Welcome to the Theorist Composer Collaboration

Aaron D'Zurilla

Aaron D'Zurilla Profile Photo

Theorist/TCC Founder

He/Him

Aaron D'Zurilla is the primary host and founder of the Theorist Composer Collaboration. With diverse research interests in both modern classical composition and rap, Aaron has presented work at the 2025 Indiana University Symposium of Research in Music, with a paper titled: “Guess Who’s Back: Narrative Subversions in The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)". In a currently forthcoming presentation, Aaron will also present at the 2025 Analytical Approaches to World Musics Symposium on the Music Theories, Histories, Analysis, and the Musical Cultures of Asia, with a paper titled: "International and Personal Tragedy in "A Vietnamese Mother’s Letter to Nixon" (2023)". Aaron also has a forthcoming publication through SMT-Pod, titled: "Trauma and Vocal Timbre in Ellen Reid’s p r i s m (2019)"

Aaron holds a Bachelor's of Music in Music Theory from the University of Florida and a Master's of Music in Music Theory from Florida State University.

Contact:
acdzurilla@yahoo.com
941-773-1394

43
Sept. 1, 2025

TCC 43. Public Music Theory and Conferences - Professor J. Daniel Jenkins

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features music theorist Professor J. Daniel Jenkins. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Professor Jenkins about his background, time as a regional conference president, the past and future of public music theory and much more! Spectrum Volume on Public Music Theory: https://societymusictheory.org/announcement/music-theory-spectrum-471-2025-06 Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to fo...
42
Aug. 18, 2025

TCC 42. Penumbra - Dr. Robert Gross

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the composer Dr. Robert Gross and his piece Penumbra. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Dr. Gross about his background, various music occupations, several technical approaches to composition and much more! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC social media and hosting accounts on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557900086297 Instagram: htt...
41
Aug. 4, 2025

TCC 41. Resonancia Natural - Dr. Carolina Heredia

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the composer Dr. Carolina Heredia and her piece Resonancia Natural. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Dr. Heredia about her background, multidisciplinary composition, sonic connections with nature and much more! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC social media and hosting accounts on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557900086297 Instagra...
40
July 21, 2025

TCC 40. Who Is Music For? - Professor Roshanne Etezady

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features Professor of Composition Roshanne Etezady. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Professor Etezady about her background, journey to professorship, evolution of her compositional work, today’s graduate students and much more! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC social media and hosting accounts on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557900086297...
39
July 7, 2025

TCC 39. Social Movements and Protest Scholarship - Professor Noriko Manabe

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the music theorist Professor Noriko Manabe. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Professor Manabe about her background, career journey, the relevance of protest scholarship, Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl performance, the future of music theory and much more! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC social media and hosting accounts on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.c...
38
June 24, 2025

TCC 38. Becoming Tangible - Dr. Amelia Brey

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the composer Dr. Amelia Brey and her piece Becoming Tangible. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Dr. Brey about her background, process of composition, music philosophy and much more! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC social media and hosting accounts on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557900086297 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/...
36
May 26, 2025

TCC 36. Politicization, Autonomy, and Resistance - Professor Michael Buchler

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the music theorist and former SMT president Professor Michael Buchler. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Dr. Buchler about his background, the current political state of the university system, what really should not be political, the safety of international students, the future of the Society for Music Theory and much more! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC ...
35
May 12, 2025

TCC 35. Vigil - Emelia Ulrich

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the composer Emelia Ulrich and her piece Vigil . Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Emelia about her background, philosophy in music, the piece Vigil , the place of music theory in composition and much more!! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Citation from episode: Bourne, Janet. “5. Topic Theory and Film: Coming of Age in 1994’s and 2019’s Little Women.” In Film Music Analysis: Studying the ...
34
April 28, 2025

TCC 34. Sermon of the Matriark - W4RP Trio

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features Josh Henderson and Mikael Darmanie of the group W4RP Trio alongside their group’s recent collaboration with artist LiKWUiD, Sermon of the MatriarK. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Josh and Mikael about their background, process of collaboration on Sermon of the Matriark, creating art in the current political atmosphere, bridges outside academia, and much more! W4RP Trio Contact: Website: https://www.w4rpmusic.co...
33
April 12, 2025

TCC 33. One-Year Anniversary Special

This episode marks the one-year anniversary of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast! Host Aaron D’Zurilla recaps the past year, lessons learned, the next steps in content, life in general, and the special reveal of the TCC Theme, commissioned from and composed by Will Davenport! Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC social media and hosting accounts on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557900086297 Instagram: ht...
32
March 17, 2025

