Ben Curry

Ben Curry is a Lecturer in Music at the University of Birmingham, specializing in musical meaning, semiotics, and analytical methodologies. He holds a PhD in Musicology from Cardiff University (2011), an MA in Film and TV Composition from the University of Bristol (2003), and a first degree in Music from Cardiff University (1996). Prior to Birmingham, he taught at Cardiff University, Bath Spa University, Canterbury Christchurch University, and the University of Kent. Beyond academia, he operated as a multimedia composer under 'Big Ear Productions' from 2002–2008, blending creative practice with scholarly research. His work bridges philosophical inquiry (e.g., Charles Peirce, Wittgenstein) and empirical musicology, focusing on late eighteenth-century music, blues traditions, and popular music aesthetics.

Research interests include the semiotics of musical meaning, the philosophical underpinnings of music analysis, and the socio-cultural contexts of blues and popular music. His contributions span peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations (e.g., Royal Musical Association, Society for Music Analysis), and interdisciplinary collaborations. He actively supervises PhD projects exploring music and meaning, jazz, film music, and eighteenth-century composition. Recent work examines biosemiotic approaches to Caribbean music and the interplay between catchiness and groove in popular music.

Curry’s activities include organizing academic conferences, serving on editorial boards, and engaging in public musicology initiatives. His scholarship emphasizes dialogue between theory and practice, reflecting his dual background in composition and academic research.