Dr. Seth Custer serves as Professor and Department Head in the Department of Music Theory, Composition, and Technology at Bob Jones University's School of Fine Arts and Communication, where he has taught since 2009. His educational background includes: PhD in Music from the University of Iowa (2009) Master of Music in Composition from Central Michigan University (2006) Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of North Dakota (2004) Dr. Custer's creative scholarship focuses on contemporary classical composition for diverse ensembles including concert band, symphony orchestra, and saxophone quartet. His pedagogical expertise spans music theory, orchestration, and form analysis, reflected in his development of advanced coursework and private instruction. He maintains active professional engagement through memberships in the College Music Society, American Composers Forum, Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers, and National Federation of Music Clubs. His teaching portfolio encompasses core theory courses (Theory III-IV, Eighteenth-Century Counterpoint), Form & Analysis, and specialized private composition instruction for majors and non-majors.
Anders Hagberg is a Professor of Musical Performance/Improvisation at the University of Gothenburg's Department of Music, School of Music, Performing Arts and Theatre. His work bridges multiple disciplines, emphasizing improvisation, cross-cultural collaboration, and spatial acoustics. Hagberg has performed globally, collaborating with artists from India, Japan, South Korea, the U.S., West Africa, and Brazil. His research explores modal harmony, musical presence, and acoustics in performance, fostering international projects and educational tools to enhance musicians' creativity. Key collaborations include projects with Scandinavian, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Korean artists, as well as boundary-pushing performances at venues like the Show of Hands Festival (Istanbul) and the National Flute Association Convention (San Antonio). His work integrates dance, visual arts, and interdisciplinary practices, with recent highlights including the 2024 European Low Flutes Festival and solo concerts in Washington DC. Notable publications include works on Mussorgsky adaptations and spatial composition, reflecting his dedication to expanding musical boundaries. Hagberg's performances and workshops emphasize innovative pedagogy and global artistic exchange, positioning him as a leading figure in contemporary musical performance.
David Hall serves as an Associate Instructor of Jazz Saxophone at the University of Utah, teaching private lessons while maintaining an active performance career across jazz and classical genres on saxophone, clarinet, and flute throughout the western United States. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Classical Saxophone Performance and Education and a Master of Music (MM) in Jazz Performance and Composition from the University of Utah, complemented by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Westminster College. Dr. Hall's expertise spans: Jazz Performance Classical Saxophone Performance Woodwind Performance Jazz Composition Music Education He performs with The Night Star and Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestras, collaborating with artists including Doc Severinsen, Ellis Hall, Pete Christlieb, and Kirill Gerstein. His theatrical work includes Pioneer Memorial Theater productions and Broadway Across America shows at Eccles Theater, most recently Mean Girls (2021). Dr. Hall operates a professional instrument repair business serving public schools, the University of Utah, and professional musicians, emphasizing instrument maintenance for optimal performance. He also records diverse projects ranging from educational materials to ESPN fight songs.
