Johanna Bramli is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Art and Media at the University of Brighton. Her creative practice spans sound art, music composition, and performance-based research, focusing on textures, noise, audience interaction, and sensory perception. She co-founded electronic band Fröst, all-female noise choir The Larsens, and MAMI (Mamas Across Music Initiative). Education: Master's in Music (2009–2011), Goldsmiths College, London Bachelor's in Music (2000–2003), Goldsmiths College, London Research interests include site-specific performances, improvisation, and exploring the intersections of women’s roles in technology and creative industries. Her work often integrates installations and participatory elements, as seen in projects like Invisible Voices and collaborations with dance theatre. Her artistic outputs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, blending music, visual art, and social commentary through initiatives like MAMI that address gender representation in music.
Greg Stallings is an Associate Professor of Spanish & Portuguese at Brigham Young University. His work bridges cultural studies, literature, and music, with a focus on Latin American and Afro-Caribbean themes. He regularly organizes public humanities events, including concerts, lectures, and podcasts that explore intersections of art, identity, and history. Notable initiatives include the Navidad Azul music-poetry series and collaborations with institutions like the BYU International Cinema. Stallings has been recognized for his contributions with the El Instituto de Estudios Vallejianos Placa de Vallejo en el Alma award (2019). His academic engagements span film analysis, poetry memorials, and interdisciplinary performances, often highlighting marginalized cultural narratives. Recent projects include a podcast series on political horror and a tribute to poet Anya Krugovoy Silver (2025). Education: Not explicitly stated in records. Key Research Interests: Afro-Cuban literature, avant-garde jazz, cultural hybridity, and Latin American cinema. His events frequently feature collaborations with musicians, poets, and filmmakers, fostering dialogue between academic disciplines and public audiences. Stallings is also active in organizing cultural festivals, such as Cinco de Mayo and Black History Month programs, emphasizing community engagement through the arts.
Petter Frost Fadnes is a Professor of improvised music at the University of Stavanger (Faculty of Performing Arts, Department of Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production). A saxophonist and researcher, he has led the HERA-funded Rhythm Changes project on jazz cultures and European identities. His work bridges artistic practice and theory, focusing on improvisation’s role in identity formation, cultural hybridity, and urban contexts. Key outputs include his 2020 book *Jazz on the Line: Improvisation in Practice* and recent contributions to *Routledge* and *Ubuntu Fusion Music*. Active in over 100 international conferences, he explores jazz’s intersections with education, decolonization, and multimedia performance. Collaborations like the Kitchen Orchestra and Angrusori ensemble highlight his innovative intercultural and experimental approaches. Research interests span improvisation pedagogy, diasporic jazz networks, and institutional critique in music education. His 2023 work on decolonizing music history curricula and 2024 studies on jazz lofts as cultural hubs exemplify his commitment to redefining jazz’s academic and societal roles. Active in Norway’s jazz scene since the early 2000s, Fadnes has also contributed to policy discussions on arts funding and cultural equity through projects like *Streetwise in the artistic city* (2025).
Robert Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Music at the University of South Wales, affiliated with the Faculty of Business and Creative Industries. He leads the BA (Hons) Performing Arts course and specializes in community music, jazz, and music for media. With over four decades of experience, he has performed globally and founded the community jazz big band Wonderbrass in 1992. His research explores improvisation, music pedagogy, and cultural politics. Education: PhD (Glamorgan), M.Mus (Wales), B.A. Hons (Nottingham). Teaching focuses on popular music analysis, composition, and film music. Collaborations span international musicians and projects like 'Biophony' (2017) and the BAFTA-winning film score for 'The Portrait' (2014). Recent research highlights include studies on Welsh jazz culture, spirituality in community music, and utopian musical practices. Awards include recognition for his film score and contributions to music education. He actively engages in grants and symposia, such as the 2016 'Music, Pedagogy and Community' symposium.
