Biography

Here it all is in prose. I use short, medium, and long versions depending on the context. Obviously, please do feel free to use any of these in conference proceedings, concerts programmes etc.

Short

Mark Gotham specialises in computational methods for music theory, analysis, and composition. He holds the rare distinction of being appointed to permanent faculty positions in both STEM (now, at Durham) and in the humanities (previously at Dortmund). Mark holds a PhD from Cambridge, MMus from the RNCM, and a BA from Oxford (where he graduated at the top of his cohort).

Medium

Computer-aided methods can help not only to advance what we know about (a wide range of) musical structures, but also what we can do with that knowledge, and who can access it. Central to much of this is the encoding of human analyses in computer-readable formats.

Beyond his core research, Mark’s work spans commercial contracts, musical composition, and more. Notable commercial contracts have included the “Beethoven X” project for Deutsche Telekom. Composition highlights include broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and national Chinese television, and the debut CD of Mark’s compositions (‘Utrumne est Ornatum’, REGCD485) attracting 5-star critical reviews.

Earlier in his career, Mark was a highly active as a performer (singer, multi-instrumentalist, and conductor). Highlights included conducting principal players of the London Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra in contemporary music projects. Moving countries, full-time academic work, the pandemic, and having kids put an end to all that!

Mark is a committed collaborator, regularly working with scholars at all career stages around the world. Prospective students are especially welcome to reach out at any time.

Long Biography … with Links ;)

Mark Gotham specialises in computational methods for music theory, analysis, and composition. He holds the rare distinction of having been appointed to faculty positions in both STEM (Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Durham University) and in the humanities (previously Professor of Music Theory at T. U. Dortmund).

Mark graduated from the University of Oxford (Christ Church) with the Gibbs prize for the highest-ranking first class degree awarded in music; from the Royal Northern College of Music with an MMus in composition (supported by a full Arts and Humanities Research Council scholarship); and from the University of Cambridge with a Ph.D. in music theory (Newton Trust scholarship). His thesis was described by the examiners as ‘excellent’ (Alan Marsden) and ‘formidable’ (Robert Pascall).

Mark took up several professional appointments at the University of Cambridge during his PhD, and he remained in Cambridge afterwards to continue and expand that range. These appointments included:

Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Music,
College Lecturer and Director of Music-Making at Churchill College where he founded the Inter Alios Choir, and
Director of Music and Director of Studies in Music at Murray Edwards College where he founded what is now the Music and Words series.
Running the University’s choral awards scheme (which populates Cambridge’s celebrated collegiate choirs) where he introduced various efficiency measures and also graduate students into the scheme for the first time.

Then he …

… left Cambridge to take up a unique post as ‘Postdoctoral Associate in Computational Music Theory Pedagogy’ at Cornell University and fellow of the ‘Active Learning Initiative’,
… returned to Europe in 2020 to take up a second postdoc (‘Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter’) on the DFG-funded ‘Computergestützte Analyse harmonischer Strukturen’ project (Rainer Kleinertz and Meinard Müller, principal investigators) at the Universität des Saarlandes,
… was appointed Professor (W2) of Music Theory at Technische Universität Dortmund.
… and then to his current position in computer science at Durham.

Mark’s early career encompassed a wide range of musical activities including performance, composition and arrangement, teaching, and research (including a first post as McCann Research Fellow at the Royal Academy of Music prior to starting his PhD). Performance engagements have included playing several instruments, singing (both as a freelance baritone and as a Lay Clerk in the Chelmsford and Ely Cathedral Choirs), and conducting. As a conductor he worked primarily with student groups through his university roles. Professional highlights included conducting principals of the LSO and Philharmonia Orchestra in contemporary music projects.

The debut commercial recording of his compositions – ‘Utrumne est Ornatum’ – was released by Regent Records in 2018, featuring a range of (mostly choral) works and performers including the celebrity guest narrator, Tom Hollander. The disc has been highly favourably reviewed by the Choir and Organ and Organists’ Review magazines, with both awarding the maximum 5 stars. Other composition highlights have included broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and national Chinese television, performances at St Martin in the Fields and the Aldeburgh Festival, and commissions from the King’s Lynn and Thaxted Festivals.