Robert Frank
Associate Professor of Theory and Composition; Coordinator of Composition Studies
Robert J. Frank (b. 1961) is a composer and serves as Associate Professor and Coordinator of Composition Studies. His music continues to win numerous awards and has been performed by major ensembles and performers in Carnegie Hall, the Mozarteum Grosser Hall in Salzburg during the Summer Music Festival, and in major concert halls in more than a dozen countries around the globe. In 2008 he was named composer-in-residence at the annual Viva Vivaldi International Summer Festival of the Arts held in Mexico City. His pioneering development of the analysis of Temporal Elements has opened the analysis of previously neglected acoustic and electro-acoustic works and is taught in universities around the globe. He is co-author of the Text/Hypertext: Fundamentals for the Aspiring Musician and author of Beyond the Common Practice. His music is published by Brixton Publications and Robert Frank Music, and recorded on several CD labels.
Education
D.M.A. (1995) and M.M. (1988), University of North Texas;
B.A. (1985) and B.M. (1984), Minnesota State University, Mankato
Research
Composition, Theory, Music Fundamentals, Music Technology and Learning, Interactive Electro-acoustic Music Systems, Temporal Analysis of Music via Temporal Elements.
Teaching
Private Composition, Orchestration, Electro-acoustic Music, Music Theory and Aural Skills
Distinctions
Special Distinction: Rudolf Nissim Prize, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), 2008. Selected work: Fast Falls the Eventide. For a work by an ASCAP composer requiring a conductor that has not been performed professionally. Blind-juried selection from 315 applicants. 1 award and 3 special distinction recognitions awarded.
Finalist: Mozart-250 International Blitzcomposition Competition for Composers, Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, Moscow, Russia. (2006) Selected work: Figaronacht. Major International competition with live broadcast of the premiere over Russian State Radio, and multiple performances abroad, including Carnegie Hall, NYC.
Winner: Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Competition (2004) Selected work: Lucky Stars (selected as one of 5 winning works from over 40 submissions)
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, ASCAP Plus Award (Concert Category) (annually, 1998-present). Juried selection.
Honorable Mention, National Flute Association’s Newly Published Music Competition, 1999, The Emergence of Night.
SMU H.O.P.E. Award (Honoring Our Professors Excellence – student nominated award) Professor, SMU Department of Residential Life and Student Housing. (2000)
First Place, 14th Annual Choral Composition Contest, Ithaca College/Theodore Presser Co. (1993) winning work: Dinosaur! This is one of the largest and oldest choral music competitions in the United States.
Winner, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association's Young American Composers Reading Session, (1988) winning work: For the Oppressed
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