BIO

     Brian J. Hinkley is a composer whose works include a wide variety of unique genres and styles, characterized by expansive harmonies and driving intensity. Brian is currently working towards a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where he is studying with Stephen Taylor and Eli Fieldsteel. Brian received his Master of Music degree from Illinois State University, studying composition with Martha Horst, Roy Magnuson, Carl Schimmel, and Roger Zare. Brian also holds a degree in Piano Performance from Augustana College (Rock Island, IL), where he studied with Jacob Bancks (composition) and Robert Elfline (piano).

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     Brian's work Of Love and Distance (2018) was selected to be read at the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Music Alive Composers Institute in February 2019, and Paragon (2016) was selected to win the inaugural Augustana In-House Composer Competition and premiered by the Augustana Symphonic Band in May 2017. Brian has premiered works on several recitals at Augustana College as well as the biannual Music Factory concerts at Illinois State. His works have also been read by the Del Sol Quartet, Ensemble Dal Niente, Ritual Action Trio, the Illinois Modern Ensemble, the Spring Valley Concert Band, the Illinois State University Wind Symphony and the ISU Concert Choir.

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     As a pianist, Brian has given multiple solo recitals and has performed with several ensembles, including the Illinois Modern Ensemble, ISU Jazz Ensemble I, Augustana Symphonic Band, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, and Augustana Jazz Ensemble, among others. You can listen to many of his compositions on the Works page, and you can find compositions and other performances on SoundCloud.