Max Wolpert

Max Wolpert is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Composition at the Lionel Hampton School of Music, University of Idaho, within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. He is a composer, fiddler, and educator whose work bridges traditional, classical, and theatrical music, often drawing on themes of myth and the macabre.

Education:

• D.M.A. in Composition, University of Colorado – Boulder
• M.M. in Composition, University of Colorado – Boulder
• B.M. in Professional Music with Conducting Minor, Berklee College of Music

Wolpert's research and artistic practice focus on dramatic, narrative-driven compositions that merge diverse musical worlds. His works, such as Monster Dances: A Multimedia Ghost Story for Viola Alone and the forthcoming Leviathans cello concerto, explore folklore, horror, and multimedia storytelling. He is passionate about integrating composition into instrumental pedagogy, having led tunewriting workshops and co-authored the forthcoming method book The Tune Bug. His music has been performed by orchestras including the Colorado Symphony and La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, and at international festivals in Brazil and England.

Wolpert actively collaborates with artists across disciplines, including banjoist Jayme Stone, dance company Pilobolus, and violist Brett Deubner. His recordings appear on Naxos Records and Yellow Sound Label.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards explicitly mentioned.

Wolpert is dedicated to mentoring and educational outreach through workshops and curriculum development. He has presented at institutions such as CU Boulder, Colorado State University, and the American String Teachers Association national conference. While no formal list of advisees is provided, his pedagogical initiatives indicate a strong commitment to student engagement and creative development.

He is involved in innovative artistic teams and collaborative projects, including multimedia performances with visual artist Ryo Nishikawa and interdisciplinary productions with theater and dance ensembles.