Find Academic Supervisors

Ed BennettView profile

Associate Professor

• Contemporary Composition
• Experimental Music
• Electronic Music
• +3 more

Ed Bennett is a Reader in Composition at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University, where he also serves as coordinator for the MMus in Composition program. An Irish composer born in Bangor, Co. Down, Bennett's work has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to contemporary composition. Reader in Composition, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Coordinator for MMus in Composition program Director of Decibel ensemble Elected to Aosdána (2024) Recipient of Philip Leverhulme Prize for the Performing Arts (2012) Bennett's research interests focus on contemporary composition that blends acoustic, electronic, and multimedia elements. His work is characterized by strong rhythmic energy and extreme contrasts, pushing the boundaries of traditional composition. He explores the intersection of technology and musical expression through works that incorporate field recordings, live electronics, and interdisciplinary collaborations with visual artists and choreographers. His recent projects demonstrate a growing interest in environmental themes, with works like 'All Earth Once Drowned' and 'Everything is Connected' addressing our relationship with the changing environment. Bennett's compositions often feature innovative approaches to instrumentation and spatialization, creating immersive sonic experiences for audiences. Contemporary Composition Experimental Music Electronic and Acoustic Integration Multimedia Performance Environmental Music Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Bennett's body of work spans large-scale orchestral compositions, ensemble pieces, solo works, electronic music, opera, installations, and works for dance and film. His music has been described as 'anarchic,' 'manic,' and 'thrilling,' with The Guardian characterizing it as 'unclassifiable, raw-nerve music of huge energy and imagination.' Scientific Awards Philip Leverhulme Prize for the Performing Arts (2012) Civitella Ranieri Foundation Fellowship (2014) Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Major Individual Artist Award (2019) Election to Aosdána (2024) Internationales Künstlerhaus Villa Concordia Fellowship (2024) As coordinator for the MMus in Composition program, Bennett mentors emerging composers and has performed a significant role in shaping the next generation of musical creators. His work with Decibel ensemble provides a platform for experimental cross-disciplinary work, supporting both his own compositions and those of other innovative artists. Bennett maintains strong connections with the international new music community, with commissions and performances spanning the globe. His recent portrait concerts at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Kunstlerhaus Villa Concordia demonstrate his growing international reputation and the impact of his creative work.

Lily AkermanView profile

Lecturer

• Playwriting
• Theatre Arts
• Dramatic Literature
• +5 more

Lily Akerman is a Lecturer in Playwriting at the School of Film and Media Studies, Purchase College. Her career spans playwriting, libretto composition, and international collaboration, with recent work featured at 59E59, Cork Opera House, and the Playing-On-Air Podcast. She holds an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Hunter College and a B.A. from Princeton University. Education: B.A., Princeton University; M.F.A., Hunter College Akerman’s research and creative practice focuses on contemporary drama, socially engaged storytelling, and interdisciplinary approaches to theatre. Her work has been developed with prominent organizations including Clubbed Thumb’s Writer’s Group, the Hearth, the Bechdel Project, and New Theatre in Dublin. Scientific and artistic accolades include the 2018 James Stevenson Prize, Fulbright recognition, and multiple nominations for Best Opera by the Irish Times. Her affiliations highlight cross-border collaborations and mentorship in playwriting.

Jon FaddisView profile

Professor

• Jazz Studies
• Trumpet Performance
• Music Composition
• +3 more

Jon Faddis is a Grammy Award-nominated jazz trumpet player, conductor, composer, and educator affiliated with Purchase College, State University of New York as a Professor of Music in the Conservatory of Music’s Jazz Studies department. Born in Oakland, California, in 1953, he began his musical journey at age eight, influenced by Louis Armstrong and later mentored by Dizzy Gillespie. His career spans collaborations with jazz legends, leadership of renowned orchestras, and a commitment to education. Education : Studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Faddis’s expertise encompasses jazz performance, trumpet mastery, orchestral conducting, and music composition. He has directed multiple Grammy-winning ensembles, including the United Nation Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and contributed to over 300 recordings with artists like Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, and Aretha Franklin. His work extends to film soundtracks (e.g., Clint Eastwood’s Bird ), television themes, and jazz operas like Lulu Noire . His accolades include the Jazz Masters award , an honorary doctorate, and multiple MVP/Trumpet awards. He founded the Jon Faddis Award for Musical Excellence to recognize emerging jazz trumpet talent. As a faculty member, he conducts clinics and masterclasses, emphasizing mentorship and jazz pedagogy.

