Jeffrey Roberts

Jeffrey Roberts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Alberta, specializing in intercultural music composition and performance. His work bridges East Asian and Western musical traditions, focusing on electroacoustic music, guqin improvisation, and intercultural plucked string techniques. He holds a PhD from Brandeis University, with additional studies at Boston University, New England Conservatory, and the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music under master Li Xiangting.

Research interests include technology's role in cultural identity, guqin improvisation, and intercultural soundscapes. He co-founded the PAN Project Ensemble, exploring modern music rooted in East Asian intercultural history. Notable awards include the Fulbright Fellowship and Jack Straw Artist Support Award. His compositions have been released on labels such as Neuma Records and Telos Music.

Teaching includes courses on interculturalism in East Asian music, Chinese pop music history, and landscape/soundscape studies. Recent courses (2025–2026) cover Understanding East Asia, Intercultural Music Traditions, and Global Chinese Pop Music development.

Key achievements include the 2021 PAN Project album release and ongoing work in interactive sound installations. Roberts is affiliated with the University of Alberta’s East Asian Music program and collaborates internationally in sound art and performance.