Find Academic Supervisors

Wang JieView profile

Adjunct Assistant Professor

• Composition
• Contemporary Classical Music
• Cross-Cultural Music
• +3 more

Wang Jie, an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Composition at the Conservatory of Music under the School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts at Queens College, is a prominent contemporary composer blending Chinese and Western classical traditions. Her works span operas, chamber music, solo pieces, and electronic compositions, often inspired by ancient poetry, cultural identity, and theatrical innovation. Primary Affiliation : Queens College, City University of New York Academic Role : Adjunct Assistant Professor in Composition Research Areas : Cross-cultural composition, operatic storytelling, chamber ensemble dynamics, electronic music integration Wang's compositions explore themes like: Chinese-Western fusion through traditional instruments (pipa, zodiac myths) Emotional narratives in operatic forms ( FLOWN , Farewell My Concubine ) Poetic inspirations (Emily Dickinson, Arthur Waley translations) Experimental techniques in Echo, Echo, Echo and Blame the Obituary Her recent works include Blame the Obituary (2023) for narrator and quintet, The Name That Never Dies (2022) for choir, and Thirteen Ways to Fly With a Blackbird (2019) for solo guitar. Awards highlight her recognition in new music circles, including the Koussevitzky Prize and Underwood Commission . Wang actively participates in performances, often as a keyboardist in her own works (e.g., From the Other Sky premiere at Carnegie Hall). She is a member of ASCAP and the Random Access Music composers collective.

Stephen HartkeView profile

Professor

• Contemporary Classical Composition
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Music
• +3 more

Stephen Hartke , Grammy Award-winning composer and faculty member at Oberlin Conservatory of Music , has earned international acclaim for his diverse and inventive compositions. With educational credentials from Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of California, Santa Barbara, Hartke bridges historical inspiration with contemporary innovation. Born: 1952, Orange, New Jersey Education: BA Yale, MA University of Pennsylvania, PhD UC Santa Barbara Hartke's research interests span medieval-inspired works, operatic composition , chamber music , and orchestral pieces , often integrating literary or cultural themes. His article trends reveal a fascination with textural experimentation , historical revival , and theatrical abstraction . Awards 2013 Grammy Award Rome Prize Guggenheim Fellowship Charles Ives Opera Prize Hartke's compositional grants include support from Carnegie Hall, National Endowment for the Arts, Fromm Foundation, and Barlow Endowment. His works have been premiered by renowned ensembles like the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hilliard Ensemble .

Aleksandra BębenView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Music Theory
• Musical Culture of Łódź
• Musicology
• +2 more

Aleksandra Bęben is a Senior Lecturer and music theorist at the Grażyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Łódź, where she has worked since 1998. Since October 2019, she has directed the Institute of Media and Music Production and served as the university's spokesperson since 2012. Graduated with distinction in music theory from the Academy (1997) Supervised by Prof. Marta Szoka for her award-winning master's thesis on 'Group 49' Her research focuses on the musical culture of Łódź, Polish composers (notably Roman Ryterband), concert programming, and music communication. She has authored numerous scholarly and popular-scientific articles, including contributions to lexicons and critical analyses of Polish music. Her recent publications show sustained engagement with Polish classical music (2024), interdisciplinary concert commentary (2022), and historical documentation (2023). She explores connections between music theory, cultural psychology, and institutional development. Recipient of 6 Rektor Awards (2003-2024) Winner of Złote Pióro (Golden Pen) for music criticism (2000) Jury member of Złote Pióro award Bęben's career combines academic work with public outreach through concert series like 'Musical Evenings' (2008-2022) and 'Music at the University of Technology' (2025). She has collaborated with major cultural institutions including the Grand Theatre in Łódź and Łódź Philharmonic.

Omar DanielView profile

Associate Professor

• Composition
• Electronic Music
• Opera
• +3 more

Omar Daniel is an Associate Professor at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, University of Western Ontario. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in composition, electronic music, analysis, and orchestration. Since joining the faculty in 2000, he has been recognized as a leading composer in Canada. Doctorate in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Toronto (1995) Daniel’s research focuses on integrating ancient Estonian folksong into contemporary compositions, including works like Metsa Maasikad (Wild Strawberries) and Üheksa Eesti Regilaulud (Nine Estonian Runo Songs). He received FRDF funding in 2016 to study Estonian folk traditions. His analytical work centers on composers from northern and eastern Europe, such as Kurtág, Schnittke, and Pärt. Dr. Daniel’s compositional output spans solo, chamber, orchestral, and operatic idioms. His electroacoustic work The Flaying of Marsyas (2001) and Annunciation (electronics and string quartet) have been widely performed. CBC Young Composer's Competition SOCAN Composer's Competition K.M. Hunter Arts Award Jules Lèger Award for New Chamber Music (1997) Recent recordings include Land’s End Performs the Music of Omar Daniel (2020) and Kickin’ It 2.0 (2019). A new violin-focused recording featuring his works was released in October 2021.

