Michael Frazier Promoted to Assistant Professor of Composition at Oberlin Conservatory

At Oberlin, Frazier aims to foster meaningful connections across the conservatory. Already, he has supported cross-departmental initiatives including the Explorations project, through which student composers collaborate with musicians from a different studio each year toward the creation of a new work. He envisions further collaborations between the Composition Department, TIMARA, and jazz, enriching the creative experiences of students and faculty alike.

“We are so pleased to welcome Michael,” says Composition Department Chair Stephen Hartke. “Of course, having served here these past two years in a visiting capacity, he is already a highly valued colleague whose talents and energies have led to new initiatives and a broadening of our department’s perspectives. I know that all of us, students and faculty alike, look forward to his continuing engagement with our creative community.”

Frazier’s collaborative mindset is apparent in his artistry. He’s currently working on two projects with Oberlin community members: a piece for solo viola for rising third-year student Solomon Leonard, as well as a piece for bassoon, piano, percussion, and electronics for Dana Jessen, Oberlin’s associate professor of contemporary music and improvisation and director of conservatory professional development. “I’m taking both pieces as opportunities to incorporate more improvisational approaches by the players,” he says. “I’m excited to see how it’ll go!

“I can say that my Oberlin experience so far has been nothing short of remarkable. Never could I have predicted being in an environment with such a high level of musicality, artistry, respect, and compassion as I’ve found here.”

“I’m so thankful to be able to continue being a part of this school. This is perhaps the first time ever that I’m more eager for summer break to be finished just so I can get right back into doing what I love this upcoming school year!”