Judson ScottView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Trumpet Performance
• Baroque Music
• Contemporary Wind Band
• +2 more

Judson Scott serves as Affiliate Artist in Trumpet at the University of Puget Sound, teaching noncredit Community Music lessons while maintaining an active performance career as member of the Northwest Sinfonietta and Tacoma Symphony. He is frequently engaged with regional ensembles including Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera. His academic credentials include degrees from: Baldwin-Wallace College New England Conservatory University of Washington Dr. Scott specializes in cross-genre trumpet performance, from Baroque natural trumpet works to Broadway leads in productions like West Side Story. His research advocates for contemporary wind band music, analyzing compositions by John Harbison, Michael Weinstein, and Michael Daugherty as published in A Composer’s Insight: Thoughts, Analysis and Commentary on Contemporary Masterpieces for Wind Band . Performance versatility defines his career, spanning collaborations with Ray Charles, Doc Severinsen, and the Moody Blues. He performs with major ensembles including: Northwest Sinfonietta (featured in Bach's Christmas Oratorio) Tacoma Symphony Seattle Symphony Seattle Opera 5th Avenue Theater International orchestras across Mexico City, Virginia, and New England

Jennifer LarsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Vocal Performance
• Opera
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Jennifer Larson is an Associate Professor of Music at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, specializing in Voice Performance and Voice Pedagogy. With over 25 years of experience, she is celebrated for her solo performances with major orchestras and chamber ensembles, recordings of contemporary works, and acclaimed operatic roles. Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Voice Performance from University of Utah, Doctorate from University of Michigan Her performance highlights include engagements with the Milwaukee, Utah, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, collaborations with renowned conductors like Keith Lockhart and Robert Shaw, and recordings spanning baroque to modern compositions. She recently performed Richard Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder with the Wartburg Community Symphony. Operatic roles: Violetta (La Traviata), Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Governess (Turn of the Screw), Frasquita (Carmen), Susannah (Floyd), Le Rossignol (Stravinsky) Notable recordings: On the Wings of Wind, Functionlust, Woodworker’s Son, Leave Song, The Merchant and the Pauper She resides in Iowa with her husband and three sons.

Sequoia SellingerView profile

Lecturer

• Musical Theatre Composition
• Opera
• Dance Music Composition
• +6 more

Sequoia Sellinger is a Lecturer in Composition at the Conservatory of Music, Purchase College, State University of New York. Based in New York City, she is an active composer, educator, and collaborative theater artist whose work intersects musical theatre, opera, and dance with feminist and anti-racist perspectives. Educational Background: BMus in Composition, Purchase College, SUNY MFA in Musical Theatre Writing, New York University (NYU Tisch), recipient of the ASCAP Max Dreyfus Award and Schubert Scholarship Additional studies in composition at Nadia Boulanger’s Conservatoire in Paris Sequoia's artistic practice centers on accessible, relatable, and humorous storytelling that reimagines societal structures. Her creative research focuses on musical theatre composition , feminist opera , ecological themes , and anti-racist narrative design . She challenges traditional forms through collaborative, community-driven processes that view art-making as a rehearsal for equitable living. Her recent works, including the micro-opera It’s Noon, Do You Know Where Your House Plants Are? (2024) and musicals like Next Year in Connecticut! and Earth First! , reflect a strong trend in blending satire, environmental consciousness, and identity politics. These pieces have premiered at prestigious venues such as Ars Nova, Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, MacDowell Arts Colony, and American Opera Projects, demonstrating her national recognition and innovative voice in contemporary performance. Scientific and Artistic Recognition: ASCAP Max Dreyfus Award Schubert Scholarship 2024 Anna Sosenko Assist Trust Grant MacDowell Fellowship Finalist, Syracuse New Works New Voices (2024) Finalist, Northwestern University’s AMTP (2024) Finalist, Newport NewWorks Festival (2024) Sequoia is actively involved in mentoring and artistic development through her participation in the 2025 Prospect Musical Theater Lab Cohort , the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop , and the New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio . While no formal list of advisees is provided, her role as a faculty member at Purchase College confirms her engagement in student mentorship and curriculum development. She is also supported by grants such as the Anna Sosenko Assist Trust Grant, which funds emerging composers. She is affiliated with key professional organizations including the Dramatists Guild and Maestra , networks dedicated to supporting women and gender-expansive musical theatre creators. Her work is deeply embedded in collaborative labs and artist residencies, functioning as part of a broader ecosystem of innovation in American musical theatre.

