Douglas Cohen

Douglas Cohen is a Lecturer at the Conservatory of Music, School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts, City University of New York. He serves as undergraduate deputy director of the Conservatory, associate director of the Center for Computer Music, coordinator of Core Curriculum 1130, and director of the Brooklyn College Composers’ Forum. An intermedia composer, Cohen specializes in electro-acoustic works and American experimental music (e.g., John Cage, Morton Feldman).

Education:

• B.F.A., Music Composition, California Institute of the Arts (1983)
• M.F.A., Music Composition, California Institute of the Arts (1986)
• Ph.D., Music Composition, SUNY Center - Buffalo (1992)

Research Interests: Composition, music technology, sonic arts, electro-acoustic innovation, and interdisciplinary collaborations with film/performance artists. Cohen pioneered digital media advocacy and co-created intermedia works like imusicircus.

Awards:

• Multiple STF Grants (2008–2012) for music technology infrastructure
• Aaron Copland Foundation Grant for The Tempest Project
• American Artist Award (Cornudas Mountain Foundation)

Leadership: Organized international conferences (e.g., Brooklyn College Composers’ Forum Series, Electro-Acoustic Music Festivals) and served on 10+ academic committees, including Faculty Council and University Senate.

Pedagogy: Developed a music technology minor, implemented Team-Based Learning in curriculum, and led OER initiatives for open-access resources.