology education. As BA Program Coordinator, she advises music concentrations and mentors Fulbright applicants for international research. Her advising emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches connecting music studies with gender, post-Ottoman, and diaspora frameworks. She founded and directs the Bereket Middle Eastern Music Ensemble, which trains students, faculty, and community members in regional court, religious, and popular music traditions from the Middle East, Balkans, and diasporic communities, serving as a living laboratory for her research on transnational musical practices.

• Music Performance
• French Horn
• 19th-century Italian Opera
• +3 more

Piotr Staniszewski is an Assistant Professor at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, where he has been employed since October 2024. Previously, he taught French horn at the Academy of Art in Szczecin from 2017 to 2022, where he was appointed professor in 2020. He maintains an active performance career as a member of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra in Gdańsk since 1993, performing internationally in Vatican City, Germany, Sweden, Russia, China, and USA. He also collaborates with the Polish Chamber Philharmonic in Sopot and has performed over 130 solo recitals and chamber concerts. Staniszewski's primary research interests encompass 19th-century Italian opera and the life and work of Gioacchino Rossini. His scholarly work includes six publications on piano music prepared as part of the International Piano Music Academic Sessions in Gdańsk. He has authored more than a dozen published arrangements or transcriptions for horn and chamber ensembles. His most recent publication, in October 2024, appeared in 'The Horn Call,' the quarterly journal of the International Horn Society in the USA, focusing on CD Lorenz. His artistic output includes three significant recordings: 'Sacred Music for Horn and Organ' (2000) with organist Ewa Mazurek-Krasodomska; 'Concert Songs of Romanticism' (2008) with soprano Aleksandra Kucharska-Szefler and pianist Bożena Szull-Talar; and 'Horn Fantasy' (2019), featuring the world's first recording of works for horn and piano by Carl Daniel Lorenz (1816-1866). Bronze Badge of the Polish Association of Choirs and Orchestras (1996) Award of the Mayor of Gdynia (2004, 2021) Diploma of the Minister of Culture (2004) Badge of Merit for Polish Culture (2009) Individual Award of the Director of the Center for Artistic Education (2016) Medal of the Commission of National Education (2019) Cultural Scholarship of the City of Gdańsk (2002, 2009) Staniszewski combines his academic work with extensive teaching experience, having instructed French horn and chamber ensemble classes at the Primary and Secondary Music School in Gdynia since 1993 and at the Complex of State Music Schools in Koszalin. His students have won over 230 awards in regional, national, and international competitions. He serves on juries for music competitions and as a consultant for the Center for Artistic Education in Warsaw since 2021. His music journalism for 'Ruch Muzyczny' includes 85 reports on major musical events in the Gdańsk region and international opera performances.

David ConteView profile

Professor

• Composition
• Music Theory
• Choral Music
• +5 more

David Conte is Professor of Composition and Chair of the Composition Department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), where he has taught since 1985. He is also affiliated with the European American Musical Alliance in Paris, where he served on the composition faculty from 2011-2022. In 2014, he was named Composer in Residence for Cappella SF, a professional chamber choir in San Francisco. His educational background includes: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Cornell University Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Cornell University Bachelor of Music (BM) from Bowling Green State University David Conte's research and creative interests focus on contemporary classical composition, particularly in the areas of opera, choral music, and chamber music. His work demonstrates a deep engagement with American musical traditions while incorporating diverse influences from European classical music. He has developed a distinctive compositional voice that bridges traditional techniques with contemporary expression, particularly evident in his vocal and choral works. Conte's approach to composition pedagogy emphasizes the importance of musical memory, keyboard skills, and deep engagement with the music one loves. Analysis of Conte's compositional output reveals a consistent focus on vocal and choral music, with significant contributions to American opera through works like 'The Gift of the Magi.' His chamber music demonstrates sophisticated understanding of instrumental capabilities across various ensembles. More recently, his orchestral works like the 'Sinfonietta for Classical Orchestra' show a refined neoclassical approach. Conte's compositions often explore literary and historical themes, reflecting his broader interests in film, history, politics, and religion. His notable awards and distinctions include: Fulbright Scholarship (1976) Ralph Vaughan Williams Fellowship (1989) Aspen Music Festival Conducting Fellowship (1984) National Association of Teachers of Singing Composition Award (2016) American Guild of Organists Distinguished Composer (2024) Raymond Brock commission from the American Choral Directors Association First Prize in the NATS Composition Competition for 'American Death Ballads' (2016) As an educator, Conte has mentored over 100 composition students since 1985 at SFCM. His teaching philosophy, heavily influenced by his studies with Nadia Boulanger, emphasizes the importance of musical memory, keyboard proficiency for composers, and gradual skill development. He has secured numerous commissions from prestigious organizations including the San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, and Dayton Symphonies, Chanticleer, and the American Guild of Organists. Conte's work has been supported by institutions like the Fulbright Program and the National Endowment for the Arts. Conte maintains active collaborations with various musical organizations, including Cappella SF where he serves as Composer in Residence. His work with librettists like Nicholas Giardini and collaborators like Todd Boekelheide demonstrates his commitment to interdisciplinary artistic projects. He continues to be an influential figure in American contemporary music through his compositions, teaching, and advocacy for new music.