Nick Hwang is an Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, affiliated with the Department of Communication within the College of Arts and Communication. His research focuses on music technology, interactive media, and collaborative performance systems, emphasizing innovations in sound diffusion, telematic music, and digital instrument design. He actively engages in interdisciplinary projects such as the Collab-Hub system for remote musical collaboration and the RhumbLine project exploring zoomorphic musical robots. Dr. Hwang’s academic contributions span over a decade, with notable work on the Actuated Embedded Musical Instrument (AEMI) and web-based creative coding education. His teaching philosophy prioritizes student-centered learning, tailoring material to individual backgrounds while pushing technical and artistic boundaries. Though no awards or grants are explicitly documented here, his publications reflect a commitment to advancing technologies at the intersection of music, computing, and human interaction. His lab environments and collaborative projects foster experimentation with emerging tools like mobile node controllers (MoNoDeC) and spatial audio systems. While specific student advisees or grant details are not listed, his teaching within media and game development programs underscores a dedication to preparing students for evolving creative industries.
Dr. Waldo Fabian Garrido is a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University's School of Humanities & Communication Arts, where he bridges academic research with creative music practice. Holding a PhD in Contemporary Music Studies from Macquarie University and a Master of Design Science from the University of Sydney, his work spans Latin music, jazz, world music, and electronic production. PhD in Contemporary Music Studies, Macquarie University Master of Design Science, University of Sydney Bachelor of Arts, Macquarie University As both a scholar and performer, Dr. Garrido explores cultural psychology through musical fusion, with a focus on migration and multiculturalism. His creative output includes over 20 albums and singles, distributed globally through HIGHRESAUDIO, Native Music UK, and Electric Friends Germany, featuring collaborations with Grammy-winning artists like Frank Gambale and Alex Acuña. His research interests include: Latin music innovation Jazz fusion techniques Electronic sound design Cultural identity in music Global collaboration frameworks Music industry dynamics Selected for prestigious fellowships including the Elizabeth Wood Research Fellowship (2024) and AIAS Visiting Fellowship (2022), Dr. Garrido also contributes to international film scores and maintains active industry partnerships with BMG Publishing and Arabic Berlin-based musicians.
Mag. Günther Schreder is a Lecturer at the Department for Knowledge and Communication Management at the University for Continuing Education Krems. His research focuses on usability design, information visualization, collective intelligence, and cognitive aspects of organizational communication. He has led and contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects, including the 'Co-Mind' initiative exploring boundary objects in innovation processes and the 'Isotype goes Data Journalism' project analyzing historical visualization techniques. His teaching includes courses on Usability Design Methods and Cognitive Psychology, emphasizing practical applications of design thinking and collaborative learning frameworks. Key research projects include developing system models for organizational improvisation, analyzing risk factors for refugee mental health, and advancing synoptic visualization approaches for cultural heritage collections. He has collaborated on EU-funded initiatives like the 'INNOMAT' project on barrier-free ticket vending machines and contributed to the 'Schema Processing in Organizational Culture' study. Schreder's work bridges cognitive science with practical design solutions, aiming to enhance user-centered systems and public engagement through innovative visualization strategies.
Jason Bolte is a Professor and Director of the School of Music at Montana State University, within the College of Arts & Architecture. He specializes in Music Technology, Composition, Electroacoustic Music, and Art/Science intersections. He holds a D.M.A. in Music Composition from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and degrees from Ball State University. His research explores the Mountain West, modular synthesis, and intersections of music, art, and science. He teaches courses in Electronic Composition and Music Technology. Awards include nominations from SEAMUS and ASCAP, and recognition from the Ball State Alumni Achievement Citation. Grants include 'ArtSci Nexus' and 'Scoring Einstein’s Symphony.' He serves on boards for Intermountain Opera and National Music Executives. His music is featured on labels like New Focus and ABLAZE, and his work spans live electronics, fixed media, and collaborative art-science projects.
Marc Hunziker is a Lecturer at the Institute of Classical and Church Music within the Lucerne School of Music (HSLU). He holds academic affiliations at both HSLU and the Kantonsschule Musegg in Luzern. His roles include teaching Classical Piano, Piano as a Subsidiary Subject, and Practical School Piano Play. Education: Marc completed his primary teacher training, earned a Lehrdiplom in Classical Piano under Grazia Wendling at the Lucerne School of Music, and a Konzertreifediplom under Ivan Klansky. He further studied Jazz through masterclasses with Kenny Barron, Art Lande, and Rob van Kreeveld. Research interests span Jazz and Classical music performance, with a focus on piano and collaborative arrangements. His artistic work includes performances in diverse ensembles such as the Marc Hunziker Trio, Ten In One-Jazzorchestra, Jazzquadrat, corde dorate, and a piano duo with Yvonne Lang. He also collaborates in experimental improvisation projects like Euphorium (with Florian Volkmann) and with various choirs. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned. Teaching collaborations include co-teaching initiatives with Yvonne Lang. No specific lab or team affiliations are noted beyond his performance groups.
