Ethan Wickman

Ethan Wickman serves as Professor of Music in the Department of Music within the College of Liberal and Fine Arts at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He holds a DMA in Music Composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (2003), an MM from Boston University (2000), and a BM from Brigham Young University (1998), with additional oud studies under Egyptian virtuoso Ramy Adly.

His research centers on contemporary classical composition and Middle Eastern ethnomusicology, with works performed globally by ensembles including the San Antonio Philharmonic, Aspen Concert Orchestra, and Avalon String Quartet at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Critical acclaim for recordings includes descriptions as "the most attractive new string quartet I have heard in a long while" (Fanfare) and "epic and dreamy" (The New York Times).

Wickman's compositional output demonstrates evolving exploration of cross-cultural textures and structural innovation, particularly integrating oud techniques into Western classical frameworks. His recent presentations reveal focus on pedagogical approaches to composition and the interplay between technical precision and emotional resonance in new music.

Major honors include:

• Jacob Druckman prize for Night Prayers Ascending
• Harvey Phillips Award for Summit
• Fulbright Fellowship (2003)
• Music In The Loft Composer-In-Residence (2014-15)
• Barlow Endowment grant

His professional engagements encompass significant grants from Meet the Composer and the American Composers Forum, along with commissions from the Utah Arts Festival and San Antonio Opera Guild. Wickman previously served as Executive Director of the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University (2015-2020), demonstrating sustained leadership in advancing new music initiatives.

As an active oudist, he bridges Western and Middle Eastern musical traditions, contributing to cross-cultural dialogue through performance and composition. His work with ensembles like the Silk Road Ensemble reflects commitment to global musical exchange.