Find Academic Supervisors

David M. GordonView profile

Lecturer

• Music Composition
• Music Theory
• Microtonal Tuning Systems
• +3 more

David M. Gordon is a composer and music theorist serving as a Music Theory and World Music Instructor at Northern Illinois University's School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He holds a Ph.D. in music composition with a secondary concentration in music theory from the University of Chicago, along with B.M. and M.M. degrees in composition from Northern Illinois University. His research and creative work centers on the amalgamation of Western and non-Western musical languages, exploration of new acoustic timbres, microtonal tuning systems, and complex rhythmic structures. Gordon's theoretical specializations include historical, non-Western, and experimental tuning systems; theories of metric organization; analysis of world music; and form in popular music. Gordon's 2020 album 'Mysteria Fidei' represents a significant creative output, featuring three sacred chamber works that explore themes of searching amidst life's difficulties. The album includes 'Fader, stilla våra andar,' 'Consolation New' (featuring two microtonally-tuned pianos), and 'Mysteria Incarnationis' (a song cycle setting ancient Syriac texts). His compositional output demonstrates a consistent exploration of microtonal systems and cross-cultural musical synthesis. Collaborated with Eighth Blackbird, Pacifica Quartet, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Performed at Tanglewood Festival, Ojai Music Festival, Singapore International Festival of Arts Featured at Chicago's Symphony Center and Philadelphia's Kimmel Center Work described as 'strong, disturbing music' (Los Angeles Times) Recognized for 'gritty, grinding passion and raw ritualism' (American Record Guide) Gordon maintains an active presence in both composition and music theory instruction, with his work bridging academic scholarship and creative practice. His teaching at NIU focuses on music theory and world music, drawing directly from his research interests in tuning systems and cross-cultural musical analysis. While not leading a formal research laboratory, his creative output functions as a significant contribution to contemporary music scholarship through performance and recording.

Matthias BuchholzView profile

Professor

• Violin and Viola Performance
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Performance
• +2 more

Matthias Buchholz is Professor of Viola at Manhattan School of Music, specializing in Classical Viola within the Strings department. An internationally acclaimed performer, he serves as Artists in Residence with the American String Quartet and maintains active performance careers across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. His educational trajectory includes foundational training in Hamburg followed by advanced studies at: University of Cincinnati Hochschule für Musik Detmold Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia Buchholz's artistic practice centers on viola repertoire expansion through solo performance, chamber music innovation, and orchestral leadership. His interpretations bridge historical and contemporary works, with particular emphasis on 20th-century compositions and cross-cultural collaborations, demonstrated through decades of masterclasses worldwide. His competitive excellence earned recognition at premier international venues: Bonn International Viola Competition Laureate (1978) Los Angeles International Viola Competition Laureate (1981) Budapest International Viola Competition Laureate (1984) Buchholz maintains significant ensemble affiliations including principal viola of Stuttgart Radio Orchestra (1986-1990), founding membership in Heine-Quartett (2003-2008) where he premiered Aribert Reimann's "Adagio für Streichquartett" (2006), and ongoing participation in Linos-Ensemble since 1991. He performs regularly at major festivals including Marlboro, Salzburg, Avignon, and Schleswig-Holstein, while serving as leading member of Seoul's Hwaum Chamber Orchestra and holding a 2013 professorial appointment at HEM Geneve.

Toke MøldrupView profile

Associate Professor

• Classical Music Performance
• Contemporary Music
• Chamber Music
• +1 more

Toke Møldrup is an Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Music (RDAM), where he has been a faculty member since 2005, progressing from part-time teacher to Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor. He is a distinguished cellist with an international performance career. His educational background includes: Royal Academy of Music under Harro Ruijsenaars RDAM under professors Morten Zeuthen and Tim Frederiksen Hochschule für Musik, Karlsruhe (concert examination, 2006) Private studies with Hans Jørgen Jensen (Northwestern School of Music), Valter Despalj (Zagreb Academy of Music), the Alban Berg Quartet, and Viggo Mangor Møldrup's artistic research focuses on classical and contemporary cello performance, chamber music, and the expansion of cello repertoire through collaborations with composers such as John Williams, Geoffrey Gordon, and Christian Winther Christensen. His work bridges historical performance practice and new music. His discography highlights a commitment to both core repertoire and new works, including recordings of Bach's suites (2018), Geoffrey Gordon's compositions (2020), and Beethoven's sonatas (2020), demonstrating versatility across eras and styles. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Information regarding student advising and research grants was not provided. Møldrup has been an active chamber musician, performing with ensembles including Nordlys, Paizo Kvartetten, Den Danske Klavertrio, and Copenhagen Cello Quartet, and has appeared at major festivals worldwide.

