Find Academic Supervisors

Paul ThébergeView profile

Professor

• Music Technology
• Sound Studies
• Internet and Music
• +3 more

Paul Théberge is a Professor at Carleton University, cross-appointed to the Institute for Comparative Studies in Literature, Art and Culture and the School for Studies in Art and Culture (Music). He teaches graduate courses in Cultural Mediations (technologies of culture), Film Studies (sound in visual media), and Music (sound studies), reflecting his interdisciplinary academic home within Ottawa's major research institution. His research interrogates the material and cultural dimensions of sound technologies, with core expertise in music-technology-culture intersections, internet-mediated musical practices, and sonic applications in film/television. Théberge's scholarship bridges musicology, media studies, and science and technology studies, examining how recording technologies reshape creative practice and auditory experience across historical periods from analog tape to digital streaming platforms. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals persistent engagement with sound's materiality—from multichannel audio histories to the embodied nature of listening—and consistent exploration of technological transitions, particularly the internet's disruption of traditional music production/distribution models. His work demonstrates deep methodological versatility spanning archival research, ethnographic observation, and creative composition. Scientific recognition includes: International Association for the Study of Popular Music (US branch, 1998) Society for Ethnomusicology (2000) While the source text doesn't specify current advising activities, his extensive editorial work (e.g., co-editing Living Stereo ) and composition output suggest significant mentorship through collaborative projects. His research has been supported through Canada Research Chair funding and industry partnerships like Sony Classical International.

• Contemporary Composition
• New Music
• Instrumental Techniques
• +4 more

Dr. Eric Skytterholm Egan serves as Associate Professor of Composition in Durham University's Department of Music and holds an Associate Fellowship at the Institute of Advanced Study. An Irish-Norwegian composer based in northern England, Egan's creative practice centers on formal clarity through the synthesis of historical musical elements and innovative instrumental techniques, resulting in expansive textural palettes across diverse ensembles. Egan completed his PhD in Composition in May 2010 under Richard Rijnvos at Durham University. His scholarly trajectory demonstrates deep integration of academic research with practical composition, evidenced by extensive collaborations with leading international ensembles and performances at major venues including Konzerthaus Wien and Southbank Centre. Egan's research explores contemporary composition through dual lenses of historical synthesis and technical innovation. His work systematically investigates textural complexity, extended instrumental techniques, and formal architecture across solo, chamber, and orchestral contexts. Key thematic strands include political narratives (e.g., North Korea conflict studies), literary engagement (James Joyce), and environmental soundscapes (Arctic fieldwork), often manifested through experimental notation and spatialized performance practices. Recent publications reveal intensified focus on geopolitical themes and interdisciplinary collaboration. The 2025 Geohumanities journal article on Arctic soundscapes exemplifies his expansion into environmental fieldwork, while compositions like 'Conflict as Artefact' demonstrate sustained political engagement. His output increasingly integrates technology with acoustic performance, particularly through ensemble residencies exploring real-time sound processing and spatial audio techniques. Egan actively cultivates next-generation musicians through hands-on leadership of Durham's performance ecosystems. As producer of Ensemble 7Bridges and E7B SoundLab, director of student ensemble NAME, and curator of the annual KLANG festival, he creates vital platforms for emerging composers. These initiatives facilitate direct mentorship with professional ensembles like Arditti Quartet while connecting academic research with public performance at venues including Sage Gateshead and National Concert Hall Dublin. Through Ensemble 7Bridges' residency program and E7B SoundLab's experimental studio, Egan has established Durham as a hub for contemporary music innovation. These platforms enable collaborative development of new works with ensembles including Roentgen Connection and Cikada, while KLANG festival serves as the department's flagship public engagement vehicle, featuring premieres from international composers and student works alike. His leadership fosters a distinctive creative ecosystem bridging academic research, professional performance, and community outreach.