Gregory SpearsView profile

Lecturer

• Contemporary Classical Composition
• Opera
• Vocal Music
• +7 more

Gregory Spears is a Lecturer of Music and Interim Head of Classical Composition at the Conservatory of Music, State University of New York at Purchase. He holds a PhD from Princeton University, an MM from Yale, and a BM from Eastman School of Music. His work bridges contemporary classical composition with operatic storytelling and interdisciplinary performance. Bachelor of Music, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester Master of Music, Yale University PhD in Music Composition, Princeton University Spears is a leading voice in contemporary American opera, known for emotionally resonant works such as Fellow Travelers , Castor and Patience , and The Righteous . His style fuses minimalist repetition with tonal lyricism, Baroque ornamentation, and liturgical influences. He frequently explores themes of identity, faith, and social justice, drawing from American history and literature. His music is described as conversational yet deeply expressive, with a gift for vocal writing and ensemble textures. His recent compositions, including Seven Days and Walden , reflect a sustained interest in daily ritual, transcendentalism, and introspective narrative. These works demonstrate a mastery of tonal language enriched with subtle dissonance and rhythmic precision. Spears has also completed movements for Mozart’s Requiem and orchestrated Prokofiev’s original Romeo and Juliet ballet, showcasing his scholarly engagement with historical scores. Spears has received critical acclaim from The New York Times , The New Yorker , Opera News , and The Wall Street Journal . Awards and recognitions include being named in WQXR’s Top 5 Buzzed-About Young American Opera Composers and multiple New York Times Critic’s Picks. He has collaborated with major ensembles and institutions, including Cincinnati Opera, Santa Fe Opera, American Opera Projects, and the Crossing. His music is published by Schott Music and performed internationally. He continues to mentor emerging composers in his academic role and remains an active presence in the new music community.

Marian VillotaView profile

Lecturer

• Music Production
• Sound Engineering
• Studio Composition
• +7 more

Marian Villota is a Lecturer in Studio Production and Studio Composition at the Conservatory of Music, Purchase College. She is a Latin Grammy-nominated sound engineer, producer, musician, and sound designer based in Astoria, New York, and originally from Madrid, Spain. Her work spans studio engineering, live sound, theater sound design, and music production. Education: Berklee College of Music – B.M., Music Production & Engineering and Contemporary Writing (Magna Cum Laude) Marian's research and artistic interests center on music production, sound engineering, and sound design across multiple domains. Her expertise includes studio recording, live front-of-house (FOH) mixing, theatrical sound design, and podcast production. She has worked extensively in flamenco and world fusion genres, as well as jazz, contemporary composition, and Off-Broadway theater. Her work reflects a deep integration of technical precision and artistic sensitivity. Her recent professional outputs demonstrate a strong trajectory in interdisciplinary sound work, blending live performance, recording, and theatrical design. Projects like The Hang and Oratorio for Living Things highlight her growing prominence in avant-garde and theatrical sound. Her engineering on albums like Promesas de Tierra and collaborations with artists like Javier Limón and Alejandro Sanz underscore her excellence in music production. Scientific Awards: Latin Grammy Nomination for Best Engineered Album (2014) for 'Promesas De Tierra' by Javier Limón Marian has been actively involved in artistic mentorship and collaborative projects, though no formal list of advisees is provided. She co-founded (Fill the Blank) Productions, a mobile audiovisual recording company, and works as a producer and engineer for various artists and podcasts. She has not received formal grant mentions in the text but her sustained artistic output suggests consistent project funding and industry support. Labs and Creative Teams: Co-founder, (Fill the Blank) Productions – mobile audiovisual recording Producer/Engineer, Podfly – podcast production Collaborator with Kevin Heard – theatrical sound design Head Engineer, Shapeshifter Lab – jazz recording hub

