Missouri native, composer and musicologist Dustin Dunn (b. 1996) draws largely from his roots for his music. He aims to musically capture his connections to the natural world, the lived experiences of the working class, and Americana in part and whole. His music often investigates the beauty of the mundane and the metaphors and rituals that guide our lives. His compositions range from solo to large ensembles.

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Dustin's music has been performed and recorded by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Mizzou New Music Ensemble, Pure Winds Quintet, Soprano Elise Eden, and flutist/composer Jaclyn Breeze.

His music has received awards from the University of Missouri and the Music Teachers National Association.

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Dustin received his Master of Arts from the University of Michigan in 2022 studying with Evan Chambers. He also holds and undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri where he studied with Stefan Freund, Carolina Heredia, and W. Thomas McKenney. He has also studied with Joshua Marquez and Zae Munn

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As a musicologist, Dustin has focused on the genre of country music in relation to class and gender. He has presented at the Society for Ethnomusicology meeting and the International Country Music Conference. These presentations include the music of Reba McEntire in relation to feminism, and the music of drag queen/singer Trixie Mattel in relation to gender and sexuality. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology in the future.

 

 

 

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