TCC 32. Key Constellations - Professor Táhirih Motazedian

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration features the music theorist Professor Táhirih Motazedian alongside her award-winning book Key Constellations: Interpreting Tonality in Film. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Professor Motazedian about her background as a NASA planetary scientist, work as a music theorist, Key Constellations, the future of the Society for Music Theory and much more! Key Constellations: https://www.amazon.com/Key-Constellations-Interpreting-Tonality-C...
31
March 3, 2025

TCC 31. The Recusant's Dream - Isabella Temperville

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration features the composer Isabella Temperville and her album The Recusant’s Dream. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Isabella about her interests, catch up with her since the last time on the podcast, discussing her master’s thesis, further work constructing the multimedia project in The Recusant’s Dream and much more! Isabella contact: Email: bellatempmusic@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streetcomposer/ YouTube: https...
30
Jan. 20, 2025

TCC 30. HUGO - Purple Kloud

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration features the artist Purple Kloud and tracks from his album HUGO. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Purple Kloud about his background, the genre of “Pyrofuzz”, his writing and recording process, the album HUGO, the southern music scene, differences between the industry and academia, and much more! HUGO Streaming: https://4bitsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/hugo Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to fo...
29
Jan. 6, 2025

TCC 29. A Joyous Trilogy - Quinn Mason

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration features the composer Quinn Mason alongside his piece A Joyous Trilogy. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Quinn about his background, finding success in collaboration, writing for orchestra, textural storytelling, the potential of modern music theory and much more! Quinn website: https://www.masonianmusic.com/ Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration A full episode transcript is also available on our host websit...
28
Dec. 23, 2024

TCC 28. Concerto for 6 String Electric Violin - Will Davenport

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration features the composer Will Davenport and his piece Concerto for 6 String Electric Violin. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Will about his year in composition, reflections on graduate studies, writing a masters thesis, orchestrating electric strings, composing large pieces, and how to get the most out of academic study. Will contact: https://www.tccollaboration.com/guests/will-davenport/ Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tc...
27
Dec. 9, 2024

TCC 27. Clementine, You wouldn't believe, Icarus - Alivia Hunter

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration features the artist Alivia Hunter alongside her songs, Clementine, You wouldn’t believe, and Icarus. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Alivia her background, writing process, cultural inspirations, the folk music scene, narrative subversions in lyrics, and her perspective on music theory. Alivia contact: https://www.aliviahunter.com/ Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccollaboration Make sure to follow the TCC social me...
26
Nov. 4, 2024

TCC 26. Women in Composition - TCC Roundtable

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is a TCC Roundtable, with today’s topic being Women in Composition. Featuring the composers Mary Denney and Ky Nam Nguyen, we discuss their own experiences, historical and current discrimination, genuine representation, and ways to create a more open and equitable field. Mary Denney contact: https://www.tccollaboration.com/guests/mary-denney/ Ky Nam Nguyen contact: https://www.tccollaboration.com/guests/ky-nam-nguyen/ Donate to the T...
25
Oct. 21, 2024

TCC 25. Land of Cloud-Tinted Water - Katherine Bergman

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the composer Katherine Bergman and her piece Land of Cloud Tinted-Water. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Katherine her background, evoking natural landscapes, field research, writing for percussion ensembles, and composing for both educational and professional settings Katherine contact: Website: https://www.katherinebergman.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinebergman/ Donate to the TCC: http...
24
Oct. 7, 2024

TCC 24. Uncharted - Dr. Francisco Javier de Alba

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features Dr. Francisco Javier de Alba and his piece Uncharted. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discuss with Dr. “Paco” de Alba his background, diverse musical influences, career anxiety, expression in music, and the directions of modern composition. Dr. de Alba contact: Website: https://www.fjdmusic.com/ Email: contact@fjdmusic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacodealba33/ Donate to the TCC: https://buymeacoffee.com/tccoll...
23
Sept. 16, 2024

TCC 23. The Classical Canon - TCC Roundtable

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the first TCC Roundtable, with today’s subject being The Classical Canon. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with performer/educator Dr. Pamela Mireles and music theorist Albert Wheeler to define the canon, who is in it, who is excluded, issues with pedagogy, structural change with tangible solutions to these issues. Dr. Pamela Mireles contact: https://www.instagram.com/pamina_miza/ Albert Wheeler contact: https://www.inst...
22
Sept. 2, 2024

TCC 22. Voix des Femmes - Professor Nadine Silverman

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features Professor Nadine Silverman and her piece Voix des Femmes. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discuss with Professor Silverman her background, styles of composition, networking, subverting sexism in musical form, pushing for representation, and other issues in modern music theory/composition. Professor Silverman contact: Website: https://www.nadinesilverman.com/ Email: nadinesilvermanmusic@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.inst...
21
Aug. 26, 2024