Anna ApplebyView profile

Lecturer

• Opera
• Ballet
• Electronic Music
• +7 more

Dr Anna Appleby is a composer, performer, and educator based at the University of Sheffield as a Lecturer in Composition within the School of Languages, Arts and Societies . Her work bridges opera , ballet , and electronic music with a focus on community engagement and music education . She holds a first-class Music degree from the University of Oxford , where her studies were rooted in St Hilda's College’s feminist and musical history. Education: First-class degree in Music from University of Oxford Academic Affiliation: University of Sheffield (current), Royal Northern College of Music (Affiliate) Anna’s research interests combine collaborative composition , queer narratives , and neurodivergent representation in the arts. She explores multimedia performance , electronic integration in orchestral and operatic contexts, and music’s role in social cohesion . Her work often involves community co-creation and educational outreach . Her recent publications include Ghost (2024) , a digital Gesamtkunstwerk, and Bridges (2023) and Sonnet 43 (2023) focusing on emotional and instrumental interplay. Earlier works like Drought (2022) and Pay the Piper (2022) highlight collaborations with the BBC Philharmonic and youth ensembles. 2024: Associate Artist at Royal Northern College of Music 2022: YAM Awards for Best Opera for Young Audiences Anna mentors emerging composers and choreographers , with residencies at Rambert Dance Company (2016/17) and Joss Arnott Dance. She has secured grants from Arts Council England , PRS Foundation , and the RPS Drummond Fund . Her collaborations span Dane Hurst , Julie Cunningham , and Carolyn Bolton , with a consistent thread of innovative music-dance interplay .

You-Seong KimView profile

Associate Professor

• Vocal Performance
• Opera
• Art Song
• +3 more

You-Seong Kim is an Associate Professor of Music at North Park University's School of Music, Art, and Theatre, serving as Head of the Voice Department and Director of the Master of Music in Vocal Performance program since 2015. Her role leverages Chicago's vibrant cultural scene to provide students with unparalleled access to world-class musical experiences. Dr. Kim earned her DMA in Voice from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, complemented by MM and BM degrees in Voice from Seoul National University. Her research spans Vocal Performance and Historical Singing Practices , with deep expertise in Opera , Art Song , and Baroque Singing . She actively composes and arranges vocal works while teaching Vocal Pedagogy —a course integrating anatomy models, acoustic principles, and hands-on techniques to revolutionize voice instruction. Dr. Kim's distinguished accolades include: Top prizes at Internationaler Wettbewerb für Liedekunst (2004) and Concours Chimay Chant Baroque (2000) Finalist placements in Cologne International Singing Competition and Center for Contemporary Opera International Competition Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions: three-time district winner and tri-state regional runner-up As program director, she mentors graduate vocalists using her global performance background—from Korean National Opera Studio to WDR-Rundfunkorchester Köln—preparing students for careers in Chicago's dynamic musical ecosystem through masterclasses, productions, and industry networking.

• Opera
• Street Art
• Urban Spaces
• +4 more

Professor Brian Irvine is a faculty member at Ulster University , serving as Professor of Music in the School of Arts & Humanities . His work bridges music composition with interdisciplinary practices, including street art, digital media, and forensic science collaborations. Role: Professor of Music Institution: Ulster University Location: Derry~Londonderry campus Research Interests: Irvine's research spans Opera , Orchestral Innovation , and Urban Soundscapes . He explores the intersection of Street Art with Digital Projections and integrates Forensic Anthropology into performance art. His work emphasizes Collaborative Arts and Experimental Composition . Recent Outputs: His compositions focus on Biographical Opera , Mechanical Instruments , and Urban Aesthetics , often involving Multi-disciplinary Teams and Digital Technologies . PhD Students: Mark Donnelly Aidan O'Rourke

Jeremy WilsonView profile

Professor

• Trombone Performance
• Music Education
• Chamber Music
• +7 more

Jeremy Wilson is Professor of Trombone and Area Chair of Brass and Percussion at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University. He holds a central role in shaping one of the premier undergraduate trombone programs in the United States and is deeply engaged in performance, education, and artistic innovation. B.M. in Music Education and Performance, University of Tennessee M.M. in Trombone Performance, University of North Texas Wilson’s research and artistic interests focus on trombone performance, music education, holistic musician development through his Body Mind Spirit Method , and the advancement of new music. He has commissioned or premiered over 30 works since 2016, bridging classical, jazz, and educational domains. His passion for pedagogy is evident in his masterclasses, online Standard Repertoire Project, and mentorship of nationally recognized students. His artistic recordings Perspectives (2018) and For the Beauty of the Earth (2021) reflect a deep engagement with both contemporary and sacred repertoire, emphasizing lyrical expression and technical mastery. These works span solo trombone, vocal adaptations, and new compositions, highlighting his versatility across genres and emotional depth. Notable recognition includes: Blair School's Faculty Excellence Award (2017) Wilson actively advises students, leads the Vanderbilt Trombone Ensemble and Symposium, and serves as Music Director of the Commodore Orchestra. He has held leadership roles such as Vice-Chair of the Vanderbilt Faculty Senate and faculty advisor for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. His work integrates performance, teaching, and holistic development, making him a transformative figure in music education. He performs widely as a soloist and chamber musician with ensembles including the Aries Trombone Quartet, Blair Brass Quintet, TRIIIOMNIA, and Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra. His former affiliations include the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Opera, where he performed under legendary conductors and contributed to major opera cycles.

