Dr. Mikkel Kaas Vad

Biography

Mikkel Kaas Vad is a musicologist specializing in jazz history, popular music studies, and Danish music history. His research and teaching revolve around themes such as race and ethnicity, particularly whiteness studies, as well as aspects of cultural geography and transnational music. He is currently working on a book project that examines the intersections of European jazz culture, focusing on how European jazz is received and reintroduced in its homeland. Vad analyzes the transnational flow of music and argues for the dissolution of racial distinctions in the musical context as (primarily white) European musicians engage with American jazz. His expertise further extends into areas including critical race studies, music iconography, audiovisuality, and historiography. He teaches music history and analysis at the University of Copenhagen, where he emphasizes critical thinking about music across genres and cultures. Prior to this role, he taught sound studies and African diasporic music history at Bucknell University and has experience in the sociology of music and cultural industry studies at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen. He has also contributed to radio as a presenter for jazz and classical music on the Danish Broadcasting Corporation.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards