Charlie Sykes
Charlie Sykes is a digital music composer located in San Diego, CA. He earned his Masters in Music Composition and Performance from CSU Sacramento in 2018, where he both performed and had his works performed multiple times a year. He earned his PhD in Digital Music Composition from UC Riverside in 2023 with his multi-movement audiovisual work based on the Mandelbrot set: The Mathematical Life and Death Cycle of the Universe. He has multiple years of teaching experience, and is dedicated to personalizing private lessons to fit the needs of each individual student.
Music and mathematics are inseparable, from the physics of generating sound to the act of creating and performing musical patterns. The theoretical construction of music can be understood as a set of mathematical instructions, with "functional" and "coloristic" elements. My compositional practice is centered around the development of algorithms to control these important musical functions. I find this process of creation to be highly spiritual. Discovering hidden hymns within the confines of algorithmic formulae reveals the deep connection that mathematics and music have shared throughout human history. My work can be experienced both actively and passively; Active listeners may find new and interesting musical interactions with each hearing, while ambient and meditative listeners may find themselves lost in another realm.
Artist Statement
Private Lessons and Commissions
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Private Lessons (Remote/In-Person)
I offer personalized, one-on-one theory and composition lessons for all skill levels. Learn musicianship skills, theory, analysis, and music software including Ableton, MaxMSP, and Sibelius.
1-Hour Lesson: $40
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Community Forum (TBA)
Network with other local composers and musicians, and share your work in a friendly and constructive environment. The majority of money collected for forum will fund guest lecturers and musicians.
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Commissions
Commission a custom piece of music or audiovisual art. I accept both private and commercial work, ranging from short commercials or songs to film and game scores.
Contact me for pricing.