Stephen Andrew TaylorView profile

Professor

• Music Composition
• Data Sonification
• Genetics and Music
• +8 more

Stephen Andrew Taylor is Professor of Composition-Theory at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he co-directs the Illinois Modern Ensemble. His interdisciplinary work bridges music composition with scientific exploration, creating innovative works that transform complex data into compelling musical experiences. With a career spanning over three decades, Taylor has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary classical music. Northwestern University Cornell University California Institute of the Arts Taylor's research focuses on the intersection of music and science, particularly data sonification where he transforms genetic sequences, astronomical phenomena, and environmental data into musical compositions. His work spans multiple genres including orchestral, chamber, choral, and electronic music, often incorporating live electronics and multimedia elements. He has developed specialized techniques for representing DNA sequences, protein structures, and environmental data through sound, creating what he calls "data-driven music." His theoretical writings explore African rhythm, the music of György Ligeti, and popular artists like Björk and Radiohead. Taylor's recent compositions demonstrate a consistent exploration of scientific concepts through musical form. His works frequently engage with genetics (Winged Helix, Indian Hedgehog), astronomy (Piranesi, Ocean of Air), and environmental concerns (Maumee River Index). The composer employs sophisticated sonification techniques while maintaining strong musical integrity, creating works that are both scientifically informed and artistically compelling. His approach often involves direct collaboration with scientists, resulting in pieces that illuminate complex phenomena through musical expression. Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship (2014-15) American Academy of Arts and Letters Award Howard Foundation Award Conservatoire Américain de Fontainebleau Award Debussy Trio Composition Contest (First prize, 2000) Multiple ASCAP Foundation Awards As an educator, Taylor follows the philosophy of Olivier Messiaen, focusing on helping students develop their own musical personalities rather than imitating his style. His teaching emphasizes the importance of prolific composition as the path to mastery. Taylor has received numerous commissions from major institutions including the Chicago Symphony, Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Pink Martini, and the American Composers Orchestra. His collaborative work extends to popular music, with arrangements performed by orchestras worldwide including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Chicago Symphony. Taylor co-directs the Illinois Modern Ensemble, which serves as a laboratory for contemporary music performance and exploration. His creative partnership with visual artist Hua Nian (his spouse) has resulted in numerous multimedia works where visual elements complement his musical compositions. Through his work with data sonification projects and scientific collaborations, Taylor has established interdisciplinary connections between the School of Music and other departments across the University of Illinois campus.

• Musicology
• Ethnomusicology
• Jewish Studies
• +5 more

Prof. Nikolay Kaufman is a distinguished scholar and arranger of Jewish musical folklore, specializing in Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions. Over five decades, he has meticulously documented songs from synagogues and communities, preserving both unaltered melodies and his own complex arrangements. His work bridges musicology and performance, emphasizing cultural heritage and vocal techniques. He has published extensively on Jewish musicology and contributed to Bulgarian choral traditions. His research focuses on the interplay between religious/secular contexts, vocal ensembles (choirs, solos), and cultural influences. Notable techniques include multi-colored harmony, ornamentation, and 'instrumental' choir effects. His upcoming publication will categorize songs by ensemble, culture, and occasion. Kaufman’s arrangements often require specialized interpretation for languages like Yiddish and Ladino, using Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Kaufman’s articles analyze historical and contemporary music, from Beethoven’s compositional methods to Bulgarian folk ensembles. He advocates for interdisciplinary approaches, linking music to drama, psychoacoustics, and education. His contributions span pedagogy (solfège, cello schools) and cultural preservation, reflecting a deep engagement with both Eastern European and global musical traditions. Key Projects: Arrangements of Jewish songs, hybrid cultural pieces (e.g., Mira la Mar), Bulgarian-Jewish fusion. Publications: Over 15 articles (2013–2015) on musicology, education, and performance. Legacy: Preservation of fading traditions and professional choir techniques.

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

Martin Schippers is a Professor at the Lucerne School of Music (part of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts), specializing in Classical Trombone. He serves as a lecturer at the Institute of Classical and Church Music and is actively engaged in teaching trombone performance. Professional Background: Principal Trombonist in Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Amsterdam) since 2009, former member of Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra (appointed at age 19, first trombonist in 2005) Performance Experience: Concerts globally with RCO and international ensembles, regularly conducts masterclasses at universities and festivals worldwide Academic Role: Teaches alto, tenor, and bass trombone at Lucerne School of Music since autumn semester 2019/20 Research & Teaching Focus: His academic work centers on classical trombone pedagogy, orchestral performance practice, and chamber music interpretation. As a performer-educator, he bridges practical musicianship with academic instruction in brass instrument specialization. International Engagement: Combines his faculty role with ongoing global performance activities, maintaining connections between educational institutions and professional orchestral environments through masterclasses and ensemble collaborations.