Gary Heaton-SmithView profile

Lecturer

• Music Composition
• Classical Percussion
• Performance Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Gary Heaton-Smith (he/him/his) is a Lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and an Assistant Professor of Music at Antelope Valley College. He directs percussion studies at UCI and has performed internationally with prestigious ensembles like the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, and Paul Simon. Dr. Heaton-Smith holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Music Performance (Percussion) from UCLA, an MA in Music Composition from Fresno State, and a BA in Music Performance (Percussion) from Fresno State. His research and professional activities focus on Classical Percussion , Music Composition , and Instrumental Performance . As a composer, his works are published by GPG Publications and SP Publications. His performance experience spans orchestral, operatic, and contemporary music settings across the United States and Europe. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Music Performance (Percussion), UCLA Master of Arts in Music Composition, Fresno State Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (Percussion), Fresno State Professional Roles: Assistant Professor of Music, Antelope Valley College Lecturer in Percussion Studies, UCI Department of Music Publications: Published composer with GPG Publications and SP Publications

Samuel HunterView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Music Composition
• Orchestration
• Vocal Music
• +3 more

Samuel Hunter is an Adjunct Professor of Music Composition and Composer in Residence at Furman University's Fine Arts Center in Greenville, South Carolina. He also serves as an Instructor in Music Theory and History. His primary affiliations include Furman University and the Fine Arts Center, alongside roles as Principal Orchestrator for Frances Pollock's opera Stinney: An American Execution . Education: M.M. (Master of Music), University of Houston B.M. (Bachelor of Music), Furman University Research interests focus on chamber music composition, vocal works, and orchestration. His compositions have been commissioned by institutions such as Houston Grand Opera’s HGOco, Vox Cordis, and Anglican church choirs. Notable performances include works by Coro Città di Roma and the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. His orchestration expertise extends to collaborations with renowned operatic projects. Awards: Sarofim Composition Competition Winner Sarofim Graduate Commission Pi Kappa Lambda Membership Advising and grants: No formal advisees listed, but his role as Composer in Residence and orchestrator implies collaborative projects. Grants may relate to commissions but are unspecified. Labs/Teams: Active in the Fine Arts Center’s music programs and collaborates with Frances Pollock on operatic projects.

David ChildsView profile

Research Professor

• Brass Music Performance
• Euphonium Studies
• Classical Music
• +3 more

Overview David Childs is a Distinguished Research Professor of Euphonium at the University of North Texas (UNT) and an Honorary Associate at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. A globally celebrated euphonium virtuoso, he has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. His career spans solo recitals at venues like Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall, alongside over 15 world premieres of concertos. Education 2021: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from University of Salford, Manchester. Research & Performance Childs champions new music and traditional brass band repertoires. His research interests include euphonium performance techniques and the instrument’s role in classical music. He serves as Artistic Director of Cardiff Symphonic Winds and Editor of Brass Band World Magazine . Reviews & Awards Recipient of 12 major awards including the ITEA Roger Bobo Excellence in Recording Award. Noted by critics as 'the Roger Federer of the euphonium' and 'a visionary soloist'. Leadership Founder of Eminence Brass quartet and Principal Conductor of Dallas Brass Band, he advocates for the euphonium’s global recognition through recordings and educational outreach.

