Dr Daniel Bickerton
MMus PhD (Wales) PGD (London) AFHEA LMusTCL AMusTCL FTCL LTCL ATCL
Senior Lecturer and Director of Learning and Teaching
- bickertondi@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 0405
- Fax:
- +44 (0)29 2087 4379
- 0.18, 37 Corbett Rd., 33-37 Corbett Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3EB
- Media commentator
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am a Senior Lecturer and currently the Director of Learning and Teaching at the School of Music. I was the Director of Undergraduate Studies from 2016-2020.
I am a composer with interests including intertextuality, jazz and hybridity; I have research interests in creative leadership and collaboration in Music at Higher Education. My music has been described as 'soulful', and 'full of skittish cascades' and 'invoking a sense of period and character – and just a little (harmless) madness' in The Times. About my music, conductor and musicologist Paul McClure has written 'the fingerprint of this composer's style is effective and driving ostinati; the flexibility of metre is authoritative and compelling'. My work has been performed in several major venues in the UK (including the Royal Albert Hall, St David's Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, Purcell Room and Birmingham Symphony Hall), the Czech Republic (Reduta Jazz Club, Prague) Italy (La Mortella), Germany (Idstein Jazz Festival), France (Châtel and Palais de Festivités, Evian), Switzerland (Montreux Jazz Festival), Belgium (Ghent Music Festival and St. George's Memorial Church, Ypres) the USA (Koret Auditorium, San Francisco and Paul Creative Arts Theatre, New Hampshire), and broadcast on BBC Radio Wales and ITV Wales. I studied composition with Arlene Sierra, Stephen Montague, Judith Weir and Anthony Powers at Cardiff University School of Music and Trinity Laban.
Recent commissions have included projects with Catherine Milledge (piano), Isca Linea, Music for Youth PROMS (massed ensemble, multimedia performance), Cor Aduniad, the Fidelio Trio (Cheltenham Music Festival premiere, July 2014), BBC Big Band (dir. Jay Craig), The Cardon Ensemble, London New Wind Ensemble (November 2013), Alexander Davis (saxophone), Cardiff University Big Band, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Consortium5, Lontano, RMA and Nathan Jorgensen's 'Four o'clock Band'.
Biography
Education and qualifications
- 2018: FTCL Composition (Trinity College London)
- 2014: LMusTCL in Theory and Analysis (Trinity College London)
- 2012: PhD (Composition) Cardiff University, UK
- 2012: AFHEA (Higher Education Academy)
- 2011: AMusTCL with Distinction (Trinity College London)
- 2009: LTCL: Teaching with Distinction (Trinity College London)
- 2008: PGD with Distinction (Composition) Trinity Laban Conservatoire, UK
- 2007: MMus with Distinction (Composition) Cardiff University, UK
- 2006: BMus (Hons) with First Class Honours, Cardiff University, UK
- 2004: ATCL: Recital with Distinction (Trinity College London)
Honours and awards
- CUROP (July 2019)
- School of the Year (November 2017)
- Cardiff University Outstanding Contribution Award (October 2017)
- Ede & Ravenscroft (July 2017)
- CUROP (July 2016)
- First Campus for Outreach and Engagement (2014-16)
- CUSU for Benjamin Britten Centenary: Celebration for Composers (2013)
- Cardiff University Research Studentship (2008-2012)
- Joan Greenfield Fellowship (2007-08)
- Welsh Livery Guild (2007)
- AHRC (2006-07)
- Celia Thomas Bequest (2006)
Professional memberships
- Chair, Expressive Arts Committee - Widening Participation Network | Step Up Programme Development
- Member, Public Engagement Professionals Network (PEP) | National Co-ordination Centre for Public Engagement
- Member, National Education Strategy Forum
- Composer in Residence, National Orchestras for All | Modulo (2018-present)
- Fellow, Music Composition | Trinity College London
- Member, First Campus Engagement and Outreach Network
- Senior Examiner | AMusTCL Music Theory and Composition, Trinity College London (2015-present)
- Associate Fellow | Higher Education Academy (2012-present) for professional recognition of Teaching and Scholarship
Academic positions
- 2020 - present: Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University
- 2020 - present: Director of Learning and Teaching | Cardiff University School of Music (including Digital Education Lead)
