Christopher Gainey (b.1981) balances creative and academic pursuits that are complementary components of his eclectic approach to the study of music. He composes for a wide range of performers, engages with the ideas of his colleagues through academic research, and performs regularly on guitar and banjo in music of any style that catches his ear. In preparation for this lifestyle, he earned master of music degrees in composition, guitar, and music theory pedagogy from Peabody Conservatory and a Ph. D. in composition from the University of Iowa. Until 2011, he taught music theory and composition at Grinnell College and the University of Iowa, and he is currently a Ph. D. candidate in music theory at the University of British Columbia. The focus of his research is the role of timbre in twenty-first century music.
On the site http://www.christophergainey.com/, you may peruse score samples from Chris' compositions and arrangements, read brief summaries of his music theory projects, and hear selected recordings of his music. If any of these things pique your interest, feel free to email Chris at cgainey77@gmail.com.