Jeffrey Allardyce is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Music Theory at the University of Utah. A saxophone performer, music theorist, and educator from West Michigan, he combines musical passion with academic rigor to engage audiences and students. His roles include teaching private applied lessons and Music Theory III. Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Saxophone Performance, Michigan State University Master of Music (MM) in Music Theory Pedagogy, Michigan State University Master of Music (MM) in Saxophone Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music Bachelor of Music Education (BM) and Bachelor of Music Performance, Central Michigan University Allardyce's research focuses on performance analysis, identity and religion in music, musical narrative, and the influence of popular music on contemporary saxophone through groove, timbre, and harmony. He explores interdisciplinary connections between saxophone performance, technology, and theoretical frameworks. His chamber ensemble, Sound Session, has earned top honors in international competitions. He also performs with large ensembles like the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and saxophone groups at World Saxophone Congresses in France and Croatia. As Director of Operations for Sound Session's LLC, he contributes to ensemble management and outreach. Finalist in NASA Collegiate Solo Competition Finalist in MTNA Young Artist Competition First place in Fischoff 'Lift Every Voice' Competition First place in NASA Quartet Competition First place in MTNA Chamber Music Competition First place in Barbara Wagner Chamber Music Competition First place in NOLA Chamber Fest
Chiwei Hui is an Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, affiliated with the College of Arts & Human Sciences and the School of Art & Design’s Visual & Performing Arts Department. He is a composer, conductor, and performer whose work bridges contemporary and early music traditions. D.M.A. in Music Composition/Choral Conducting, University of Wisconsin-Madison M.M. in Music Composition and Choral Conducting, University of Oregon B.A. in Music Composition and Computer Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison Dr. Hui's research and artistic interests focus on contemporary choral music , early music , historically informed performance practices , and arts entrepreneurship . His work emphasizes interdisciplinary creativity, audience engagement, and innovative presentation of music. He blends humor and serious artistry, described as “seriously fun” with “accomplished contrapuntal texture.” His compositions span orchestral, chamber, choral, and operatic forms, often exploring cultural and technological themes. His recent compositions reflect a strong trend in contemporary choral music with interdisciplinary and global influences. Works like Hands , Stars , and Wired For Love demonstrate engagement with modern social themes, technology, and cross-cultural narratives. The repertoire includes sacred texts, folk adaptations, and original satirical operas, indicating a broad creative scope. His music has been performed internationally and featured in festivals such as the World Saxophone Congress and Society of Composers conferences. Dr. Hui has received notable recognition including: Robert Helps Prize (2008) for Of Water & Love Commission featured at the World Saxophone Congress As a conductor and mentor, he directs the UW-Stout Choirs, Schola Cantorum of Eau Claire, and Chippewa Valley Festival Choir. He has premiered works by emerging composers and fostered student-led projects, such as the moon landing-themed concert script developed by a student team. He has also secured support from the Baldrige Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Committee, highlighting his success in obtaining academic and artistic grants. Dr. Hui leads several ensembles including the Schola Cantorum of Eau Claire , the first early music chamber choir in northern Wisconsin, UW-Stout Choirs , Chippewa Valley Festival Choir , and collaborates with the Madison Early Music Festival and Eliza’s Toyes . These groups emphasize historically informed performance and community engagement, bridging academic and public audiences.
Stephen Cottrell is Professor of Music at City, University of London, where he has held various leadership positions including Head of the conjoint Departments of Music and Culture & Creative Industries (2010-15) and Assistant Vice-President responsible for establishing the City Doctoral College (2019-22). Previously, he was Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Music at Goldsmiths College. His academic journey began with studies at the University of East Anglia, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Paris Conservatoire, followed by an M.Mus. in Ethnomusicology and PhD at Goldsmiths College, supported by a British Academy scholarship. His research spans ethnographic approaches to musicians and music-making within Western art music tradition, the study of musical instruments (particularly the saxophone), and musical performance analysis. Cottrell's scholarly output includes seven books, fourteen book chapters, twenty-nine conference papers, nineteen journal articles, twenty-nine performances, and thirteen other publications. His recent work includes the 2024 article 'Musical Instruments and Palimpsestic Identity' which explores the transtextual relationships between musical instruments through Gérard Genette's literary theory of palimpsests. Cottrell serves as a member of the AHRC Peer Review College and as an external assessor for the Hong Kong Research Grants Committee and the Irish Research Council. He has examined over 25 PhD theses and held external examiner appointments at multiple institutions. His research interests bridge ethnomusicology, organology, and performance studies, with a particular focus on the saxophone and Western art music traditions. Member of British Forum for Ethnomusicology executive committee (2005-2012) Member of Royal Anthropological Institute ethnomusicology committee Associate editor of Twentieth-Century Music (2008-13) Artistic advisor to Saxophone Classics record label As a supervisor, Cottrell has guided numerous PhD students through research on diverse topics including ethnographic studies of live classical music concerts, networked jazz performances, the history of the Hang/Handpan, and the Yehudi Menuhin School's legacy. His work demonstrates significant impact across academic, performance, and cultural sectors, with research that connects historical music practices with contemporary performance contexts.