• Percussion
• Music Theory
• World Music
• +3 more

Darin Wadley is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of South Dakota. He teaches applied percussion, percussion methods, pedagogy, music theory, aural skills, and music cultures while directing the USD Percussion Ensemble, Caribbean Coyotes Steel Band, and The Sound of USD Drumline. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts, Percussion Performance, University of Arizona (1998) Master of Music, Percussion Performance, University of Nevada Las Vegas (1994) Bachelor of Music, Percussion Performance, Northern Illinois University (1992) Wadley’s research and teaching focus on percussion performance , drumset , music theory , and world music . His work emphasizes contemporary music and pedagogical innovation, including presentations on classroom flow and ensemble preparation. He is also a Grover Pro Percussion Artist. Recent publications highlight his performance expertise in contemporary percussion , chamber music , and big band jazz , spanning 2012–2024. Notable collaborations include works by composers like Paul Lombardi, Eddie Mora, and Ben Stevenson. An accomplished performer, Wadley serves as principal timpanist for the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, performs with regional orchestras, and has participated in professional engagements with Utah Shakespearean Festival, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and Arizona Opera.

Mara GibsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Music Composition
• Cross-disciplinary Collaboration
• Contemporary Classical Music
• +3 more

Mara Gibson is an Associate Professor of Composition at Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Music, where she serves as area coordinator with tenure. Originally from Charlottesville, VA, Dr. Gibson completed her Ph.D. at SUNY Buffalo after graduating from Bennington College. She has also studied at London College of Music, L'École des Beaux-Arts in Fontainebleau, France, and the International Music Institute at Darmstadt, Germany. Dr. Gibson's creative work spans contemporary composition with emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her music has been described as "shocking, gripping and thought-provoking... conjuring a flurry of emotions" (PARMA Recordings). She is a regular collaborator with choreographers, visual artists, writers, and filmmakers, with notable projects including the ArtSounds initiative which ran for 11 years at UMKC. Her recent compositions demonstrate consistent innovation in technique and interdisciplinary approaches. Works like Escher Keys (2021), a bassoon concerto inspired by M.C. Escher, and Galetea's Dream (2021/23), a staged song cycle, showcase her ability to merge visual art concepts with musical expression. Her compositions often draw inspiration from poetry, visual arts, and natural phenomena, resulting in works that are both technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant. Dr. Gibson has received numerous prestigious awards including: LSU Provost Fund for Innovation in Research ($7,500 for "The Devil's Dream" opera, 2024) GRAMMY nomination eligibility for "Unseen World" album (2024) ATLAS grant through Louisiana Board of Regents ($32,000 for bassoon concerto project, 2021) MacDowell Colony Fellowship (2016) Virginia Center for the Arts residency (2015) Yale University Distinguished Music Educator Award (2015) As an educator, Dr. Gibson has significantly expanded the composition program at LSU, more than doubling its size since her arrival. She founded the Constantinides New Music Ensemble, which debuted at Carnegie Hall in April 2022. Previously, at UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, she coordinated undergraduate composition and tripled enrollment in the program. She is currently working on her first opera, "The Devil's Dream," based on Lee Smith's novel and inspired by the country music powerhouse Carter family.

Qifan WuView profile

Teaching Professor

• Piano Performance
• Music Pedagogy
• Classical Music
• +4 more

Qifan Wu is a Teaching Professor in Piano Performance at the College of Music and Media , Loyola University New Orleans , with a focus on instrumental studies. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas and the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, respectively. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance (University of North Texas), Master of Music in Piano Performance (Peabody Institute), Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (University of Colorado Boulder) His research interests center on piano performance, classical music adaptations, and pedagogical techniques. His recent scholarly work explores Brazilian modifications of Baroque and Classical elements in Alberto Nepomuceno's Piano Sonata in F Minor, Opus 9, alongside pedagogical presentations on refining pianistic techniques. Wu's articles highlight his expertise in musicology, classical piano, and cross-cultural compositions. Scientific Awards : Artistic Excellence Award Scott McBurney Memorial Scholarship Doris Pridonoff Lehnert Piano Scholarship Global International Music Competition top prize International Chinese Piano Competition in Singapore top prize KAWAI Asia Piano Competition top prize As an educator, Wu mentors musicians through collaborative concerts, serves as Vice President of the New Orleans Music Teachers Association, and contributes to professional societies like the American Liszt Society and Phi Pi Kappa Lambda. He also coordinates competitions and provides translation services for international events.

