Alex Cooke
Head, Core Curriculum Division
Director of Electronic Music
Music Theory Faculty, Conservatory
Music Theory Faculty, Joint Music Program
General Education Faculty, Conservatory
Music Theory DepartmentComposition Department
Introduction
Alex Cooke holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Keith Fitch. He also holds a Master of Science degree in applied mathematics from Case Western Reserve University, where his thesis was Algorithmic Stochastic Music, combining mathematics and music into a system of composition and theoretical analysis. His current research focuses on parallels between the physics of phase transitions and algorithmic music, for which he and co-PI Jesse Berezovsky (CWRU) were awarded an Emerging Horizons Initiative grant from Case Western. His music is characterized by a strong attention to texture and melody; it often draws inspiration from natural phenomena, seeking to evoke complex sensory experiences in a musical setting. In addition to his classically oriented composition, Cooke is also an avid songwriter and electronic musician.
Education
- BS in mathematics
- BA in psychology and dance
- MS in applied mathematics, Case Western Reserve University
- DMA in music composition, Cleveland Institute of Music; studied with Keith Fitch
Teaching Experience
- Faculty, Cleveland Institute of Music
- Faculty, Sphinx Performance Academy (2019, 2022)
- Mathematics Faculty, Case Western Reserve University (2018)
- Composition Instructor, CIM (2017-18)
- Faculty, CIM Young Composers Program (2018)
- Theory Substitute, CIM (2014, 2017-18)
- Graduate Instructor of Mathematics, CWRU (2012, 2015-17)
- Supplemental Instructor of Mathematics, CWRU (2008-11)
- Faculty, Music on the Verge (2012)