Frank Möbus is a renowned jazz guitarist and academic, holding the rank of Professor at both the Hochschule Weimar, Germany and Hochschule Luzern, Switzerland. He teaches jazz guitar and has been active in academia since 2006. His primary affiliations include the Lucerne School of Music's Department of Jazz and Folk Music. Education: Studied at Berklee College of Music (1985–1989) and furthered studies with Jerry Bergonzi in Boston. Research interests focus on avant-garde jazz guitar, experimental composition, and music production. His work spans collaborations with globally acclaimed artists like Carlos Bica, Jim Black, and Louis Sclavis. He has produced over 60 albums and received notable awards, including the 2011 Kulturstipendium Nürnberg and the 2006 Deutschen Jazzpreis Mannheim for his group 'Der Rote Bereich.' His discography highlights include leading projects like 'Der Rote Bereich,' 'Carlos Bica AZUL,' and 'KUU!' which explore boundaries between jazz, rock, and experimental music. Recent works emphasize avant-garde improvisation and cross-genre fusion. Awards: Kulturstipendium Nürnberg (2011), Deutschen Jazzpreis Mannheim (2006). Teaching commitments include workshops at numerous European music academies, alongside leading his own jazz guitar courses. He has coached bands like Martina Linn and June Coco, reflecting his dual role as educator and producer. Labs/Teams: Active in bands such as 'Der Rote Bereich' (avant-garde jazz) and 'Carlos Bica AZUL' (avant-garde trio), showcasing his versatility across performance and academic spheres.
Nathanael Su is a Professor at the Lucerne School of Music, specializing in jazz performance and education. He holds affiliations with the Institute of Jazz and Folk Music where he teaches saxophone, jazz theory, and ensemble courses. Su studied at the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz and earned a Professional Music Diploma from Berklee College of Music in Boston. His research focuses on jazz pedagogy, evidenced by his authorship of a jazz harmony textbook published by the Lucerne music conservatory. Su maintains an active performance career across Europe and the Caribbean, collaborating with prominent artists like Franco Ambrosetti and leading ensembles such as the International Hashva Orchestra. His scholarly contributions bridge performance practice and music education methodologies. Research Interests: Jazz improvisation techniques, harmonic analysis in jazz compositions, cross-cultural music collaboration Honors include the Werkjahr award from Zürich and a state-commissioned composition. As an educator, he develops curriculum resources that integrate practical performance with theoretical frameworks.
Monika Ciernia Sorondo is a University Professor for Media Music at the Faculty of Music, JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music Vienna. She serves as Dean of Studies and Head of Wind Instruments at JAM since 2018. Additionally, she is a lecturer at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music. Currently on maternity leave, Professor Sorondo maintains an active presence in both academic and artistic spheres as a saxophonist, composer, and producer specializing in jazz, funk, fusion, soul, lounge, pop, and classical music. Educational Background: PhD studies on "Development and Management of Music Schools" at University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna Mag.art. in Media composition from MDW Vienna (2015) Mag.art. in IGP Popular Music Saxophone from MDW Vienna Diploma in Jazz saxophone from University of Music Munich Professor Sorondo's research interests span media music composition, cultural management, and music education administration. Her scholarly work focuses on the development and management of music schools, with particular attention to organizational structures and educational methodologies in music institutions. She also investigates the integration of jazz within orchestral contexts and analyzes film music composition techniques, particularly examining John Williams' work on the Harry Potter series. Her artistic research explores electronic music production and the fusion of world music elements with contemporary jazz and popular music forms. Professor Sorondo's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on bridging academic music theory with practical artistic application. Her work spans film scoring, electronic music production, and the analysis of musical traditions from diverse cultures including Polish folk influences on Chopin and Algerian musical elements. She shows particular interest in how traditional musical forms can be adapted to contemporary contexts while maintaining cultural authenticity. Professional Experience: Lecturer at JAM MUSIC LAB and Friedrich Gulda School of Music since 2016 Dean of Studies and Head of Wind Instruments at JAM since 2018 Lecturer at Vienna Conservatory, Division Pop (2012-2016) Teacher at Musikschule Ohrwurm/Jazzschool, Munich (2005-2006) Managing director of the artist agency "ArtSonic" since 2015 Editor and author at Bayerischer Rundfunk (2005-2006) Assistant Booker at NuCoast Entertainment (2012) Professor Sorondo leads several artistic projects including The Cat Pack (Jazz & Kabaret), Melotronic (Electronic), Funky Ladies (Pop), Saxophisticated (Saxophone quartet), and various chamber ensembles. She has collaborated with notable artists including Erwin Schrott, Stefanie Werger, Wolfgang Ambros, and the BR Rundfunkorchester, contributing compositions and arrangements for film, television, and live performance.