Stephen Andrew Taylor is Professor of Composition-Theory at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he co-directs the Illinois Modern Ensemble. His interdisciplinary work bridges music composition with scientific exploration, creating innovative works that transform complex data into compelling musical experiences. With a career spanning over three decades, Taylor has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary classical music. Northwestern University Cornell University California Institute of the Arts Taylor's research focuses on the intersection of music and science, particularly data sonification where he transforms genetic sequences, astronomical phenomena, and environmental data into musical compositions. His work spans multiple genres including orchestral, chamber, choral, and electronic music, often incorporating live electronics and multimedia elements. He has developed specialized techniques for representing DNA sequences, protein structures, and environmental data through sound, creating what he calls "data-driven music." His theoretical writings explore African rhythm, the music of György Ligeti, and popular artists like Björk and Radiohead. Taylor's recent compositions demonstrate a consistent exploration of scientific concepts through musical form. His works frequently engage with genetics (Winged Helix, Indian Hedgehog), astronomy (Piranesi, Ocean of Air), and environmental concerns (Maumee River Index). The composer employs sophisticated sonification techniques while maintaining strong musical integrity, creating works that are both scientifically informed and artistically compelling. His approach often involves direct collaboration with scientists, resulting in pieces that illuminate complex phenomena through musical expression. Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship (2014-15) American Academy of Arts and Letters Award Howard Foundation Award Conservatoire Américain de Fontainebleau Award Debussy Trio Composition Contest (First prize, 2000) Multiple ASCAP Foundation Awards As an educator, Taylor follows the philosophy of Olivier Messiaen, focusing on helping students develop their own musical personalities rather than imitating his style. His teaching emphasizes the importance of prolific composition as the path to mastery. Taylor has received numerous commissions from major institutions including the Chicago Symphony, Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Pink Martini, and the American Composers Orchestra. His collaborative work extends to popular music, with arrangements performed by orchestras worldwide including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Chicago Symphony. Taylor co-directs the Illinois Modern Ensemble, which serves as a laboratory for contemporary music performance and exploration. His creative partnership with visual artist Hua Nian (his spouse) has resulted in numerous multimedia works where visual elements complement his musical compositions. Through his work with data sonification projects and scientific collaborations, Taylor has established interdisciplinary connections between the School of Music and other departments across the University of Illinois campus.
Dr. Scott Brickman is a Professor of Music and Education at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, affiliated with the Humanities and Professional Studies school. He holds a Ph.D. in Music Composition/Theory from Brandeis University (1996) and a B.M. in Music Composition/Theory from the University of Wisconsin (1987). His research focuses on electronic music composition, orchestral works, 19th-century music theory, and music pedagogy for K-8 students. Notable compositions include Restoration – Symphony #4 (2018), Bagatelles (2018), and Epic Suite (2012). His works have been recorded by renowned ensembles like the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra and released through labels like Navona and Phasma. Brickman is an active academic contributor, presenting papers on topics such as Romantic era music (Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel) and music education methodologies. He maintains memberships in the College Music Society, Society of Composers Inc., and SEAMUS (electro-acoustic music society). His pedagogical innovations include developing music theory curricula for young learners and pioneering collaborative composition projects with pre-school students. He continues to explore intersections between traditional composition techniques and modern digital music technologies.