Chiao-Wen ChengView profile

Assistant Professor

• Collaborative Piano
• Chamber Music
• Piano Performance
• +3 more

Chiao-Wen Cheng serves as Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano and Chamber Music at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, while concurrently holding the position of Principal Keyboard for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra since 2022. A Taiwanese pianist renowned for her vibrant sound colors and detailed voicing, she performs internationally as soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across major venues in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Her academic credentials include: Bachelor's degree from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music under Frank Weinstock with Van Cliburn Scholarship Master's degree from Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University under Benjamin Pasternack with full scholarship Doctoral degree from Eastman School of Music as teaching assistant to Barry Snyder with graduate assistantship Cheng's artistic focus centers on collaborative piano techniques and chamber music repertoire spanning classical to contemporary works. Her performance philosophy emphasizes sensitive interpretation and dynamic partnership with instrumentalists and vocalists, demonstrated through engagements at Aspen Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and specialized events including International Viola Congress and Trombone Festival. She maintains active educational roles as Artist-Faculty Piano Collaborator at Perlman Music Program since 2019 and premiered Tan Dun's trombone concerto in 2022. Her distinguished recognition includes: Clara Ascherfeld Award in Excellence in Accompanying at Peabody Institute (2009) Excellence in Accompanying Award at Eastman School of Music (2010) Piano Texas International Academy and Festival Concerto Competition First Prize (2010) Schubert Club Competition First Prize (2012) While mentoring students in collaborative piano and chamber music at Eastman, Cheng's professional activities extend to solo concerto performances with Fort Worth Symphony and Taiwan Shin-Min Orchestra. Her current projects include Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra engagements and continued festival collaborations, reflecting her dual commitment to academic instruction and professional performance.

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

Jemmie Robertson is an Associate Professor of Trombone at the University of Florida's School of Music. He is an internationally recognized performer, teacher, and advocate for the trombone, specializing in solo, orchestral, and chamber music. His work spans from 15th-century classical pieces to contemporary repertoire, emphasizing innovation in performance and pedagogy. Education: Doctor of Music (DM), Northwestern University (2006), under Michael Mulcahy, Randy Hawes, and Charlie Vernon Master of Music (MM), Yale University (2003), with Scott Hartman and John Swallow Bachelor of Music (BM), University of Northern Colorado (1997), under Buddy Baker Research and Performance Focus: Jemmie champions new music through performances at international festivals (e.g., Trombonanza Argentina, Lille Trombone Festival) and recordings like Red Dragonfly (2022). He explores the trombone’s expressive potential across eras, blending historical and modern techniques. His students excel in orchestras, military bands (e.g., Pershing’s Own), and prestigious graduate programs (Indiana, Eastman). Orchestral Roles: Principal Trombone, Gainesville Orchestra Member, Florida Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, and Naples Philharmonic Former Assistant Principal/2nd Trombone, St. Louis Symphony (2018) Teaching and Outreach: Founder of MT2EC (Midwest Trombone Tuba Euphonium Conference) and organizer of UF BrassFest. His pedagogical approach emphasizes artistic voice development and global performance opportunities, with students winning scholarships and festival invitations worldwide.

• Music Performance
• Brass Instruments
• Orchestral Performance
• +3 more

David Ridge is a Lecturer in the Department of Music at California State University East Bay and Diablo Valley College. He serves as Principal Bass Trombonist of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, with additional roles in the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, and California Symphony. His career spans performances with major Bay Area orchestras, national tours, and international festivals. Education: B.M. and M.M. from New England Conservatory; Professional Studies Diploma from Mannes College of Music (New York). Performance Highlights: Extensive recordings with San Francisco Opera (e.g., operas like Porgy and Bess ), symphonic works, and collaborations with artists like Natalie Cole and Linda Ronstadt. Media Work: Featured in film/TV soundtracks ( Jurassic Park III , Dead Space 2 ), video games ( Star Wars series, Halo ), and commercials (Taco Bell, Disney). As an educator, Ridge has taught at institutions including Charleston Southern University and Saint Mary’s College. He is an active clinician, adjudicator, and soloist at events like the International Trombone Association competitions. His teaching philosophy is influenced by his wrestling background, emphasizing discipline and passion. Notable contributions include solo recordings on Trombonarama and writings published in the International Trombone Association Journal. Ridge’s career bridges classical performance, education, and multimedia collaborations, reflecting his versatility in the music industry.

