Erik Santos

Erik Santos is an Associate Professor and Chair of Composition within the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He holds DMA and MM degrees in Composition from the University of Michigan and a BM in Voice from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

His research spans acoustic/electronic music, dance-theater production, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Notable projects include scores for the Japanese butoh company Dairakudakan and the October Babies band's multicultural music. He co-created the Fukushima-inspired documentary series (e.g., Threshold: Whispers of Fukushima) and films exploring post-disaster cultural resilience.

• Recipient of the 2020 Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Prize
• Charles Ives Fellowship (American Academy of Arts and Letters)
• Organized the Fukushima Tribute Concert featuring Yamakiya Taiko ensemble

His work emphasizes non-traditional performance spaces (dance clubs, museums, digital platforms) and integrates spontaneous sensory experiences with music. Santos actively collaborates with international artists and organizations, including the Center for Japanese Studies and Willis Sound label.