CV
David Mitchell, DMA
Deactur, GA
E-mail: dr.mitchell0812@gmail.com
@music_comp
www.themusiccompositionblog.com
Professional info
A composer and educator in Atlanta, Georgia, Mitchell holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Music Composition and Theory; Master of Music Composition and a Bachelor Degree in Guitar Performance, all from the University of Georgia.
Teaching philosophy
I believe it is no longer viable for music school graduates to simply master an instrument. They must have skills in music and technology to digitally record; mix and master for online streaming, video games, and films; and utilize digital engraving software and electronic instruments and software. In addition, they must learn to promote their music online, finding creative new ways to develop multiple income streams because, today, opportunities for promotion and fundraising are limited only by their imagination and skill set.
Courses Taught
Acoustic Composition
Electronic Composition
Music Theory Essentials
Sociology of Music
Physics of Sound
Guitar Performance
Chamber Esemble
Popular Music in America
Keyboard Skills
Ear Training
Music Notation
Mathematical Foundations of Music
Career Highlights
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My original compositions have been published and performed throughout the U.S. and in Europe, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Glen Cove NY, University of Mississippi for Women, Louisiana Tech, University of South Carolina, University of North Florida, Morehead State, East Tennessee State, The National Civil War Naval Museum and the University of Georgia. European dates are scheduled for the summer of 2015.
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I designed a Bachelor of Science in Music and Technology degree and an Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology degree. In addition, I led the search for a new music theory textbook at the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media (AIMM).
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I am currently leading AIMM’s NASM accreditation committee.
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I developed recruiting programs and implemented teacher evaluations, juries and online library holdings at AIMM.
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I have presented at both the College Music Society and the Society of Composers conference in Mississippi and Indiana respectively.
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I have composed music for large and small ensembles, films, video games, augmented reality apps, promotional videos, multimedia electroacoustic compositions, real-time interactive electronics, theatrical productions and interdisciplinary art projects.
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I regularly blog about music composition at themusiccompositionblog.com and have a Twitter following @Music_comp exceeding five thousand followers.
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As a graduate assistant, I was president of the Student Composers’ Association, a graduate assistant with Ideas for Creative Exploration (ICE), a graduate assistant at UGA’s Dancz Center for New Music and a composer of video music/Foley for Cogent Education.
My RateMyProfessor score is 4.1 out of 5.0 with comments including “Great Professor, Very Helpful, Funny, and Knowledgeable!” “Great Class! Enjoyed it and learned a lot.” “Very knowledgeable and helpful professor!” “Class was extremely fun -- I learned many methods for improving my own compositions through his suggestions both semesters. Very lenient and understanding but fair overall. Extremely knowledgeable in his fields (especially 20th century music).”
Technical Expertise
Pro Tools Certified
MAX/MSP/Jitter
Finale
Ableton
TouchOSC
Final Cut Pro
Unity
Analog Taoe Techniques
Analog and Digital Synthesizers
Studio Engineering
Sound Design
Work experience
Director Of Education and Instructor
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media - Duluth, GA
2015 - present
As Director of Education, I am responsible for the execution of all policies relating to the
education department, which includes all degree and certificate programs at AIMM. I supervise all departmental heads and faculty. I oversee and review long-range departmental goals and objectives; ensure effective and fair implementation of all academic polices and procedures; develop and monitor consistency in curriculum and course standards; monitor and improve the quality of the educational experience for all students; provide support and academic leadership to faculty; encourage faculty members to improve themselves professionally through study, research and participation in professional organizations and conferences; maintain a positive and productive working environment for all faculty and staff; ensure all courses meet accreditation requirements and improve the general welfare of the department. As an instructor, I teach music and general education courses which I have specifically designed to give students a comprehensive, integrated knowledge of theory, performance, the properties of sound, music history and audio mixing/mastering.
Director of Curriculum
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media - Duluth, GA
2013 - 2015
As Director of Curriculum, I helped AIMM move from a certificate program to a degree granting institution with an AAS in Music and Technology and Audio Post-Production. I am currently designing a Bachelor of Science in Music and Technology, which will make AIMM a four-year institution graduating students with the ability to succeed in today’s digital entertainment industry. As an instructor, I teach music and general education courses which I have specifically designed to give students a comprehensive, integrated knowledge of theory, performance, the properties of sound, music history and audio mixing/mastering.
Graduate Assistant
The University of Georgia - Athens, GA
2009 - 2012
As a graduate assistant with ICE, an interdisciplinary initiative for advanced research in the arts, I coordinated and archived interdisciplinary projects among the music, art and drama departments at UGA. My projects included a feature length film, three video games (marketed to schools across the US) and an interactive theatrical production. Additionally, I was a graduate assistant at UGA’s Dancz Center for New Music providing technical assistance, recording, archiving and coordinating concerts, providing student support for Electronic Music Composition and teaching Composition Lab.
Instructor
Emmanuel College - Royston, GA
2008 - 2010
I taught applied guitar and aural skills as an adjunct instructor. Applied guitar focused on classical guitar performance culminating in a one-hour senior recital demonstrating technical skill and, above all, the ability to play with musical expression tempered by an understanding of music history and interpretation.
Instructor
Piedmont College - Demorest, GA
2008 - 2010
I taught applied guitar and chamber ensemble. In addition, I helped with recruiting efforts by performing concerts throughout the region and initiating an annual guitar competition and scholarship program.
Education
University of Georgia
Doctoral of Musical Arts in Music Composition and Theory
2013
University of Georgia
Master's Degree in Music Composition
2010
University of Georgia
Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance
2008
Memberships
ASCAP, Society of Composers, College Music Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society
Awards
First Place: Olin Parker Composition Competition, 2010; First Place: Southern Composers
League Philip Slate Graduate Composition Competition, 2009 and 2007; Phi Kappa Phi Honors Graduate, 2009; South Gwinnett Community School Teacher of the Year, 2005; First Place: GMTA & NMEA Pre-College Guitar Competitions