Rob Deemer

Dr. Rob Deemer serves as Professor and Head of Composition at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he also chairs the Department of Theatre and Dance. His academic roles extend to national leadership positions including chair of the National Association for Music Education Repertoire Diversity Initiative and the New York State School Music Association Composition & Songwriting Committee.

Deemer's research centers on contemporary composition across multiple genres including solo, chamber, choral, wind ensemble, and orchestral works, with particular emphasis on diversifying musical repertoire through advocacy for women composers and composers of color. His scholarly interests explore the role of contemporary composers in society and the integration of social media and technology in music education.

His compositional output demonstrates significant engagement with American orchestral and wind ensemble traditions while pushing boundaries through innovative instrumentation and interdisciplinary approaches. Works like Vox Humana for English horn and orchestra and Gallimaufry for reed quintet showcase his commitment to expanding performance literature for underrepresented instruments and ensembles.

• 2018 ASCAP Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Internet Award

Deemer founded the Institute for Composer Diversity at SUNY Fredonia, establishing partnerships with major organizations including the League of American Orchestras, National Association for Music Education, and College Band Directors National Association. His advocacy work has significantly impacted programming practices in educational and professional music settings nationwide.