- 2016 - 2020: Director of Undergraduate Studies | Cardiff University School of Music
- 2014 - 2016: Deputy Undergraduate Admissions Tutor | Cardiff University School of Music
- 2014 - 2020: Lecturer, Cardiff University
- 2013 - 2014: Lecturer in Music and Ideology | Leeds College of Music
- 2009 - 2014: Associate Lecturer | Cardiff University School of Music
Speaking engagements
- MusicHE (2020) - Ensemble music-making: responding to the challenges of COVID-19 for performers and composers
- Cardiff University Business School (2018) - Assessment and Feedback: Challenges in MUSIC, presented at 'Assessment Challenges and Challenging Assessment' (Cardiff, 24.09.18)
- Cardiff University CEI Conference (2018) - Learn Plus: Advantages in formative assessments
- Leeds College of Music (2014)
- Trinity Laban (2013)
- Cardiff University (2013)
- RMA Kings College London (2010)
- Trinity Laban (2009)
- Keele University (2008)
Committees and reviewing
- Chair, Learning and Teaching Committee | MUSIC (2020 - present)
- Member, School Management Board | MUSIC (2019 - present)
- Member, Programme and Partner Standing Panel | ASQC (2019 - present)
- Member, AHSS College Academic Education Network | CAEN (2019 - present)
- Chair, Expressive Arts | Education and Outreach Network (2019 - 2020)
- Lead Mentor | MUSIC - Guizhou Exchange Programme (2018 - present)
- Member, Workload Modelling Review | AHSS (2018 - 2019)
- Chair, Undergraduate Board of Studies | MUSIC (2016 - 2020)
- Chair, Examination and Year Boards | MUSIC (2016 - 2020)
- Senior Examiner | Trinity College London (2015 - present)
- Member, Learning and Teaching Committee | MUSIC (2015 - 2020)
- Assessment and Feedback Lead | MUSIC (2015 - 2019)
- Examinations Convenor | MUSIC (2015 - 2018)
- Personal Tutor (2014 - present)
- Member, Staff Student Panel | MUSIC (2014 - present)
- Member, Postgraduate Taught Board of Studies | MUSIC (2014 - present)
- Member, Postgraduate Taught Examination and Year Boards | MUSIC (2014 - present)
- Widening Participation Lead (formerly Widening Access Lead) | MUSIC (2013 - present)
- Member of IT Committee (2013 - 2014)
Publications
2020
- Bickerton, D. 2020. Yearning.
- Bickerton, D. 2020. Wires Crossed.
- Bickerton, D. 2020. Wild Water.
- Bickerton, D. 2020. As Alive As Ever.
- Bickerton, D. 2020. Breaker of Stones.
- Bickerton, D. 2020. Ensemble music-making: responding to the challenges of COVID-19 for performers and composers. Presented at: MusicHE 2020, Online, 3 July 2020.
2019
- Bickerton, D. 2019. By Gosh, By Golly. Daniel Bickerton.
- Bickerton, D. 2019. nighTrain.
- Bickerton, D. 2019. Smile.
2018
- Bickerton, D. 2018. The opportunities of Panopto within the School of Music. Cardiff: Cardiff University Centre for Education Innovation. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnw6gdTKlIk
- Bickerton, D. 2018. Assessment and feedback challenges in music. Presented at: Assessment Challenges and Challenging Assessment, Cardiff, UK, 24 September 2018.
- Bickerton, D. 2018. Learn Plus: Advantages in formative assessments. Presented at: Cardiff University Education Innovation Week, Cardiff, UK, 23 January 2018.
- Bickerton, D. and Gornall, L. 2018. Playing together: What can academics in higher education learn from musicians about creative leadership and collaboration?. In: Gornall, L., Thomas, B. and Sweetman, L. eds. Exploring Consensual Leadership in Higher Education. London: Bloomsbury, pp. 243-262.
- Bickerton, D. 2018. Flypast.
- Bickerton, D. 2018. Simmer down.
2017
- Bickerton, D. and Allen, P. 2017. Cardiff - Capital city of Wales. Cardiff: Cardiff University. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqicqIMGGpI
- Bickerton, D. 2017. Sea of Stone [Tyne Cot Sketches: II]. Bickerton.
- Bickerton, D. 2017. Mad About ThaT.
- Bickerton, D. 2017. The pitch within.
2016
- Bickerton, D. 2016. Even though it's breaking, imagine!.
- Bickerton, D. 2016. #CONNECT.
2015
- Bickerton, D. 2015. Textbook.
- Bickerton, D. 2015. Weather By Funk.
- Bickerton, D. 2015. Eclipse.
- Bickerton, D. 2015. Invictus.
- Bickerton, D. 2015. Two mourning angels [Tyne Cot Sketches: I].
- Bickerton, D. 2015. Ballad.
2014
- Bickerton, D. 2014. Let's Do It Again.
- Bickerton, D. 2014. Redux Shone Through Time.
- Bickerton, D. 2014. Inward Thinking.
- Bickerton, D. 2014. Evening Dew.
- Bickerton, D. 2014. The Cause.
