bio

Thomas Childs is a composer interested in the collision of popular and classical music. His diverse experiences and studies in both of these areas range from studio and live work in Nashville and elsewhere to solo compositions for hardanger fiddle and English horn to chamber and orchestral works. In his music, he seeks to find a balance of accessibility and complexity to interest a broad spectrum of listeners. The inflections of jazz and pop genres in his work create music that is hopefully as fun for you to listen to as it is for him to write.

Dr. Childs’ works have been performed from Pittsburgh to Paris. He has had works performed by the Grammy-winning group eighth blackbird, Alia Musica and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra among others. He has studied with Dr. Ricardo Lorenz, David Stock, Robert Beaser, and David Cutler. He has taught at Duquesne University and is currently completing a DMA at Michigan State University and teaching at Lansing Community College. He enjoys his role as an educator as well as working on commissions. At last assessment, Thomas has no spare time, but if he did he’d be reading a book.

Thomas received his Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music in 1999 and spent many years active in the commercial music industry. Returning to concert composition, he received his MM from Duquesne University and completed both a DMA in composition and an MM in Music Theory at Michigan State.  

For the technical version, a Curriculum Vitae can be found here. References available on request.