Szymon Zawodny is a saxophonist, composer, and educator at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, where he leads the saxophone class in the Instrumental Department. His career spans classical, contemporary, jazz, and improvised music performances. He is a member of The Whoop Group, Szymon Zawodny Quintet, and collaborates with renowned artists like Zbigniew Namysłowski and Krzysztof Herdzin. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts (2019), Vienna State University of Music and Arts; Master’s in Saxophone Performance (2016), Fryderyk Chopin University of Music. Awards: Fryderyk 2023, Gdańsk City Award 2024, scholarships from the Minister of Culture, and multiple competition accolades. Research interests include saxophone pedagogy, fusion of classical/jazz traditions, and electronic music integration. His performances span venues like Wiener Konzerthaus and National Philharmonic, and he has released over 10 albums across genres. Grants & Projects: Culture on the Net scholarship (2020) for 'Sound of the Cosmos' project. Active in international festivals (e.g., Un Violon sur le Sable, Transatlantyk).
Will L Townsley is an Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Music Industry Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington , where he teaches recording techniques, songwriting, film scoring, and music business . He holds a DMA in Saxophone Performance from Texas Christian University and has a diverse background in classical and jazz saxophone performance , film composition , and commercial songwriting . Doctorate in Saxophone Performance (TCU, 2015) Master's and Bachelor's in Music Education (UTA, 2008 & 2005) Avid Certified Pro Tools Instructor (2023) His research focuses on songwriting pedagogy, film scoring technology, and music industry practices . Recent creative outputs include film scores, jazz compositions, and recordings for academic and commercial contexts. Will’s works span film scoring , jazz composition , blues production , and music technology . Notable trends include collaborations with international competitions , educational film scoring , and studio production innovation . Teaching Recognition, Student Affairs/Lowell K. Davis (2024, 2023) Juried entries in Indie Film Music Contest , North Texas Blues Challenge , and Kerrville New Folk Competition He serves on multiple academic committees related to video game studies , curriculum development , and recruitment , while also advising the Chair's Advisory Council and Community Engagement Committee .
Herwig Gradischnig is a Lecturer for Saxophone & Ensemble at the Faculty of Music, JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music. He also serves as a guest professor for saxophone/jazz at the Music and Art University of Vienna and teaches at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music and multiple music schools in Austria. His pedagogical career spans over three decades, focusing on jazz and classical saxophone, ensemble performance, and improvisation. Education: Began saxophone studies in jazz/classical music at the University of Music Graz (1986), then shifted to the Bruckner Conservatory Linz (1989) for IGP Jazz and Popular Music, graduating with distinction in 1993. Research interests include saxophone techniques, jazz pedagogy, and ensemble dynamics. His prolific recordings include albums like Under Western Skies (2011) and Ghost Trio (2008). He has contributed to over 70 CDs as a saxophonist. Awards: Two-time recipient of the Hans Koller Jazz Award, 1998 Newcomer of the Year, and 2004 Jazz CD of the Year (collaboration with Oliver Kent). Teaching: Active for 25+ years in big band, ensemble, and workshop instruction across Austria and internationally. Former member of the Vienna Art Orchestra (1993–2007).
John Costa is a Professor (Lecturer) at the University of Utah's School of Music, where he specializes in music composition and history. He holds a DMA and MA from the University of Michigan and a BM from the University of Rhode Island. His academic trajectory includes progression from Adjunct Assistant Professor to full Professor since 2000. His research focuses on contemporary orchestral and chamber music composition, with parallel expertise in rock and roll history. Recent works (2024) emphasize instrumental/vocal integration and live symphonic performances, reflecting sustained innovation in modern classical forms. Awards & Honors: Georges Enesco International Competition Winner Charles E. Ives Scholarship, American Academy of Arts & Letters 2016 North Carolina New Music Initiative Orchestral Composition Winner 2018 Washington and Lee University Wind Ensemble Composition Winner Two Utah Arts Council Grants + Norton Stevens Fellowship He coordinates the Utah Arts Festival’s National Composer Commissioning Program and authored A History of Rock ‘n’ Roll: 12th Edition . Major commissions include works for the Utah Symphony and Prism Saxophone Quartet.
Dr. James Umble is Professor of Saxophone at Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music, part of the College of Creative Arts and Communication. He has earned international recognition as a teacher, soloist, clinician, chamber musician, and author. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Donald Rosenberg praised his elegance and virtuosity, while his Distinguished Professor Award for Teaching highlights his pedagogical excellence. He performs globally with his chamber trio and collaborates with jazz faculty like Dr. Kent Engelhardt and Dave Kana. Education : DMA from The University of Michigan, MM in Performance from Bowling Green State University, BM in Music Education from an unspecified institution (studied with Donald Beckie). Dr. Umble specializes in saxophone performance and pedagogy, emphasizing tonal beauty and artistic development. His career includes premiering works by composers like Marilyn Shrude and Andrew Mead, including Nature's Bard and Sonata Brevis . He has presented at major events such as the World Saxophone Congress and the U.S. Navy Band Saxophone Symposium. His acclaimed book Jean-Marie Londeix- Master of the Modern Saxophone documents the life and pedagogy of the French saxophone master. Dr. Umble's performance history includes collaborations with the Cleveland Orchestra and conductors like Pierre Boulez, as well as international appearances in Colombia, China, and France. Scientific Awards : Distinguished Professor Award for Teaching. As a Selmer Artist, he performs on Selmer saxophones and Légère reeds. His students hold teaching positions and graduate roles nationwide. He actively engages in clinics and masterclasses, including Developing Tonal Beauty, and contributes to innovative pedagogical methods.
Greg Satterthwaite is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano and African American Studies at the University of Georgia , affiliated with the Hugh Hodgson School of Music . His work bridges jazz improvisation , Afro-Caribbean musical traditions , and African American cultural identity . Doctor of Musical Arts, University of North Texas Master of Arts in Commercial Music, Florida Atlantic University Bachelor of Music, University of Miami His research and creative output focus on jazz education , cultural hybridity in music , and African diaspora influences . He co-founded JazzSpire.org , a platform for arts advocacy and creative education. At the 2021 Jazz Education Network Conference, he presented a critical analysis of McCoy Tyner’s early recordings, reflecting his scholarly approach to jazz history. His 2023 album Savannah Blue explores Georgia’s coastal culture and Jamaican roots , while his 2024 release Crossing Lines fuses jazz improvisation with Afrobeats, reggae, and neo-soul . Recipient of South Arts 2023 Jazz Road Artist Award Collaborated with Grammy-winning artists (Terreon Gully, Delbert Felix) Performs at major festivals (Swan City Piano Festival, Denton Jazz Festival) As an educator, Satterthwaite integrates mentorship from jazz legends (Stephen Scott, Ron Miller) into his teaching, emphasizing jazz as a living tradition and a tool for cross-cultural storytelling .
David Howie is a Lecturer in Collaborative Piano at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, where he has been affiliated since 1992. He holds a BMus and GradDipMus(Acc) in accompaniment. Prior to returning to Australia, he was Head of Keyboard Studies at King's College in Somerset, England. His career spans over three decades of teaching and performing internationally. Education: Studied piano under Sonya Hanke and Gordon Watson, later specializing in accompaniment with David Miller and Paul Hamburger. Affiliations: Sydney Conservatorium Ensemble Unit member since 1992. Research interests focus on collaborative piano techniques, chamber music performance practices, and promoting Australian contemporary repertoire through his HD Duo partnership with saxophonist Michael Duke. They released Australian Portrait (2012) and The Fairer Sax , exploring Australian composers and female composers' works. Performance highlights include collaborations with artists like Stanley Drucker, Kamahl, and Dominica Matthews across Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. Recent recordings include Bird Spirit Dreaming (2024) and Music of the Commonwealth (2021), showcasing cross-cultural musical fusions. Grants: 2017 Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust grant for commissioning new works with HDDuo. Labs/Teams: Co-founder of HD Duo, pioneers of Australian music for saxophone and piano.