2013
- Bickerton, D. 2013. Stand Up.
- Bickerton, D. 2013. The Panther of Lugash.
- Bickerton, D. 2013. Unintentional Art of Glass.
- Bickerton, D. 2013. Firmly Grounded.
- Bickerton, D. 2013. Caution.
2012
- Bickerton, D. 2012. Garuda.
- Bickerton, D. 2012. Save Our Chariots.
- Bickerton, D. 2012. Blaenwern.
- Bickerton, D. 2012. Three Children's pieces.
2011
- Bickerton, D. 2011. Equation.
- Bickerton, D. 2011. Ecclesiastical musings.
- Bickerton, D. 2011. Delivered.
- Bickerton, D. 2011. This Masquerade.
2010
- Bickerton, D. 2010. The meaning of Alex.
- Bickerton, D. 2010. Whimsical.
- Bickerton, D. 2010. When The Stakes Are High.
2009
- Bickerton, D. 2009. Lunarscape.
- Bickerton, D. 2009. Nocturne.
- Bickerton, D. 2009. Epiphany.
2008
- Bickerton, D. 2008. The Court Jester.
- Bickerton, D. 2008. A Suite of Eastern Expression.
2007
- Bickerton, D. 2007. On The Edge.
- Bickerton, D. 2007. Phoenix.
- Bickerton, D. 2007. An Oracle of Earthly and Divine Authority.
- Bickerton, D. 2007. States of Mind.
- Bickerton, D. 2007. Prayer.
- Bickerton, D. 2007. Apokaluptein.
- Bickerton, D. 2007. For a Moment.
- Bickerton, D. 2007. Medusa, Vallejo.
2006
- Bickerton, D. 2006. Fanfare for Gwent.
- Bickerton, D. 2006. Etifeddiaeth.
- Bickerton, D. 2006. Ocean Sketch.
2005
- Bickerton, D. 2005. Genesis.
- Bickerton, D. 2005. Woodpeckers.
2004
- Bickerton, D. 2004. Foreboding.
- Bickerton, D. 2004. Through Their Eyes.
2003
- Bickerton, D. 2003. Dreaming.
Teaching
Undergraduate Teaching:
- Composition (including supervisor for Final Year major project modules)
- Challenging Tradition: Counterpoint from Bartók to Bärtsch
- Orchestration
- Studio Techniques
- I also co-ordinate the undergraduate Ensemble module and convene the annual 'Ensemble Showcase Concert'
Postgraduate Teaching:
- Music Leadership and Public Engagement
- Ensemble
- Studio Techniques
- I contribute to specialist classes in the Research Skills & Teaching Music modules
- I also supervise MA Composition students
Postgraduate Research:
- I act as an assessor for PGR annual reviews as well as a PhD Examiner
- I am currently secondary supervisor for two PhD candidates - Composition | Music Education
Composer in Focus:
- I directed the 'composer in focus' series of workshops and concerts from 2013-16. Previous projects included:
- 2013: Britten Centenary Celebration (feat. The Cardon Ensemble)
- 2014: The Triumph of Time? Responses to Birtwistle at 80
- 2015: La Monte Young at 80
- 2016: Reich at 80
Overview and recent projects:
Recent performances and recordings for solo piano have been given by Catherine Milledge (Equation) and Rebekah Weatherby (Tyne Cot Sketches: Sea of Stone). I was commissioned by the Cardiff University Big Band to write a new piece for their tour to Prague and the Bohemia Jazz Festival this summer (Flypast). A significant commission in 2016-17 came from Music for Youth, in collaboration with music services from South Wales, to compose a new work for the MFY PROMS concert series at the Royal Albert Hall. Entitled #CONNECT, this piece for massed ensemble received significant funding including a very generous donation from CUROP in order to give an undergraduate student (Timothy Johnston BMus) the opportunity to work in close collaboration with me on several aspects of this production.
You can read more about the project here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/475344-connect (Information about the CUROP scheme can be found at: learning.cf.ac.uk/curop) The Welsh premiere of #CONNECT took place at St. David's Hall in June 2017. You can read more about this and other recent projects here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/855450-welsh-premiere-of-connect
Forthcoming projects:
I am currently writing for the Chameleon Quintet, a new string piece for Isca Linea and a set of piano miniatures. I will be writing a new Big Band piece in Spring 2018 and a chapter that I have co-written with Dr Lynne Gornall (http://uk.linkedin.com/in/drlynnegornall) will be published in 'Exploring Consensual Leadership in Higher Education' (Bloomsbury, 2018).
Supervision
I am interesting in supervising PhD students in the areas of:
- Composition (Music)
- Music Leadership and/or Music Education
- Studio Techniques
