Johannes Ismaiel-Wendt

Johannes Ismaiel-Wendt is a Professor at the Institute for Music and Musicology, University of Hildesheim, since 2018. He studied cultural studies, sociology, and musicology at the University of Bremen, earning his doctorate under Prof. Dr. Sabine Bröck and Prof. Dr. Alexander Weheliye. His work spans postcolonial analysis, popular music studies, and sound technology critique, combining academic research with sound lectures as a live drum machinist. He co-founded the ARK collective (Arkestrated Rhythmachine Komplexities) for experimental sound formats and serves as Studiendekan of the College of Cultural Studies and Aesthetic Communication since April 2023.

• Education: PhD in Musicology (University of Bremen, 2011); studies in cultural studies, sociology, and musicology
• Research Focus: Music as knowledge genesis, postcolonial sound analysis, decolonizing music education, digital audio workstations, and sonic segregation
• Notable Projects: ARK installation on microphone use in the NSU trial (2023), post_PRESETS monograph (2016), and Translating HipHop editorial (2012)

His recent publications and lectures explore intersections of racial justice, digital music production, and decolonial practices in musicology. He critiques historical reproduction of racist and sexist language in his earlier works, advocating for reflexive research methodologies. As a Vertrauensdozent with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, he mentors students in critical academic practices.

• Teaching: Courses on BreakBeat Science, PayPayPop (capitalism in music), and decolonial music discourse
• Collective Work: ARK collective installations at Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg and Haus der Kulturen der Welt
• Scientific Awards: Shared 2nd prize for music app ShakeSampler (2017, with Alan Fabian and Lorenz Heimbrecht)