• Viola Performance
• Chamber Music
• Contemporary Classical Composition
• +3 more

Dr. hab. Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf serves as Associate Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at the Stanislaw Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdansk and Associate Professor of Viola at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz. As a national consultant for the Center for Artistic Education (CEA), he represents contemporary Polish viola performance and pedagogy at the highest level. His affiliations include the Polish Viola Society and leadership roles in major cultural initiatives. His research focuses on contemporary viola repertoire with over 60 world premieres, electronic music integration, and innovative pedagogical methods. Komendarek-Tymendorf has premiered works by leading Polish composers including Tadeusz Dixa, Marek Sewen, and Krzysztof Falkowski, establishing himself as a protagonist of new music for viola. His scholarly contributions include publications in the Journal of the American Viola Society and meakultura.pl. His 15 most recent articles demonstrate specialization in contemporary viola performance, particularly in Polish compositions and electronic integrations. The works span solo, chamber, and orchestral contexts, with strong emphasis on technical innovation and emotional expression. Critical reception highlights international recognition through awards like the Pizzicato Supersonic Award and Diapason Magazine's 5 Camertones. Meritorious for Polish Culture (2017) Bronze Medal Gloria Artis (2022) Pizzicato Supersonic Award Clouzine 9 International Music Awards 5 Camertones in Diapason Magazine City of Gdańsk Award for Young Artists (2016) Personality of Pomerania (2016) As a mentor, Komendarek-Tymendorf has guided over 40 students to positions in major orchestras including the Tonkünstler-Orchester Vienna and Baltic Philharmonic. His grant portfolio includes Nordic Baltic Festival Platform Fellowship, Erasmus+, and the Minister of Science's 3-year scholarship for outstanding young scientists. The EURO Chamber Music Festival he directs received the prestigious EFFE mark from the European Festival Association. He co-founded and performs with the Balthus Quartet and Duo del Gesù, collaborating with institutions like the International Mahler Orchestra and Royal Johann Strauss Orchestra. His performance venues include Berliner Philharmonie, Musikverein Vienna, and Konserthuset Gothenburg, demonstrating extensive international engagement through the Space Art Festival and Viva Viola Festivity initiatives.

Michelle AreyzagaView profile

Lecturer

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

Michelle Areyzaga serves as an Instructor of Applied Voice in the Department of Music and Dance at Northeastern Illinois University's College of Arts and Sciences. An acclaimed American soprano, she maintains an active international performance career spanning opera, orchestral, and chamber music engagements across the United States and Europe. Her educational foundation includes a B.A. in Vocal Performance with honors from Roosevelt University. She further honed her craft through prestigious programs including Ravinia’s Steans Institute for Young Artists, OperaWorks Summer intensive Program in Los Angeles, and Chicago Opera Theater’s Debit Artist Series. Areyzaga specializes in Vocal Performance with particular expertise in Opera, Art Song, and Leonard Bernstein interpretation. Her Bernstein-focused work includes six years touring Bernstein on Broadway with Jamie Bernstein and performances with major orchestras for the composer's centennial celebrations. She actively premieres new American compositions and maintains a robust presence in chamber music collaborations. Her distinguished honors include: Artist of the Year by Pioneer Press Julian Autrey Song Foundation award Wm. C. Byrd International Young Artist Shreveport Opera Singer of the Year Marguerite McCammon Vocal Competition NATSAA National Finalist ”Outstanding Artist” Metropolitan Opera National Council recognition Concert Artist Guild membership Fall 2020 Musicians Club of Women grant Represented by Alpha Artists Management, Areyzaga maintains significant artistic collaborations with ensembles like the New York Festival of Song, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Avalon String Quartet. Her discography features critically acclaimed recordings including Were I With Thee, The Sun Is Love, and Songs from Spoon River, showcasing her versatility across art song and contemporary repertoire.

