Volker Straebel

Volker Straebel is a Professor at the Berlin University of the Arts, where he has directed the Sound Studies and Sonic Arts Master program since 2015. Concurrently, he serves as Dean of the Herb Alpert School of Music at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) since 2021, demonstrating dual leadership in prominent academic institutions.

His research spans experimental and electro-acoustic music, sound art, intermedia, performance art, and concept art. Straebel has published extensively on media-specific music and the works of John Cage, Alvin Lucier, and Phill Niblock, while actively performing electronic music and indeterminate compositions. His scholarly approach bridges historical musicology with contemporary sonic practices.

Prior to his current roles, Straebel directed the Electronic Music Studio at the Technical University Berlin. His academic leadership has established interdisciplinary frameworks for sound studies, integrating artistic practice with theoretical research through institutional programs and performance initiatives.