Ross LynessView profile

Lecturer

• Music Performance
• Music Education
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Ross Lyness is Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). He holds an MMus in Trombone Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and a LLB in Law. His career combines professional performance, arts management, and education. Roles: Head of Junior RIAM (2020–present), Principal Trombone of Wexford Opera Festival Orchestra (2013–present), and Irish National Opera (2019–present). Performance: Orchestras include BBC Scottish Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Collaborations with ensembles like Belfast Ensemble and European Brass Collective. Research/Teaching: Focus on diverse genres (jazz, contemporary, classical) and pedagogy, with masterclasses in Ireland, USA, and Spain. Led Junior RIAM’s transition to the new campus and expanded programs like the Young Artist Programme. Grants/Advising: Mentorships with National Youth Orchestras of Ireland and Cyprus Youth Orchestra. Advocacy for diversity in arts education. Labs/Teams: Member of Belfast Ensemble and European Brass Collective, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Christopher BassettView profile

Professor

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

Christopher Bassett serves as Professor of Trombone at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and holds the position of Bass Trombonist with the San Francisco Symphony since 2024. Previously, he was with the St. Louis Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, and Santa Fe Opera. He earned a B.M. from the New England Conservatory (2016) and a M.M. from Columbus State University (2024), studying under James Markey and Dr. Bradley Palmer. A dedicated educator, Bassett co-founded the Southwest Trombone Conference and has served as a guest professor at Indiana University and the University of Florida. His career highlights include collaborations with renowned orchestras like the Boston Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra, as well as solo performances such as the Sachse Konzert with the Coastal Symphony of Georgia (2024). Bassett’s discography includes the Tres Amigos album with the Santa Fe Trombones and an upcoming solo album In Dreams (2025). He is also a signature artist for Ultimate Brass, Edwards Instrument Co., and Peck Custom Designs. Awards: Zellmer Competition Grand Prize (2017), ITA Kleinhammer First Prize (2017) Teaching: Maintains a select studio at SFCM, with students admitted to top festivals and programs like NYO2 USA and All-State Ensembles Bassett emphasizes interdisciplinary connections in music, stating concerts are communal experiences transcending individual differences. His philosophy, shaped by Dr. Palmer’s mentorship, prioritizes artistic growth and community impact.

Larry ZalkindView profile

Professor

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

Larry Zalkind is a Professor of Trombone at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, a position he has held since 2015. Previously, he served as faculty at the University of Utah for 34 years and held roles at institutions including the University of Michigan and Cerritos College. He is an active performer, clinician, and Yamaha Artist, known for his work with orchestras like the Utah Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Education: Began at California Institute of the Arts Youth Program, double majored in Music Education and Performance at the University of Southern California (USC), and pursued a doctorate at the University of Michigan. His career includes roles as Principal Trombonist with the Utah Symphony (1981–2015), Acting Associate Principal with the Los Angeles Philharmonic (2009–2010), and collaborations with ensembles such as Summit Brass and the Grand Teton Music Festival. Research Interests: Focuses on trombone performance, pedagogy, chamber music, and orchestral techniques. His work bridges classical and jazz traditions, evident in recordings like Lost in the Stars: The Music of Bernstein, Weill & Sondheim and educational contributions through masterclasses and clinics. Professional Activities: Serves as clinician for events including the National Orchestra Institute and Music For All conventions. Designs Yamaha trombones, notably the 882OR tenor model. Performs with groups such as the Eastman Trombone Choir and has recorded with major symphonies like Chicago and Atlanta. Awards: 1976 Saunderson Award (Coleman Chamber Music Competition). Grants & Labs: Extensive orchestral and festival engagements; no specific grants highlighted in text. Teams: Summit Brass, Tubadors, Eastman Trombone Choir.

John MillerView profile

Professor

• Brass Music
• Historical Performance Practice
• Music Education
• +3 more

John Miller is a Professor of Trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), working part-time while contributing to teaching, research, and performance. He previously served as Head of Brass (1999–2013), Head of Wind & Percussion (2013–2017), and currently advises on research. A renowned brass musician, he has performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, and co-founded the Wallace Collection. His academic roles include supervising Kerry Jane Baldwin’s PhD on trombone repertoire and authoring influential texts like Trumpet Basics and The Modern Brass Ensemble in Twentieth-Century Britain . Awards include Honorary Fellowships from Guildhall School (1993) and RNCM (2006), and a personal professorship (2010). His research focuses on historical brass performance, ensemble development, and 20th-century music. He is currently completing a PhD on his published works. Research interests span brass music history, pedagogy, and performance practice. Notable projects include reconstructing 19th-century brass works, analyzing Haydn’s transcriptions for brass, and exploring amateur brass chamber traditions. He frequently presents at conferences, including the Historic Brass Society. Miller has recorded extensively with ensembles like the Wallace Collection, producing CDs of contemporary and classical repertoire. Teaching contributions include pioneering brass pedagogy and mentorship in the National Youth Orchestra. His publications range from solo-authored books to edited trumpet solos series with John Wallace. Current projects include a doctoral thesis synthesizing his research and preparing future conference presentations on brass quartet traditions.