Allen McCulloughView profile

Assistant Professor

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

Allen McCullough is an Assistant Professor of Music at Purdue University's Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance, teaching courses including Music Appreciation and maintaining an active career as a composer and pedagogue. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Music from Brown University, a Master's in Composition from the Manhattan School of Music (studying with Giampaolo Bracali), and dual Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Composition from the University of Pennsylvania (studying with James Primosch, Jay Reise, and Anna Weesner). McCullough's creative research spans multiple compositional domains with particular emphasis on instrumental and vocal expression. His work demonstrates technical mastery across diverse formats including solo piano, string quartets, orchestral compositions (notably a five-movement symphony and piano concerto), and extended vocal forms. The composer exhibits consistent exploration of contemporary classical idioms while maintaining strong connections to traditional structures. Analysis of his recent compositions reveals concentrated development in chamber music and vocal genres over the past decade, with significant contributions to viola-piano repertoire, art song cycles, and innovative piano works that bridge historical forms with modern harmonic language. Scientific awards and honors include: Selection for drift – vol.34 of the Society of Composers, Inc. new music CD series Selection for inclusion in the scores library for the American Viola Society for Sonata for Viola and Piano (c.2019) Finalist for the National Association of the Teachers of Singing (NATS) Song Cycle competition for The Blue Symphony song cycle (c.2014) Inclusion in RMN Classical’s album Modern Music for Piano 3 Selection for inclusion in RMN Classical’s album Modern Music for Piano 4 for Preludes 2-4 (c.2011) Inclusion in the Sound and Music Archive of the British Library for Preludes 2-4 McCullough has secured significant research funding through grants from the Indiana Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, Mercer University, and Purdue University. His collaborative practice involves prominent international artists including Van Cliburn gold medalist Yekwon Sunwoo, Czech Philharmonic concertmaster Josef Spacek, soprano Jennifer O’Loughlin, and the Aeolus, Harlem, and Daedalus String Quartets. While maintaining no formal laboratory, McCullough operates within a dynamic network of performance collaborators and commissioning organizations including the Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society, Chamber Music Yellow Springs, Eakins Vocal Consort, and Lotte Lehman Foundation, facilitating the realization of new works through close artist-composer partnerships.

Michael Josef Alexander MautnerView profile

Lecturer

• Composition
• Conducting
• Multimedia Music Theater
• +3 more

Michael Mautner is a composer, conductor, and author currently teaching Project Oriented Composition at the Mozarteum University in the Department of Composition & Music Theory. He has held significant positions including composer, music dramaturge, and musical director at the Rabenhof Theater in Vienna since 2002, academic editor at the Hermann Publishing Group since 2005, and music curator of the Konzett Gallery Vienna since 2013. His educational background includes: Salzburg Music High School, Matura 1978 1978-1984: University of Salzburg (musicology, art history, philosophy) 1979-1985: Mozarteum University (composition with Gerhard Wimberger, conducting with Bernhard Conz, Mladen Basic, and Michael Gielen) Summer courses with Witold Lutoslawski, Henri Dutilleux, and Hans Werner Henze Mautner's creative work focuses on contemporary composition with particular emphasis on multimedia music theater and the interfaces of perception between visual art and music. He maintains what he describes as 'stylistic ambivalence,' working with both tonal harmony and dissonant sharpness without preference for either approach. His work aims to be immediately accessible despite its complexity and uncompromising nature, while still exploring new artistic spaces and contents. He is particularly known for his COM.MEDIA project based on Dante Alighieri and his collaboration with artist Kurt Hofstetter on 'supersymmetric composition technique.' His recent compositions demonstrate a strong trend toward interdisciplinary work at the intersection of visual art and music, with many pieces created specifically for gallery or museum contexts in collaboration with visual artists, especially Franz West. There's also a notable focus on adapting literary and historical texts into musical form, with works based on Dante, Arthur Schnitzler, and Austrian political history. Technologically, his work increasingly incorporates electronic elements and novel compositional techniques like the supersymmetric approach. Mautner has received numerous awards for his work: Staatsstipendium für Komposition (1985) Prix du Centre Acanthes (1982) Silver Bear at the Berlin Festival in the youth film/music category for 'Tunnelkind' (1990) 1st prize in the Mozart composition competition of the City of Vienna/Austro Mechana (1991) Förderungspreis des Landes Salzburg (1994) Mautner has supervised numerous composition students throughout his career, particularly during his tenure as Head of the 'Applied Composition' course at the Mozarteum University from 1994-2005 and his current role teaching Project Oriented Composition since 2015. His work has been supported by significant commissions from prestigious organizations including the Mozarteum Foundation, European Parliament, Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Wien, ORF, Museum Moderner Kunst Wien, École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts Paris, Kunsthaus Bregenz, Wiener Festwochen, Rabenhof Theater, and the City of Salzburg. He collaborates extensively with various ensembles and institutions, most notably the Merlin Ensemble Wien and the Konzett Gallery Vienna where he directs the KonzettKonzeptKonzert series. His current work includes the 'Supersymmetric Music' project with Kurt Hofstetter, which generates musical sequences through rotations of the space-time axis of a dot matrix corresponding to tones and durations, representing a novel approach to composition that moves beyond conventional patterns.

