I am a composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Asheville, North Carolina. I seek to create music that resonates with my conception of the natural world, drawing on historical practices, living traditions, and experimental techniques in all of my work. My creativity is sparked by the many intricate facets of how disparate (and often opposing) artistic forces commingle at their boundaries. I thrive in collaborative work in open, creative environments where ideas flow freely and come together into new forms that could not have been conceived otherwise.
My compositions span several genres, media, and processes including conventional scores for chamber and solo musicians, multimedia installations, live electronics, jazz band, generative electronics, studio recording and production, and more. I am inspired by early music and historical performance, folk music from many cultures, and avant-garde experimental contemporary music styles. I aim to create music that is a genuine reflection of my own unique confluence of knowledge and experiences.
As a multi-instrumentalist I play viola da gamba, piano, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, ocarina, and more. I am experienced in many styles, including early music, classical, contemporary classical (new music), Irish traditional, Chinese traditional, Christian contemporary worship, pop, jazz, and more. In addition to solo performance I have worked with groups both small and large, formal and informal; I strive to always bring a professional attitude and an excellent performance.
I have received a Master of Arts degree in Music Composition from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory & Composition from Appalachian State University. My research interests include microtonality, extended just intonation, generative and aleatoric music, early music, traditional music, and musical instrument design and construction. My master’s thesis is a composition for solo viola da gamba in just intonation accompanied by live electronics and voice, written in a flexible form which encourages experimentation, embellishment, and adaptation.
Jonathan Snead 