Britta BauerView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Music Performance
• Music Pedagogy
• Instrumental Teaching Methodology
• +3 more

Roles & Affiliations: Britta Bauer is an Adjunct Professor of Flute at Mozarteum University, serving as Head of the Pre-College and Chair of the Curriculum Committee (Performance). She holds leadership roles in academic governance, including Deputy Department Head for Wind/Brass/Percussion and Senate Representative. Her international teaching spans institutions like the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln and Redlands University, California. Education: She completed studies in flute performance, music pedagogy, and medicine across Bonn, Köln, Berlin, Paris, and Salzburg, earning top honors in all university degrees. Key mentors include Marianne Geise, James Galway, and Pierre Yves Artaud. Research & Pedagogy: Specializes in flute didactics and body-instrument physiology, developing concepts like 'The Body Sounds' for physical awareness in playing. Active in interdisciplinary performances blending music with dance, poetry, and light installations through her SIRIUS-Trio ensemble. Professional Contributions: Founded the International Flute Competition for Youth (2018), serves on national and international juries (Jugend Musiziert, EMCY), and publishes in journals such as Üben und Musizieren and Flöte aktuell . Her 2017 SCHOTT edition of Kolbris remains a pedagogical reference. Administration: Served as Deputy Department Head (2017–2022), Senate Vice-Chair (2018–2019), and initiated the annual 'Fachdidaktik Flöte' workshop at Mozarteum. Current roles include leadership in the German Flute Society (DGfF) and the International Flute Council (IFC).

Timothy HoweView profile

Associate Professor

• Trombone Performance
• Orchestral Music
• Music Education
• +3 more

Dr. Timothy Howe is an Associate Professor of Trombone and Coordinator of the Brass Area at the School of Music, University of Missouri. He holds a DMA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has extensive experience in orchestral performance, including roles as Second Trombone of the Omaha Symphony and Principal Trombone of multiple ensembles. His research focuses on historical trombone performance practices, particularly in 18th- and early 19th-century German/Austrian orchestral works. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2002) Master of Music, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1995) Bachelor of Music, Northwestern University (1983) His research interests include historical performance practices, brass ensemble techniques, and pedagogy. Dr. Howe has been honored as a Distinguished Arts Alumni by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has performed widely, including solo recitals across the U.S. and China. He is a founding member of the Drei Bones Trombone Trio, which has released multiple CDs and performed internationally. Professional Activities: Directed the Trombone Choir at the University of Missouri Former faculty at Arkansas Tech University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and other institutions Region jazz clinician and past president of the Arkansas Jazz Educators Association Labs/Teams: Drei Bones Trombone Trio (active since 2016 with two CD releases) and Trombone Choir leadership.

Jennifer MacRitchieView profile

Academic

• Music Technology
• Health and Wellbeing
• Music Education for Older Adults
• +3 more

Dr. Jennifer MacRitchie is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's Department of Music, affiliated with the School of Languages, Arts and Societies. She holds an M.Eng in Electronics with Music from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Science and Music Research from the same institution. Previously, she held roles at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana and Western Sydney University as a Research Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow. Her research focuses on the intersection of music, technology, and health, particularly designing assistive technologies for older adults with dementia and their carers. Key collaborations include work with Prof. Renee Timmers, Prof. Luc de Witte, and Prof. Andrew McPherson. She co-supervises PhD students exploring topics like dementia-friendly musical interfaces and notation systems. Research interests span music performance neuroscience, technology-enhanced music education, and interdisciplinary methods combining engineering, psychology, and healthcare. Notable projects include the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship-funded initiative to develop new musical technologies for dementia care and the Active Minds Music Ensemble study. Grants include a £1.18M UKRI Fellowship and an Australian Research Council Discovery Project. Her work has appeared in journals like Alzheimer's & Dementia , Music & Science , and Frontiers in Psychology . Awards include prestigious fellowships and grants supporting her innovative research.

Lia SneadView profile

Assistant Professor

• Music Education
• Conducting
• Brass Performance
• +3 more

Lia Snead is an Assistant Professor of Music at Wartburg College, where she contributes to the academic and artistic development of students through teaching and leadership in music education. Her scholarly work intersects conducting, brass pedagogy, and ensemble performance, reflecting her dedication to advancing musical practice and community engagement. D.M.A., University of South Carolina (2023) M.M., Northern Illinois University (2016) B.M.E., Georgia Southern University (2011) Dr. Snead's research and professional interests span music education, conducting pedagogy, and brass instrument instruction. She actively engages in clinical and adjudication roles, fostering excellence in band programs and music festivals. Professional honors include membership in Tau Beta Sigma, a national honorary band sorority recognizing leadership in music education. Her career highlights include revitalizing band programs at multiple institutions and achieving superior ratings in competitive festivals.

