Howard Cass

Howard Cass serves as Professor of Music and Musical Theatre in the Department of Music at Eastern Michigan University's College of Arts and Sciences. He previously held positions as Co-Director of the Juilliard Electronic Music Studio and Composer-in-Residence for the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra (1990-2018).

His academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Juilliard School
• Master of Music (MM) from Juilliard School
• Bachelor of Music (BM) from Juilliard School

Dr. Cass's research centers on interdisciplinary composition, merging jazz, electronic music, and narrative elements through collaborations with dance and theatre. His creative practice bridges academic scholarship with performance, notably in film scores and ensemble works that explore cultural storytelling.

His compositional trends emphasize jazz quartet structures and multimedia integration, exemplified by Jazz Quartet Suite No. 7 (2017). Works frequently intersect music with visual arts and literature, as seen in Kurt Vonnegut collaborations where narration and composition form unified artistic statements.

Recognition includes:

• Provost's Research Award for New Faculty
• Multiple EMU Faculty Research Fellowships
• College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Interdisciplinary Research Awards (2015-2016)
• Lincoln Center Institute composition commission
• 2017 Sabbatical Leave Award for creative development

Research funding from EMU's Provost Office and College of Arts and Sciences has enabled extensive creative output, including theatre scores and dance film collaborations. Though student names aren't specified, his teaching in chamber music and musical theatre acting demonstrates mentorship through performance-based pedagogy.

He maintains active creative partnerships with EMU's Dance Department (notably Professor Joanna McNamara) and has directed ensembles including the Juilliard Electronic Music Studio. His compositions continue to be performed internationally at venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.