TCC 21. Ars Poetica - Professor Douglas Boyce

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features Professor Douglas Boyce and his piece Ars Poetica. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Professor Boyce his background, modernism, Ars Poetica, collaborating with the poet Marlanda Dekine, issues with market thinking and topics in modern music theory and composition. Professor Boyce contact: Website: https://www.douglasboyce.net/ Email: douglasboyce@gmail.com Marlanda Dekine Website: https://www.marlandadekine...
20
Aug. 20, 2024

TCC 20. Albireo - Michael Dixon

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast features the composer Michael Dixon and their piece Albireo. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Michael experiences in compositional development, writing for the carillon, Albireo, “democratized” music, accessibility in composition, and music theory as a profession. Michael contact: Email: mrdixon1015@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013712014894 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael...
19
Aug. 12, 2024

TCC 19. Collaboration in Reality - TCC Roundtable

This episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the first TCC Roundtable, with today’s subject being Collaboration in Reality. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with composers Justine de Saint Mars and Will Davenport the practice of collaboration with peers, performers, and faculty. We talk about the real benefits and issues of pursuing collaboration in the music world, and explore tangible solutions. Justine Contact Page: https://www.tccollaboration.com/guests/justin...
18
Aug. 5, 2024

TCC 18. The Vibration of Ancient Incarnations - Daniel Townsend, Ph.D.

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Dr. Daniel Townsend and his piece The Vibration of Ancient Incarnations. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Dr. Townsend his background, the value of improvisation, avant-garde accessibility, graphic notation, and pedagogical development in music theory and composition. Dr. Townsend Contact Links Website: https://www.dantownsendmusic.com/ Email: dan.townsend.music@gmail.com Instagram: https:/...
17
July 29, 2024

TCC 17. Remember Me Then - Jane Kozhevnikova

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Jane Kozhevnikova and her piece Remember Me Then. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Jane her background and journey through music, jazz improvisation, poetry, interdisciplinary composition, Remember Me Then, and issues in contemporary music. Jane Contact Links: Website: https://www.janekmusic.com Email: janekmusic@protonmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/currierjane/ Facebook: htt...
16
July 22, 2024

TCC 16. The Last of Sailing Ships - Jake s. Jordan

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Jake s. Jordan and his piece The Last of Sailing Ships. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Jake his background, storytelling in music, absolute music, writing for non-western instruments, orchestration, The Last of Sailing Ships, and issues in modern music. Jake Contact Links: Email: jsjordan1066@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakejordancomposer/ A full episode transcript i...
15
July 15, 2024

TCC 15. Voice Memories - Mary Denney

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Mary Denney and her piece Voice Memories. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Mary her background, programmatic music, Voice Memories, collaborations with performers, evoking nostalgia, and personal connections in modern composition. Mary Contact Links: Website: https://sites.google.com/view/marymdenneymusic/home?authuser=0 Email: marymdenney@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary...
14
July 8, 2024

TCC 14. Philosophy of a Miracle - Natalia Rojcovscaia-Tumaha

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Natalia Rojcovscaia-Tumaha and her piece Philosophy of a Miracle. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Natalia her background, writing for opera, artistic collaboration, orchestral composition, humanistic approaches to art and music theory in context. Natalia Contact Links: Website: https://rojcovscaiatumaha.wixsite.com/official Email: rojcovscaiatumaha@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebo...
13
July 1, 2024

TCC 13. Lavender in a London Fog - Russell N. Avellanosa

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Russell N. Avellanosa and his piece Lavender in a London Fog. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Russell his background, musical identities, writing for orchestra, textural development, collaborations in performance, counterpoint, curation vs. creation, and issues within pedagogy. Russell Contact Links: Email: russellavellanosa2001@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightnowaudio/ ...
12
June 24, 2024

TCC 12. Infernal Suite - Isabella Temperville

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Isabella Temperville and her album Infernal Suite. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Isabella her background, musical inspirations, literary workings, Infernal Suite, the lore to a completely original fantasy setting, multi-media projects, and what composition means in a grand scope. Infernal Suite streaming: https://open.spotify.com/album/1sHkpJTRo7Rs1gsi0CrKea?si=9QZ__CB3QHaFmM7dGtjLOA ...
11
June 17, 2024

TCC 11. Close to Something - The Housing Crisis

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the artist project The Housing Crisis, also known as the singer/songwriter Dylan O’Brian. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Dylan his background, compositional journey, musical identities, Close to Something, his upcoming album, and the current relationships of theory and composition. Close to Something streaming links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5RZ4aEbWjSbkmxojT7T8qt?si=a609f4e822d1439a Ap...
10
June 10, 2024

