Professor Dr. Jennifer Iverson

Biography

Jennifer Iverson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Chicago, focusing on the intersections of electronic music, synthesizers, and disability studies. She is particularly interested in how people use and mis-use electronic sounds and the cultural value produced from these interactions. Iverson is currently writing a book titled 'Synthesizing Black Box Changed Music Forever', utilizing a mix of close listening, archival research, and interviews. Her previous work includes the book 'Electronic Inspirations: Technologies Cold War Avant-Garde', which analyzes the WDR studio in Cologne, Germany, during the 1950s, showcasing how technology fostered collaboration between science and music. A passionate disability activist, she serves as Board Chair at City Elementary, a K–8 school for neurodiverse children, facilitating a long-standing partnership that engages University of Chicago undergraduates with the school. Iverson co-teaches 'Disability Design,' a capstone course, and leads workshops on inclusive pedagogy. She has written challenging electro-vocal music and has a signature course on 'Hearing Popular Music'. Her academic journey began at the University of Iowa, followed by positions at the University of Texas at Austin, and she has been teaching at UChicago since 2016.

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