Brief Biography
Todd Coleman is a composer and video artist who works in the contemporary "Classical" concert music tradition, but whose works increasingly defy simple categorizations. Recent compositions have incorporated visual elements of multiple projected layers of digital video interwoven with live performers and immersive surround digital audio, blending studio recording and film scoring techniques with prerecorded electronic music and live sound. Coleman has a strong background in technology and the arts, with many commissions and jobs which blur the boundaries between creative disciplines.
Coleman earned his Bachelor of Music degree in composition from Brigham Young University, winning a number of awards and commissions for his work. He went on to study composition and double bass performance at the famed Eastman School of Music on a prestigious Jackno Fellowship, earning his Doctorate in 2002. His composition teachers included Joseph Schwantner, Christopher Rouse, Augusta Read Thomas and David Liptak, and he studied double bass with James VanDemark. During that time he received awards for his orchestral and chamber music as well as several commissioned works.
Coleman is an associate professor of music at Elon University in North Carolina where he coordinates the Music Technology program. Prior to coming to Elon, Coleman taught at Grinnell College for four years.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts - composition & double bass performance
2002 - Eastman School of Music
Master of Music - composition & double bass performance
1999 - Eastman School of Music
Bachelor of Music - composition & double bass performance
1996 - Brigham Young University
Employment History
Associate Professor of Music & Coordinator of Music Technology
(2007 - present) Elon University Department of Music, Elon, North Carolina.
Assistant Professor of Music & Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow
(2003 - 2007) Grinnell College Department of Music, Grinnell, Iowa.
Curricular Technology Specialist for the Arts
(2002 - 2003) Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa.
Courses Taught
Introduction to Music Technology
Critical Listening
Seminar in Music Technology
Technology in Composition & Arranging
Instrumental & Choral Arranging
Art of Electronic Sound
Music Technology Senior Seminar
Electric Ensemble
Composition Lessons
Double Bass Lessons
Bass Guitar Lessons
Honors Fellow Mentor
College Fellow Mentor
Leadership Positions
Barlow Endowment for Music Composition - Board of Advisors (2010-2015)
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