Ben Johansen

About

Resume

Composer Educator Coder Innovator

I am passionate about intuitive interactions and modularity … but more than anything, I am built to explore, play, and experiment. My creative areas of focus include acoustic and electronic music, improvisation/indeterminacy, the intersection of art and Christianity, and how to use technology in ways that contribute to human flourishing.

Current Research

Biblically Informed Technology Use
Indeterminacy / Improvisation
Generative / Algorithmic Composition

Education

Bachelor's in Music Education & Master's in Music Composition at Baylor University

Ph.D. in Music with an emphasis in Composition, a Specialization in Computer Media, and a Minor in Installation Art from University of North Texas.

Compositions

Electronic

Still 13min video | score

full orchestra + interactive computer

Extemporizations No.1 12min video | score

2-5 percussionists + interactive computer

Bode 25min video | score

solo double bass / cymbal + interactive computer

Heard and Unheard 12min video

8channel fixed electroacoustic

React 8min audio | Amazon

flute, violin, and interactive computer

Interact 7min audio | Amazon

flute, violin, and interactive computer

[Relentless] 25min score

alto sax, double bass, 2 perc, and interactive computer

Light Box 7min

computer controlled wooden box with RGB LED, 5.1 surround sound, and video

4 6min

trumpet and 4-channel interactive computer

Gravitations 18min audio | score

winds, strings, percussion, voice, electronics, fish, and other visuals

Brainwash 9min

solo percussion and acoustic/electronic real-time electronic instruments

Acoustic

rip 10min video | score

percussionists and paper

MONOCHROMADDICT 8min

two Bb clarinets and two bass clarinets

!MPACT 18min video+score

percussion concerto: solo perc + sax, brass, & string quartet

stir 11min video+score

tenor voice, bass trombone, and piano

ENGULFED 9min

wind ensemble, string orchestra, organ, tenor choir, 2 drum sets, 2 electric guitars, and 2 electric basses

[three paintings] 10min

four alto saxophones

yellow light blue mirror 6min synthesized audio | score

four marimbas and a piano

Installation

Twelve indefinite video | photos

twelve 2x4 foot sheets of metal in wood frames containing Arduino microcontrollers, batteries, and wireless communication devices

This Room Has a Pulse I & II 3hours/each video

Impulse improv ensemble, electroacoustic interactive audio/video, and TWU dancers

Recycled Sound indefinite

metal sculptures with sound making devices and microcontrollers attached

preVIEW indefinite

wireless camera, servo motor, custom built Arduinos, Isadora, Mac Mini, and monitor

Piezo2 indefinite photos

interactive floor sound installation

Teaching

I am a Senior Lecturer in Composition & Computer Music in the Baylor University School of Music.

My mission is to empower students to become leaders in the creation of meaningful, forward-looking art, guiding them as they blend technology and creativity to shape their chosen industries. I am also committed to advancing the School's pioneering status in arts innovation and help foster a culture of innovation and curiosity at the intersection of art and new technologies.

Technology for Musicians MUS1331

provides a technological foundation for all musicians: from coding and computer works to documenting concerts using three or more video cameras

Electroacoustic Music Composition MUS4203

literature study, composition, and performance of fixed and interactive electroacoustic music: from analog synthesizers to coding interactive music using Max and Arduino microcontrollers

Advanced Electroacoustic Music Composition MUS4V09

one-on-one lessons focusing on a substantial electronic music project

Composition Lessons

one-on-one lessons