• Classical Composition
• Jazz Composition and Arrangement
• Contemporary Music
• +3 more

Dieter Ammann is a renowned Swiss composer and professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, where he leads the composition class at the Institute for New Music, Composition and Theory. He also lectures at the Bern University of Arts and has conducted masterclasses at prestigious institutions worldwide including universities in Cologne, Weimar, Karlsruhe, St. Petersburg, and New York University. His research interests focus on contemporary classical composition with emphasis on meticulous notation techniques, structural development, and innovative approaches to orchestration. Ammann's work bridges traditional classical forms with modern compositional techniques, exploring the relationship between silence and sound, mathematical structures in music, and the expressive potential of contemporary instrumental techniques. His compositions often feature complex rhythmic structures and innovative timbral explorations that challenge conventional performance practices. Ammann's recent works demonstrate a consistent focus on structural complexity and innovative approaches to musical form. His compositions span from intimate chamber works to large-scale orchestral pieces, with a particular emphasis on the exploration of sound textures and rhythmic complexity. The recurring themes in his work include structural transformation, the relationship between silence and sound, and the exploration of musical networks and interconnections. Aargau Board of Trustees grants Canton of Lucerne grants Franz Liszt Scholarship from the Weimar European Capital of Culture Foundation Main prize of the IBLA Foundation New York (in honor of L. Berio) Young Composers in Europe Competition (Leipzig) Swiss Music Prize Ernst von Siemens Prize for Composition AZ Media Prize for Culture As an educator, Ammann has significantly influenced the next generation of composers through his teaching at Lucerne and Bern, as well as through international masterclasses. His meticulous approach to composition, which often takes two years or more to complete a commissioned work, has established him as one of Switzerland's most respected contemporary composers. Ammann has received invitations as composer-in-residence at major festivals including the Lucerne Festival and the Witten Days for New Chamber Music, collaborating with ensembles such as Ensemble Intercontemporain and Klangforum Wien.

Zenon KitowskiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Classical Music
• Clarinet Performance
• Chamber Music
• +2 more

Zenon Kitowski serves as Assistant Professor at Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw and holds the position of principal clarinet soloist with the Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw. His career includes principal clarinet roles with the Jerzy Maksymiuk Polish Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonia Varsovia, and the Polish Radio and Television Orchestra since joining the National Concert Office in 1982. He graduated with distinction in 1985 from the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw under Professor Ryszard Sztajerwald. During high school, he won multiple regional competitions in Szczecinek, Białystok, Gdańsk, and Wrocław, and participated in international clarinet courses in Germany. Kitowski specializes in classical and contemporary clarinet repertoire spanning solo concertos, chamber ensembles, and orchestral performances. His artistic focus encompasses wind quintet literature, string-clarinet collaborations, and 19th-20th century Polish compositions. He has performed as soloist with major ensembles including the Polish Chamber Orchestra, Polish Radio Orchestra, and Sinfonia Wratislavia. His major accolades include: Private award from Witold Lutosławski for Brahms Sonata No. 1 performance (1981) First prize at Karol Kurpiński International Clarinet Competition (1982) Multiple regional competition victories during secondary education While the text confirms his active performing career, no student advisement or research grant activities are documented. Kitowski maintains significant artistic collaborations through chamber ensembles such as the "Camerata" Quartet and "Tempo Prima" Wind Quintet, while regularly performing with leading Polish philharmonic orchestras nationwide.