Tessa McWattView profile

Professor

• Creative Writing
• Interdisciplinary Approaches
• Community-Based Life Writing
• +5 more

Professor Tessa McWatt is a distinguished academic and author specializing in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia's School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. Her work interrogates themes of race, belonging, structural inequality, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Born in Guyana and raised in Canada, she now resides in London, UK. McWatt holds a prestigious Fellowship from the Royal Society of Literature (2021) and has won major awards including the Eccles British Library Award (2018) and Bocas Prize for Non-Fiction (2020) for her memoir Shame On Me . Her research includes the CityLife: Stories Against Loneliness project, which uses community-based storytelling to address social isolation. McWatt’s seven novels, including The Snow Line (2021) and Higher Ed (2015), explore complex human relationships and societal dynamics. She also collaborates with composers and visual artists, as seen in her opera libretto The Knife of Dawn (2011). Her academic contributions span creative writing pedagogy, cultural studies, and ethics of representation. McWatt’s writing often bridges personal narrative with systemic critique, addressing themes like racial identity, migration, and environmental crisis. She has spoken widely on platforms including the Southbank Centre and Greenwich Book Festival.

David MolinaView profile

Research Fellow

• Russian and Soviet Cinema
• Russian Silver Age Poetry and Prose
• Comparative Arts
• +5 more

David Molina is a Postdoctoral Social Sciences Teaching Fellow at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on Russian and Soviet cinema, Russian Silver Age literature, comparative arts, and literary translation. He holds a B.A. in Humanities/Russian and East European Studies from Yale University (2015), an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Chicago (2017), and an M.A. in Russian from Middlebury College (2020). His dissertation, *Kira Muratova and the Struggle for Mutual Interpretability*, explores film epistemology under the guidance of Robert B. Pippin, Daria Khitrova, and Françoise Meltzer. Molina's work bridges literary theory, film analysis, and intertextuality. Recent articles analyze Hitchcock's influence on Soviet cinema, Bulgakov's use of musical allusions, and Bely's *Petersburg* as a site of linguistic experimentation. His research also delves into Luso-Brazilian poetry and German idealism's impact on Russian thought. Though no scientific awards are noted, his scholarly contributions reflect rigorous interdisciplinary engagement. He has advised no students listed but actively participates in academic discourse through publications and teaching. Molina is affiliated with the University of Chicago's Social Sciences division, though specific departmental placement is not stated. His work often intersects with Harvard University collaborators and engages with global literary and cinematic traditions.

Nick ManganoView profile

Professor

• Theatre Directing
• Play Adaptation
• Collaborative Theatre Production
• +4 more

Nick Mangano is a Professor of Theatre and Directing at Stony Brook University's Department of Theatre Arts. He holds a BA in History (Phi Beta Kappa, Hunter College) and an MFA in Directing from Columbia University, alongside a Michael Chekhov Technique certificate. His career spans Broadway, regional theatre, and international touring productions. Mangano is renowned for directing works by Steve Reich and Beryl Korot, including The Cave (touring Europe/Asia) and Three Tales (world premiere in Vienna). He co-created a devised theatre piece addressing the 2001 Cincinnati race riots. His academic roles include Head of Graduate Directing at University of Cincinnati's CCM and Associate Director for Angels in America at American Conservatory Theater. Mangano has served on the URTA Board and is a member of SDC and AEA. Education: Columbia U MFA (199X), Hunter College BA (198X) Key Collaborations: Steve Reich/Beryl Korot multimedia operas Leadership: Founded Garson Theatre Company in Santa Fe Research interests focus on interdisciplinary theatre production, avant-garde direction techniques, and the intersection of digital media with live performance. His work emphasizes collaborative creation processes and the adaptation of classical texts into contemporary contexts. Recent projects include Carnegie Hall presentations of Three Tales and experimental direction of modern political dramas. Teaching contributions include curriculum development under NEH grants and leadership roles at Yale, Santa Fe College, and UC CCM. His pedagogical focus bridges traditional acting techniques (Michael Chekhov) with contemporary performance practices.