• Computer Music
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Dr. Chris Kiefer is a Professor of Musical Instrument Design at the University of Sussex's School of Media, Arts and Humanities. His work bridges music technology, computer science, and arts, focusing on musician-computer interaction, physical computing, and machine learning. He leads projects such as the AHRC-funded 'Musically Embodied Machine Learning' and co-ran the 'Feedback Musicianship Network.' His research involves developing innovative instruments like the Nalima and Feedback Cello, emphasizing participatory design and dynamical systems analysis. Key research areas include feedback musicianship, livecoding, embedded AI for musical interfaces, and ecoacoustics. He has secured multiple grants, including from AHRC and NERC, and collaborates internationally in conferences like NIME and Sound and Music Computing. His work spans signal processing, tangible interfaces, and interdisciplinary performance systems, with a focus on embodied AI and sustainable technological practices. Grants: AHRC Fellowship (2024-2025), Musically Embodied Machine Learning; AHRC Feedback Musicianship Network (2021-2022) Notable Instruments: Nalima, Feedback Cello, uSEQ Eurorack module Key Publications: Focus on livecoding tools, feedback systems, robot music theatre, and embedded machine learning architectures His labs and collaborations emphasize merging computational creativity with traditional musical practices, fostering innovation in both academic and artistic domains.

Christian BaldiniView profile

Professor

• Orchestral Conducting
• Composition
• Contemporary Music
• +3 more

Christian Baldini is a Professor of Music and Music Director/Conductor of the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra, holding the Barbara K. Jackson Chair in Orchestral Conducting. He also serves as Music Director of the Camellia Symphony Orchestra and the Barbara K. Jackson Rising Stars of Opera program. His career includes roles with the BBC Symphony and San Francisco Symphony, as well as operatic productions at London’s English National Opera and Buenos Aires’ Teatro Colón. Baldini’s conducting has revitalized Argentina’s orchestral scene and earned acclaim through recordings like the 2015 Mozart CD and the 2021 Centaur Records album. He holds degrees from SUNY Buffalo (Ph.D.), Penn State (M.A.), and Argentina’s Catholic University (B.A.). Education: Ph.D. in Composition, State University of New York at Buffalo M.A. in Conducting, Pennsylvania State University B.A. in Conducting and Composition, Catholic University of Argentina Research Interests: Baldini advocates for contemporary music, having premiered over 200 works. His compositions are performed globally and published by Babel Scores and Universal Edition. He focuses on blending classical and modern repertoires, with a specialization in orchestral and operatic conducting. Recent Projects: Upcoming engagements include Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld in Buenos Aires and a 2025 return with the National Symphony Orchestra of Argentina. His 2025 album with Coviello Records features David Felder’s Jeu de Tarot 2 . Awards: Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award finalist (2012) Top prizes in Seoul (2005) and São Paulo (2006) competitions Five-star reviews for Mozart CD (2015) and 2021 Centaur Records album Advising/Grants: Baldini mentors students like Daniel Godsil (Gerber Prize winner) and Aida Shirazi. The UC Davis Symphony Endowment supports his work in accessing top-tier soloists and travel opportunities. Labs/Teams: Leads the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra and collaborates with the San Francisco Opera on the Rising Stars of Opera program.

Daniel SonenbergView profile

Professor

• Music Composition
• Opera
• Percussion Performance
• +3 more

Daniel Sonenberg is a Professor and Director of Composition Studies at the Osher School of Music, University of Southern Maine since 2004. He specializes in opera, percussion, chamber music, and rock composition, with works performed nationally and internationally. His opera The Summer King (2017-2018) featured Denyce Graves, and First Light (2021) celebrated Maine’s bicentennial. Recent collaborations include works with percussionist Lynn Vartan and ensembles like the Cassatt String Quartet. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), City University of New York Master of Arts (MA), Queens College, CUNY Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bard College His research interests focus on blending classical traditions with contemporary innovation. Recent works emphasize interdisciplinary collaborations, such as The Surprise Guest (2023), performed at USM, Bates College, and Farmington Arts. He also releases rock music under his band Lovers of Fiction. Performance Highlights: Commissioned by Portland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Maine, and others Collaborations with Da Capo Chamber Players and Resinosa Ensemble

• Vocal Pedagogy
• Music Interpretation
• Opera Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Anke Hoeppner-Ryan is a Lecturer in Vocal Studies and Unit of Study Coordinator for Undergraduate Voice at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Master of Music (MMus) degree. Her research focuses on vocal pedagogy, opera performance practices, and active learning methodologies in music education. She has presented at international conferences including the International Society for Music Education Summit and published works on topics like intergenerational music engagement and Schoenberg’s Lieder interpretations. Current roles: Vocal Studies Lecturer & Undergraduate Voice Coordinator Institutional affiliations: Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Grevillea Ensemble Her research explores professional development pathways for voice students, operatic performance dynamics, and the intersection of poetry and music in art songs. Recent projects include analyzing Richard Dehmel’s poetry influence on Schoenberg’s compositions and investigating operatic cover work expectations among professionals. Media contributions include performances featured on SBS German podcasts such as 'Beethoven Superstar' and 'Opera Foundation Soirée'. She organizes the Demant Dreikurs Scholarship Song Competition to support emerging vocalists.

