Mark Y. Miyake

Mark Y. Miyake is an Assistant Professor of Music and Society at Fairhaven College, Western Washington University, leading the Audio Technology, Music, and Society program. He serves as Chair-Elect of Humanities Washington’s Board of Trustees, a Board member of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, and on the National Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress. Locally, he contributes to the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions, Make.Shift Art Space, and Bellingham Girls Rock Camp. He also advises grants panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and other organizations.

Education: BA in Ethnomusicology and History (Indiana University), MA and PhD in Folklore and Ethnomusicology (Indiana University). Previously taught at Empire State College (SUNY) and held leadership roles in New York’s arts sector, including chairing the Folk Arts Panel at NYSCA and leading the Middle Atlantic Folklife Association.

Research focuses on artistic performance contexts, particularly the social/cultural systems influencing music. Recent work examines race discourse in bluegrass communities. Combines ethnographic research with decades of professional experience as a musician, audio engineer, and industry professional across genres like rock, bluegrass, and global folk traditions.

Advising and grants: Extensive panel service for arts organizations including NEA, ArtsFund, and Washington State agencies. Community involvement bridges academic research with grassroots cultural preservation efforts.

Labs/teams: Collaborates across disciplines through Fairhaven College’s programs and external partnerships in cultural heritage preservation and music industry innovation.