Arnold Friedman

Dr. Arnold Friedman is a composer and cellist currently serving as a Professor in the Composition Department at Berklee College of Music since 2004. He chaired the department from 2012 to 2016 and teaches courses related to composition, screen scoring, and music technology. Friedman collaborates as part of the Friedman-Melde duo, performing across the US East Coast, Italy, and France.

Education:

• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Music Theory and Composition, University of North Texas (1999)
• Master of Music (MM) in Cello Performance, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (1984)
• Bachelor of Music (BM) in Cello Performance, Drake University (1982)

Research Interests: Dr. Friedman specializes in creating choral and instrumental compositions for young musicians, with recent commissions from orchestras and choirs in Rome and Arlington, Virginia. His work emphasizes collaborative composition, particularly in percussion notation and performance, as demonstrated in his cantata "Plastic Lives."

Professional Contributions: He has taught at the University of North Texas and Western Oregon University, performed with ensembles like the Dallas Opera Orchestra and Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, and collaborated with institutions such as the Centro Sperimentale Musicale per Infanzia in Rome.

Scientific Awards:

• Ted Pease Excellence in Teaching Award (2024)

Advising & Grants: As a mentor, Friedman focuses on inspiring students to apply theoretical knowledge creatively. His compositions have been commissioned by entities including the Cleveland Duo and the University of North Texas Dance Department.

Labs & Teams: Dr. Friedman collaborates with new music ensembles like Dinosaur Annex and NotaRiotous, and his performance history includes the Calumet Quintet and Melde and Friedman Bass-Cello Duo.