Brant Adams

Originally from Gallipolis, Ohio, Brant Adams holds a bachelor of music degree in piano performance from Capital University (Columbus, Ohio), a master of music degree in music theory from the University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music, and a Ph.D in theory from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied composition with Donald Grantham. He taught at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and since 1987 at Oklahoma State University, where he currently serves as professor and coordinator of the theory/composition area, coordinator of music business, and academic advisor.

In 1992, Dr. Adams was awarded the Distinguished Composer of the Year Award by the Music Teachers National Association for his Masque and Bacchanalia for woodwind quintet and piano. In 1994, he wrote the incidental music for the off‑Broadway play Exchange produced at the Soho Repertory Theatre in New York City. In 2000, he arranged and orchestrated Sing for the Cure, a compilation of choral compositions of ten composers from around the US commissioned by the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and which has been performed in dozens of cities across the country. Recent new works include Heartland Trilogy for orchestra and Sing Oklahoma! for mixed choir with children's chorus and Metropolitan Opera star Leona Mitchell; both works were commissioned for the Oklahoma centennial celebration in 2007.

His compositions, arrangements, and orchestrations have been performed and recorded around the world by orchestras and choral ensembles in England, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, the former Czech Republic, the Middle East, and across the United States. Performances of his music at regional and national meetings of professional music organizations include the Society of Composers, Inc., Music Teachers National Convention, American Choral Directors Association, College Band Directors National Association, and the National Flute Association.

Dr. Adams also works periodically in the recording and publishing industry as a producer, arranger, orchestrator, and conductor.

At OSU, Dr. Adams has received several awards including two Outstanding Faculty Member awards, the Friends of Music Distinguished Music Professor award, and the Wise‑Diggs‑Berry Award for Teaching Excellence.