David W. Sanford

David W. Sanford serves as the Elizabeth T. Kennan Professor of Music at Mount Holyoke College with a joint appointment in the Department of Film, Media, Theater. An acclaimed composer-theorist, he bridges jazz, contemporary classical, and popular music traditions through works performed by ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Chamber Players and his own Pittsburgh Collective big band.

Education:

• Ph.D., M.F.A., Princeton University
• M.M., New England Conservatory
• B.M., University of Northern Colorado

Sanford specializes in composition, music theory, jazz history, film music, and twentieth-century studies. His creative output reflects influences from Charles Mingus to Parliament/Funkadelic, characterized by 'brash, open-eared exploration' that transforms diverse musical materials. Recent projects include a Shifting Foundation-funded recording with the Pittsburgh Collective.

Scientific Awards:

• BMI Student Composer Award
• Koussevitzky Commission
• Guggenheim Fellowship
• Samuel Barber Rome Prize Fellowship
• Elected to American Academy of Arts and Letters (2021)
• Arts and Letters Award in Music (2022)

He teaches theory, composition, jazz history, and film music courses while maintaining an active performance schedule. His Academy of Arts and Letters membership represents one of America's highest artistic honors, reflecting sustained contributions to American musical innovation through both scholarly and creative work.