• Music
• Music Education
• Music Performance
• +4 more

Sevgünur Tandoğdu Kılıç is an Associate Professor at the State Conservatory of Anadolu University , where she has served since 2023. She also holds an Assistant Professor position at the same institution. Her academic career spans two decades, including leadership as Head of the Music Department since 2015. She teaches courses such as Applied Instrument Education , Orchestral Repertoire , and Chamber Music Repertoire at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Education : Competence in Art (Trombone specialization), Anadolu University Institute of Fine Arts (2014-2021) Bachelor’s in Music, Anadolu University State Conservatory (2001-2005) Research and Publications : Her work focuses on music performance techniques , educational frameworks , and historical music analysis . Key publications include studies on Stjepan Šulek's trombone sonata, Bela Bartok's Turkish folk music contributions, Baroque structural developments, and avant-garde trombone techniques. She has published in Scopus-indexed journals and peer-reviewed conferences. Artistic Contributions : Active in performance, she has participated in over 30 concerts (2006-2025), including Trombone Recitals , Symphonic Concerts , and Chamber Music Performances . Notable events include Republic Day Concerts , Hisarlı Ahmet Symposium , and collaborations with the Turkish Trombone Ensemble .

R. Douglas WrightView profile

Lecturer

• Music Performance
• Trombone Studies
• Chamber Music
• +2 more

R. Douglas Wright is a Lecturer in the Brass Department at Northwestern University and principal trombone of the Minnesota Orchestra since 1995. He has performed as a soloist in Kalevi Aho’s Symphony No. 9 for Trombone and Orchestra and premiered Kurt Schwertsik’s Trombone Concerto. Wright previously served as principal trombone with the Empire Brass Quintet, Cleveland Orchestra, and Rhode Island Philharmonic, and as assistant/second trombone in Boston Pops ensembles. Education: MM from Boston University, training at New England Conservatory of Music Performance Highlights: Soloist with Minnesota Orchestra, Chamber Music at MacPhail series, frequent Sommerfest chamber concerts Teaching: Adjunct professor at Boston University, Selmer clinician with global masterclass experience Recordings: Featured on Minnesota Orchestra, Boston Pops/Symphony, and Empire Brass recordings Wright’s career spans orchestral performance, chamber music, and music education. His work includes collaborations with Aerosmith in an MTV music video, demonstrating versatility beyond classical engagements.

Łukasz GodylaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Music Composition
• Contemporary Classical Music
• Choral Music
• +3 more

Łukasz Godyla serves as Assistant Professor at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, where he also graduated with distinction in music theory and composition under Prof. Zbigniew Bargielski. Concurrently, he pursues doctoral studies at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw since 2011, maintaining an active dual role in academia and creative practice. His research centers on contemporary composition across diverse musical forms, with particular emphasis on orchestral, choral, and electronic genres. Godyla's work frequently integrates Polish literary themes and cultural elements, as evidenced by compositions inspired by Tadeusz Różewicz's poetry. His creative output demonstrates technical mastery and innovative approaches to modern musical structures, establishing him as a significant voice in Poland's contemporary music scene. Analysis of his 15 most recent compositions (2007-2012) reveals consistent exploration of religious texts (e.g., Lacrimosa, Rex tremendae maiestatis), literary adaptations, and abstract conceptual frameworks. The works span solo instrumental studies to large-scale orchestral/choral productions, showcasing exceptional versatility in instrumentation and form while maintaining distinctly Polish artistic identity. Godyla's exceptional contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards: First Prize at National Composition Competition (2006) First Prize at T. Baird Young Composers' Competition (2007) Honorable mention at F. Baird Composition Competition (2007) Distinction at Legnica Cantat Competition (2008) First Prize at Z. Mycielski Competition (2010) John Paul II Scholarship (2007) Artistic Scholarship of the Mayor of Bydgoszcz (2008) Scholarship of the Minister of National Heritage (2010) As an educator, Godyla mentors emerging composers while receiving substantial institutional support through national and regional scholarships. His works have been performed at major festivals including 'Warsaw Autumn' and recorded on albums such as 'Musica Nova Pomorza i Kujaw,' reflecting sustained creative momentum and professional recognition within Poland's musical establishment.