Dean P SorensonView profile

Associate Professor

• Jazz Studies
• Classical Music
• Brass Instruments
• +3 more

Dean P Sorenson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). His academic focus spans jazz studies, classical music, and brass instrumentation. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Institution: University of Minnesota Department: Music Research interests include jazz ensemble pedagogy, orchestral conducting, brass instrument techniques, and genre fusion in musical performance. His work emphasizes practical strategies for recruitment and rehearsal in beginning jazz ensembles. From 1998 to 2011, Sorenson authored publications reflecting his expertise in big band arrangements, trumpet performance, and collaborative music projects. His research fingerprint highlights heavy emphasis on Brass, Trumpet, and Jazz disciplines.

J. Drew StephenView profile

Associate Professor

• Nineteenth-Century European Opera
• Musicology
• Historical Performance Practices
• +5 more

J. Drew Stephen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Texas at San Antonio, affiliated with the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. He is a graduate advisor and co-director of the COLFA Semester in Urbino study abroad program. B.M., University of Western Ontario Diploma, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik, Freiburg M.A., M.M., Ph.D., University of Toronto Dr. Stephen’s research focuses on the social and cultural significance of the hunt in nineteenth-century European opera , particularly in works by Weber, Wagner, and Verdi. He also explores Canadian music , performance practices of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century brass instruments , and diversity in music education . His work on the hunting horn’s influence on orchestral horn development bridges historical analysis and practical performance. Recent publications include studies on contemporary natural horn revival , Wagner’s operatic symbolism , and Haydn’s horn techniques . Themes span musicology , historical performance , brass instrument research , and cultural studies in music . Scientific honors include the 2023 Ruth A. Solie Award and 2021 President’s Distinguished Teaching Award . He has performed with ensembles like the Austin Baroque Orchestra and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and currently teaches courses spanning music history , film music , and rock history . Dr. Stephen is an active performer on modern and natural horns , having held professional roles in Germany, Canada, and Texas. He serves as principal horn for the Austin Baroque Orchestra and collaborates with period instrument ensembles in Texas and beyond.

Julian PlummerView profile

Professor

• Music Performance
• Brass Instrumentation
• Orchestral Studies
• +2 more

Julian Plummer serves as Professor of French Horn at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where he also holds GRNCM and PPRNCM qualifications. His career spans prestigious orchestral positions and educational leadership within the UK's music sector. Education: RNCM (1986-1989): Obtained PPRNCM and PPRNCMch.mus, GRNCM under Mike Purton and David Cripps Plummer's research and pedagogical focus centers on advanced brass performance techniques, orchestral training methodologies, and cross-cultural music education. His work bridges professional orchestral practice with academic instruction, emphasizing practical skill development for brass musicians. As a performer-educator, he explores the intersection of historical brass traditions and contemporary performance practices. His professional trajectory demonstrates consistent engagement with major UK orchestras and international educational initiatives, particularly through the Hallé Orchestra's outreach programs. Professional Activities: Founder member of Hallé Brass (international touring ensemble) Active involvement in Hallé Orchestra's education department (UK and Indonesia projects) Plummer maintains significant influence through his dual roles as orchestral performer and conservatoire educator, shaping brass pedagogy across performance and academic contexts.

Dirk MöllerView profile

Professor

• Physiotherapy
• Clinical Reasoning
• Biomechanics
• +4 more

Dirk Möller is a Professor of Physiotherapy at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. He holds a PhD in Medicine (Dr. rer. medic) from the University of Osnabrück (2017-2019). His academic career includes roles as a state-certified physiotherapist (since 1997) and clinical practice experience in private clinics and rehabilitation centers until 2015. His research focuses on clinical reasoning, movement analysis in musicians, and sensor-based diagnostic tools. He leads the MotionLab for biomechanical and physiological assessments of performing artists. Education : Sport Science Degree from German Sport University Cologne (2003), Physiotherapy Training (1997). Teaching**: Courses in clinical reasoning, musculoskeletal therapy, and musician physiology across bachelor’s and master’s programs. Research Interests**: Musculoskeletal health of musicians Biomechanics of instrumental performance Sensor-based clinical assessment tools Rehabilitation strategies for professional performers Publications**: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles on topics including musician health, clinical electromyography, and rehabilitation protocols. Notable work includes validation of pain assessment tools for musicians and 3D motion analysis in violin/viola players. Awards**: 2018 Alice G. Brandfonbrener Young Investigator Award (PAMA) for research on muscle activity and musician injuries. Grants/Projects**: Leads the RefLabPerform initiative to develop reference laboratories for performing artists' health assessments. Collaborates with institutions like Noraxon and the University of Lübeck. Labs/Teams**: MotionLab at Osnabrück University for interdisciplinary biomechanical research.