V.J. Manzo, has composed works for both traditional instruments and electronic musical interfaces. V.J.'s research interests include traditional and electro-acoustic composition as well as algorithmic composition, modal theory, artificial intelligence and interactive music systems.
       In 2008, he studied algorithmic composition and artificial musical intelligence with David Cope at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
       In 2007, he earned his Master's In Music from New York University (Magna Cum Laude) concentrating in algorithmic composition, electro-acoustic music composition and interactive music systems.
       In 2005, he graduated from Kean University (Cum Laude) earning a B.A. in K-12 Music Education with a concentration in classical guitar performance.
       He has composed numerous electro-acoustic and algorithmic compositions, many of which employ extended modality through a collection of original algorithms called the Modal Object Library. Additionally, he has composed chamber music and several scores for live theatre.
     In 2007, he founded EAMIR (the electro-acoustic musically interactive room), an open-source project involving alternate controllers and a sensor-filled room allowing individuals and those with disabilities to create meaningful music with accessible musical interfaces. In 2008, EAMIR began a partnership with Korg/Soundtree which further established the EAMIR project as a vital community for music technology in the classroom.
     He is Director of Music Technology at Montclair State University (2007) and Kean University (2007) where he teaches courses in traditional & electronic music and composition. He has lectured on electroacoustic music and algorithmic composition and has presented works and interactive music systems in numerous forums and conferences including the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) Chamber Music Institute, TI:ME/TMEA, and NJMEA. He is a NJ state certified educator and has been teaching music since 1998.
      He is the founder of the KAMA School of Music and the Arts; a music school specializing in private instruction on all instruments. He is also the music department founder & director and a faculty member at Kearny Christian Academy, a private K-12 institution in Kearny, NJ.
      He has been featured on many recordings as a composer, performer and producer/engineer. In 2001, he founded Clear Blue Media, LLC, a publishing label, which has been the pathway for many of his recordings including his art music compositions and progressive popular works by his ensemble Clear Blue.
      He has performed in prominent American venues including the NJPAC and the PNC Arts Center and in many countries including South Africa and the Philippines.
      He is the Director of Music for City of Hope International Church in Kearny, NJ, a role in which he also functions as composer/arranger, performer and producer/engineer of COHIC Recording Studios.
      He is currently pursuing a PhD from Temple University with a research emphasis in interactive music systems.

contact:

V.J. Manzo
1 Normal Avenue
Montclair, New Jersey
07043 USA
vj@vjmanzo.com

V.J. Manzo - Composer