TCC 10. Concertino for Saxophone - Brian Junttila

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration podcast is the composer Brian Junttila and his piece Concertino for Saxophone. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Brian his background, inspirations, art music, Concertino for Saxophone, styles of composition, and the place of new music within a larger academic context. Brian Contact Links: Website: junttilastudios.com Email: bajunttila@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrianJunttila Instagram: https://www...
9
June 3, 2024

TCC 9. On My Own - Ben Williams

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the producer Ben Williams and his album On My Own. Music theorist Aaron D’Zurilla discusses with Ben his background, music education, compositional inspirations, production work in DAWs, On My Own, classical music elitism, and the roles of music theory in the modern landscape. Ben Contact Info and On My Own Link Email: benwwms@gmail.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WJ2vWtzg5hP4ffEJTT5uW?si=E4zSL7T-RqqUpljRP_yPNw&n...
7
May 20, 2024

TCC 7. Nihilara - Violincia

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the group Violincia and their debut album, Nihilara. Aaron D’Zurilla talks with Lucy, the creative lead of Violincia, to discuss their inspirations, the concept of album creation, improvisation, track construction and the modern music landscape. Feel free to contact Lucy and Violincia for any comments, questions or inquiries through any of the linked means below. Violincia social media and music streaming options: https://l...
6
May 13, 2024

TCC 6. We are the stories we've been told - Dr. Michael Kahle

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the composer Dr. Michael Kahle and his piece, We are the stories we’ve been told. We discuss his background, how to “make the musical argument”, collaboration in composition, folk inspirations, and world of modern composition and music theory. Feel free to contact Dr. Kahle for any comments, questions or inquiries through any of the linked means below: Website: https://mkahlemusic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mik...
5
May 6, 2024

TCC 5. Teogonía - Dr. Nico Gutierrez

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the composer Dr. Nico Gutierrez and his piece, Teogonía. We discuss his background, Teogonía, writing for orchestra, the dissertation process, artistic adaption, and the roles of music theory in modern composition. Feel free to contact Dr. Gutierrez for any comments, questions or inquiries through any of the linked means below: Website: https://www.nicogutierrezmusic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolascomposer I...
4
April 29, 2024

TCC 4. Modest Mutilation - Gabriel Gekoskie

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the composer Gabriel Gekoski and his piece, Modest Mutilation. We discuss his background, artistic philosophy, Modest Mutilation, granular synthesis, minimalism and Gabe’s views on modern academia in the context of composition and music theory. Feel free to contact Gabe for any comments, questions or inquiries through any of the linked means below: Website: gabrielgekoskie.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabegekoskie4...
3
April 22, 2024

TCC 3. Reed Quintet I - Will Davenport

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the composer Will Davenport and his piece, Reed Quintet I. We discuss his background, compositional process and inspirations, Reed Quintet I, various compositional techniques, and Will’s views on composition and music theory. Feel free to contact Will for any comments, questions or inquiries through any of the linked means below: Email: wdavenportcomposer@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@willdavenport825 Facebook...
2
April 15, 2024

TCC 2. A Vietnamese Mother's Letter to Nixon - Ky Nam Nguyen

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the composer Ky Nam Nguyen and her piece, A Vietnamese Mother’s Letter to Nixon. We discuss her background, compositional process and inspirations, the history of Nguyễn Thái Bình and Lê Thị Anh, A Vietnamese Mother’s Letter to Nixon, and Ky Nam’s views on composition and music theory. Feel free to contact Ky Nam for any comments, questions or inquiries through any of the linked means below: Email: kynamnguyen14@gmail.com W...
1
April 12, 2024

TCC 1. Oceans Blooming - Justine de Saint Mars

Featured on this episode of the Theorist Composer Collaboration is the composer Justine de Saint Mars and her piece, Oceans Blooming. We discuss her background, compositional process, Oceans Blooming, and her thoughts on the world of music theory and composition. Feel free to contact Justine for any comments, questions or inquiries through any of the linked means below: Email: jdesaintmars@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSMTp1u-6RQabWLjwzx8kzg Facebook: https://m.faceb...
April 7, 2024

TCC Introduction

Welcome to the Theorist Composer Collaboration! This is a short introductory episode featuring the music theorist and TCC founder Aaron D'Zurilla. This episode briefly explains how to stay informed on and involved with the TCC. This episode also includes music by Justine de Saint Mars, from her piece Oceans Blooming, which will soon be the focus of the forthcoming premiere episode.