Home

I’m a composer performer based in Cologne Germany.

My music is rooted in the traditions of new and experimental music. Many recent pieces have integrated live-electronics and computer music with acoustical instruments. I draw on a wide range of influences such as early music, microtonality and non-western musical traditions.

As a performer, I most often play the viola d’amore, sometimes the violin, which was my first instrument. I also occasionally perform on my 1/4-tone viola da gamba. In addition to performing composed music, I also work as an improviser and enjoy exploring works that skirt the boundary between composition and improvisation. Finally, I work as a computer musician with various ensembles to help realize all sorts of pieces that require technology.

Listen

Compositions

Improvisations

Watch

Short Bio

Carter Williams (b. 1976)

As a composer and performer, Carter Williams focuses on new and experimental music. His work draws inspiration form the interaction between media, technology, performers and audiences. As a performer, he is committed to revival of the viola d’amore, and he has premiered numerous new compositions for the instrument. His work has been featured at major international festivals and new music centers.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Carter Williams studied composition at Rice University in Houston. In 2003, he completed his Ph.D. at the State University of New York in Buffalo. His composition teachers included Erik Oña and David Felder, and he studied Computer music with Cort Lippe and Richard Dudas. In Summer 2003, he attended the stage de composition et d’informatique musicale at Ircam in Paris. He is still active in academia and teaches at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf and University of Cologne.

Contact

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in finding out more about my music.