• Composition
• Contemporary Music
• Music Theory
• +3 more

Keeril Makan is the Michael (1949) and Sonja Koerner Music Composition Professor at MIT, holding the Lister Brothers Career Development Chair. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music and Theater Arts, specializing in composition and music theory. His opera Persona , adapted from Ingmar Bergman’s film, has been praised by The New York Times and LA Times for its compelling score and dramatic impact. Makan’s work blends modern technology with classical forms, often exploring interdisciplinary themes. He holds a PhD in composition from the University of California, Berkeley, with additional studies at the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki, Finland) and the Paris Conservatory under the George Ladd Prix de Paris. Earlier degrees include composition and religion from Oberlin College. Recipient of prestigious awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and Luciano Berio Rome Prize, Makan’s music has been commissioned by the Bang on a Can All-Stars, American Composers Orchestra, and Carnegie Hall. His CDs, including In Sound (Tzadik) and Target (Starkland), feature performances by the Kronos Quartet and Ensemble Either/Or. His works have been performed globally by ensembles like the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin. Makan’s discography and operatic contributions highlight his exploration of emotional depth and technological innovation. His academic role at MIT emphasizes teaching composition, while his research interests span contemporary music practices and cultural fusion.

Matthew RookeView profile

Professor

• Music Composition
• Theatre Production
• Cultural Administration
• +3 more

Matthew Rooke is an Honorary Professor of Music and Theatre at the University of St Andrews, appointed for a second three-year term. He holds a dual career as a composer and cultural administrator. As a musician, he has created operas like An Cadal Trom (2018) and contributed to film/TV scores including Netflix's Outlaw King . He has collaborated with renowned artists such as John Tavener and Nitin Sawhney, and produced scores for institutions like the Royal National Theatre. His administrative roles include Music Director at the Scottish Arts Council, founder of Scotland's national mentoring program (The New Deal for Musicians), and Artistic Director of The Maltings in Berwick (2012-2020), where he secured £15M in government funding for redevelopment. He has advised on major arts infrastructure projects in Scotland involving Drake Music, Scottish Ballet, and Brunton Hall. Rooke currently serves as Governor and member of Audit and Risk, Infrastructure, and Fair Access Committees.

Anna DeGraffView profile

Lecturer

• Vocal Performance
• Contemporary Music
• Music Education
• +3 more

Anna DeGraff is a Lecturer in the School of Performing Arts at South Dakota State University, specializing in applied voice and music appreciation. She earned her undergraduate degrees in music and psychology from the University of Nebraska, studying under soprano Donna Harler-Smith, and graduate degrees in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota under John De Haan. Performance Credits: Mezzo-soprano roles include Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Dorabella (Cosi fan tutte), Maddalena (Rigoletto), and Ado Annie (Oklahoma!). Research Interests: Contemporary music, vocal pedagogy, operatic performance, and classical repertoire. Professional Affiliations: Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Alpha Iota, Golden Key Society, Pi Kappa Lambda. Her work focuses on promoting contemporary compositions through workshops and premieres of works by living composers like Robert Aldridge and Herschel Garfein. Awards: NATS Nebraska Artist Award 2014 Stratton Fellowship (Switzerland cultural exchange)

Jocelyn DueckView profile

Assistant Professor

• Music Performance
• Music Composition
• Linguistics
• +5 more

Dr. Jocelyn Dueck is an Assistant Professor of Collaborative Arts at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music, specializing in prosody, auditory coding, and linguistics. A renowned pianist and scholar, she has premiered works by composers such as Lembit Beecher and Lisa Bielawa, and led the revival of Louis Durey’s unpublished songs via her album Durey Rediscovered . Her research spans music-language intersections, with contributions to Adobe’s Readability Matters consortium improving reading fluency through prosody analysis. She founded Courante LLC to study flow states in human/machine language-music interactions. Active in opera, Dueck coaches at Wolf Trap Opera and the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Program. She holds a doctorate in Collaborative Piano from CMU and has taught at Juilliard, Bard, and NYU. Awards include grants from the Classical Recording Foundation and a Tanglewood Fellowship. Her performances span Europe, the U.S., and China, with notable collaborations on the Five Borough Songbook and cabaret projects.