Tyron Cooper

Tyron Cooper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology at Indiana University Bloomington's College of Arts & Sciences, where he also directs the Archives of African American Music & Culture. His work bridges African American music studies, archival research, and documentary production.

• Ph.D., Indiana University (2013)
• M.A., Indiana University (1998)
• B.A., Bethune-Cookman University (1996)

Cooper's research focuses on African American music and culture, archival studies, and film music, particularly through documentary projects that preserve cultural heritage. His recent work explores topics ranging from Hoosier School art to adaptive sports and Holocaust survivor narratives.

Cooper's documentary scores have earned multiple Emmy Awards and nominations for musical composition and arrangement, reflecting his expertise in connecting music to historical and cultural storytelling. Notable works include Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele (2021) and Eva A-7063 (2018). He has also received the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award (2018) and the Black Faculty Student Choice Award (2014).

As director of the Archives of African American Music & Culture, Cooper leads initiatives in cultural preservation and community engagement. His documentary projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration and public outreach.