Dr. Erik Santos

Biography

Erik Santos is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer known for his diverse work across various musical genres including rock, jazz, classical, electronic, and world music. He serves as the Chair of the Composition Department at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. A first-born into a musical family, with influences from his parents and siblings, music has been a core part of his life. He has received numerous commissions, prizes, and recognitions for his concert music, including the prestigious 2020 Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Prize from the American Bandmasters Association and the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In recent years, he has focused on presenting music in less traditional venues, emphasizing spontaneous interaction with audiences. His collaborative work has taken him into pioneering avant-garde dance, with the Japanese company Dairakudakan, and he has formed bands that celebrate multi-cultural music. Santos is passionate about lifelong learning in music, continuously exploring new creative avenues and relationships.

Research Interests