Artist in Residence Kazuaki Shiota, Ph.D.
Kazuaki Shiota, Ph.D., a Japanese exchange student from Osaka and member of the Class of 1999, returned to St. Stephen’s in early February to serve as Artist in Residence for a week. His visit led to interesting intersections of the International Program, particularly the Japanese Scholars Exchange Program, music courses and technology.
After graduating from St. Stephen's in May 1999, Shiota returned to Osaka to complete his Japanese schooling. He returned to Texas soon afterward to attend the University of North Texas, where he earned a degree in music theory and composition. He then attended the prestigious University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music to earn both his master’s and doctoral degrees in musical composition. His specialty is using the computer to create music, sounds and sonic environments.
His time at St. Stephen’s was filled with a wide variety of classes, presentations and meetings. He worked with Deirdre Strand's choreography students on the opening for their spring show, which was choreographed to one of his musical compositions. He also enjoyed meeting with Matthew Reilly's 10th grade English class, where the discussion moved from musical topics to big philosophical questions in short order. Senior Harry Sage, a young composer himself, talked with Shiota about the kinds of technology currently used by universities, as they discussed ideas about composing music in the present day. Sophomores Kanta Nakai and Mariko Tsutsumi, this year's Japanese exchange students, thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak with him as well.
“Shiota’s weeklong visit presented numerous opportunities to explore ways in which following one's own path can lead to adventures we cannot even imagine,” noted Elizabeth Hansing Moon, fine arts department chair. “Thanks to the International Program and to all the students and faculty members who engaged with Dr. Shiota during his stay!”
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213
Phone: (512) 327-1213