Luke Blackburn

Position
Assistant Professor
Affiliated Departments

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American composer and bassoonist Luke Blackburn has been described as musician whose music is “fresh, and imaginatively conceived” (Boston Globe) and “very witty and creative” (Lyra Society).

Blackburn's compositional approach is deeply rooted in his extensive research, personal observations, and encounters with the natural world. He draws inspiration from the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit our planet. In addition to his musical pursuits, Blackburn is a fervent advocate for nature conservation as an artistic practice. He founded Project EcoMusic in 2019, a collaborative initiative that showcases the impact interdisciplinary collaboration can have on the natural world. An impassioned educator and advocate for contemporary composers and musicians, Blackburn currently holds the position of assistant professor of composition at Berklee College of Music. Prior to his position at Berklee, he served as a teaching fellow at both Harvard University and Brandeis University's Departments of Music.

Career Highlights
  • Founder/Artistic Director of Project EcoMusic, a collaborative initiative that showcases the impact interdisciplinary collaboration can have on the natural world
  • Premieres and commissions by Collage New Music, Boston Musica Viva, ensemble vim, Guerrilla Opera, Lyra Society
  • Performs as a bassoonist with the Boston Opera Collaborative and New Philharmonia Orchestra, and other freelance groups
  • Manager of Collage New Music
Awards
  • Boston Musica Viva Write it Now (2021)
  • ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composers Award (2021)
  • Lyra Harp Society Costello Composition Award (2020)
  • American Academy of Arts and Letters Nominations (2019, 2020)
  • Brandeis University's Most Outstanding Student Teacher Award (2020)