Jeffrey Lindberg is a Professor of Music at The College of Wooster, serving as Music Director of the Wooster Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and leader of the Wooster Jazz Ensemble. He teaches trombone, jazz history, and improvisation. Lindberg holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and studied at the Vienna Academy of Music as a Paul Harris Scholar. He was a Conducting Fellow at the Aspen Music School and joined Wooster’s faculty in 1986. Education: B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Vienna Academy of Music (Paul Harris Scholar) Research & Activities: Lindberg specializes in orchestral conducting, jazz transcription, and ensemble leadership. He curates innovative programs for the WSO, featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and commissions such as the Women’s Suffrage Suite . His transcriptions of Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn’s works are critically acclaimed, published by Alfred Publishing and Hal Leonard. He co-founded the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, which has performed at the Kennedy Center Honors for 26 years. Labs/Teams: Wooster Symphony Orchestra Wooster Jazz Ensemble Chicago Jazz Orchestra (Artistic Director)
Karolina Witowska is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Computer Science, Graphic Arts, and Architecture at Vistula University of Finance and Business. She holds an M.A. in Graphic Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and completed postgraduate studies in 'Art, Public Space, and Democracy' at the University of Social Pedagogy. Her work bridges art, education, and design, focusing on interdisciplinary projects that explore human psychology and social interaction. Education: Faculty of Graphic Arts, Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (M.A.) Postgraduate studies in Art, Public Space, and Democracy (University of Social Pedagogy) Art therapy instructor courses Research & Creative Work: Witowska creates drawing installations, murals, and socio-cultural projects that combine gestural sketches with themes of interpersonal relationships. Her practice spans exhibitions like the Poster Biennale and workshops for diverse audiences, including therapeutic sessions and community projects in Mokotów district. As a designer, she collaborates with NGOs and cultural institutions on logos, posters, and educational materials. Awards: Rector's Honors for her diploma project 'Mieszkaństwo' under Prof. Lech Majewski. Teaching & Outreach: She has taught art in schools, prepared students for art studies at Kadr Cultural Center, and lectured at the Children's University. Currently, she runs a graphic design studio at the University of Social Sciences and contributes to the Guliwer Theatre. Her work integrates art education with community engagement and improvisation.
Rafał Grząka serves as Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education at the Chopin University of Music, holding a Professor title in the Department of Instrumental Studies. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Polish Accordionists' Association and曾担任华沙肖邦大学音乐学院器乐系学生事务副系主任。 He graduated from the Chopin University of Music, Henryk Majewski Postgraduate Jazz School, and completed doctoral studies at FCUM. His artistic career spans over 35 international accordion competition victories, including the prestigious 'City Winery of New York' award with ensemble KlezmaFour. Grząka has performed with major orchestras worldwide, including the National Philharmonic and Polish Radio Orchestra, collaborating with renowned conductors like Lucas Vis and Michał Klauza. His research and performance focus on accordion innovation, contemporary Polish compositions, and cross-genre collaborations. Notable projects include the 2016 *Atom Accordion Quintet* album (nominated for Fryderyk Award) and the world premiere of *FisConcerto* with Mikołaj Majkusiak. He actively promotes Polish music through festivals in over 20 countries and has taught at international music courses in Miętne, Lusławice, and Vilnius. Grząka’s academic contributions were recognized with the 2017 UMFC Rector’s Award and the 2018 'Teacher for a Medal' honor.