Zbigniew BargielskiView profile

Professor

• Composition
• Music Theory
• Contemporary Classical Music
• +2 more

Zbigniew Bargielski (born January 21, 1937, in Łomża) is a full professor at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, where he served as head of the Department of Music Theory and Composition from 2002 to 2020. He concurrently taught composition at the Academy of Music in Kraków from 2005 to 2014. His academic background includes: Law studies at Maria Skłodowska-Curie University in Lublin (1954–1957) Composition studies under Piotr Perkowski, Tadeusz Szeligowski, and Bolesław Szabelski at music academies in Warsaw and Katowice (graduated 1964) Studies under Nadia Boulanger in Paris (1966/67) as a French government scholar Percussion studies at Graz Hochschule für Musik (1971/72) Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst scholarship in Darmstadt (1986) A pioneering figure in contemporary classical music, Bargielski's creative work spans orchestral, chamber, and vocal genres, characterized by innovative structures and international influences from his decades in Austria (1967–2002). His compositions like 'Parades' and 'Trigonalia' reflect a distinctive synthesis of Polish tradition and avant-garde experimentation. His major honors include: UNESCO recognitions for String Quartet No. 1 'Alpejski' (1981) and 'Trigonalia' (1995) Polish state decorations: 'Zasłużony dla kultury polskiej' (1990), 'Polonia Restituta' Officer's Cross (1995), and 'Gloria Artis' Gold Medal (2011) International awards: Anton-Benya-Preis (2000), Złotą Sową (2008) Multiple Polish Composers' Union prizes across five decades As an educator, Bargielski mentored generations through his departmental leadership and composition classes, while his scholarly impact extends to jury roles at international competitions and publicist writings in journals like 'Kultura' (1965–1978). His institutional legacy includes shaping the 'Warsaw Autumn' festival repertoire and contributing to Poland's centennial '100 na 100' music project (2018).

Aleksandra BrejzaView profile

Assistant Professor

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

Aleksandra Brejza (born 1963) serves as Assistant Professor at Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, where she teaches composition, 20th-century composition techniques, and introduction to composition and arrangement within the Department of Composition and Music Theory. A distinguished Polish composer, her academic career is deeply intertwined with her creative output spanning orchestral, choral, and chamber music. Education: State Primary and Secondary School of Music in Inowrocław (Piano, Prof. A. Drzewiecki) Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz (Composition, Prof. F. Woźniak) Brejza's research centers on contemporary classical composition with emphasis on structural innovation and textural complexity. Her work explores diverse forms including sacred choral settings, orchestral works, and homages to composers like Bartók and Kodály. She integrates 20th-century techniques with traditional forms, particularly evident in her psalm settings and requiem compositions. Her creative process often engages with Polish literary traditions through settings of Miłosz and Akhmatova poetry. Analysis of her 15 most recent compositions (2001-2009) reveals a pronounced evolution toward choral and sacred music, with increasing sophistication in vocal-orchestral integration. The period shows heightened focus on liturgical texts (psalms, requiem) while maintaining chamber music output, particularly string quartets and flute-based works. Electronic elements appear in later works like Maiandros , demonstrating stylistic expansion beyond purely acoustic composition. Scientific Awards: Scholarship from Minister of Culture and Art (1998) Scholarship from Polish Composers' Union (1989) Main prize, Academic Fugue Competition (1986) Two honorable mentions in T. Baird Competition (1989, 1993) First honorable mention, Pomorski Siew Competition (1996) Finalist, London Prize Competition (2000) Second prize, National Psalmodic Competition (2002) As an educator, Brejza mentors composition students through her teaching roles while maintaining an active creative practice supported by cultural ministry grants. Her participation in Young Composers' Courses (1988) and International Composition Courses in Hungary (1992) established early professional networks that continue to influence her pedagogical approach. Current institutional support enables ongoing development of large-scale works like the Requiem (2008-2009).