PROFILE
Dr Christopher Tonkin
Started at UWA: 2008
Internationally trained electronic music teacher, composer and performer
Student enthusiasm for the subject and for learning is a reminder of why I chose to pursue the field. It’s so rewarding to see them achieve beyond what they thought they were capable of Dr Christopher Tonkin
Dr Christopher Tonkin is Head of Composition and Electronic Music at the UWA Conservatorium of Music. He is an award-winning teacher who brings his industry expertise and passion for composition and performance to his students. A self-declared ‘music history buff’, Dr Tonkin specialises in electronic music and sound installation, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate units at the University. A highlight of his time so far has been witnessing the achievements of his students within and beyond their time at the Conservatorium.
After studying violin and piano from a young age, Dr Tonkin completed a Bachelor of Music, majoring in music composition. He went on to study postgraduate degrees in the United States at Rice University and University of California, San Diego.
Before joining UWA in 2008, Dr Tonkin completed an 18-month residency at the Computer Music Research Institute in Paris (IRCAM), where he developed an interest in computers and programming.
As a researcher and current composer/performer in the Australian music industry, Dr Tonkin’s work greatly contributes to the field of musical artificial intelligence and generative art, as well as to cultural life in the creation, performance and recording of new and historical music.
Qualifications:
- BMus (hons) UWA
- MMus – Rice University (Houston, Texas)
- PhD – University of California, San Diego
Australian commissions – Ensemble Offspring, Etica, Decibel Ensemble, TURA, 2008–2017
Multiple Guild Teaching Awards and Faculty Teaching Awards, 2015–2018
International commissions – Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, Fondation Royaumont, IRCAM, 2003–2005
Projects
Related majors
Music Studies
Through Music Studies, you have the opportunity to learn music in a variety of ways including performance, composition, history and education.
Doctor of Musical Arts
Make an outstanding contribution to Music through composition or performance.
Master of Music
Pursue your passion with a supervised research experience in the field of music.
Teaching
Supervisor opportunities
Dr Tonkin has been a research supervisor since 2008, supporting topics such as music composition, music analysis and computer music.
He welcomes prospective researchers with a variety of interests to consider undertaking a PhD, Master of Arts or honours under his supervision. Contact Dr Tonkin through the details below.
Related links
Conservatorium of Music
The University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music provides classes and activities that support and promote music in the community for everybody.
Master of Music
Pursue your passion with a supervised research experience in the field of music.
Doctor of Musical Arts
Make an outstanding contribution to Music through composition or performance.