Steve Joslin
Portrait of Steve Joslin lit from one side against a black background

About

Steve Joslin

Percussionist, composer, and intermedia artist based in Eugene, Oregon.

Steve performs and composes in algorithmic, electronic, and progressive rock genres. His work ranges from meditative to visceral and incorporates technology in interesting ways: sensors become instruments, colour becomes sound, and visuals are generated live alongside the music.

He earned a BFA in Performing Arts Technology and an MA in Media Arts from the University of Michigan, and completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Performance: Data-driven Instruments at the University of Oregon in 2018. He now teaches recording, mixing and mastering at Oregon State University.

Steve performs live as a solo artist, ensemble drummer, and performer/composer with small dance companies as well as with his band. He is also a visual artist, using 2D and 3D animation and live-generated effects that respond to his audio compositions. In one of his more popular pieces, Colour Obscura, an iPhone generates colours that are sent to an application he built, which turns them into music and visuals in real time.

Get in touch

On stage

Steve Joslin playing drums under warm stage lightsSteve Joslin at the drum kit with projected visuals behind himSteve Joslin in silhouette at an electronic percussion rigSteve Joslin playing an amplified car door as percussionSteve Joslin behind a large drum kit mid-performanceSteve Joslin drumming with cymbals in the foregroundSteve Joslin on stage with blue lighting and a car body set pieceSteve Joslin playing drums with a red-lit backdropSteve Joslin performing with a full percussion setup

Curriculum vitae

Education

  • Doctor of Musical Arts, Performance of Data-driven Instruments, University of Oregon, 2018
  • Graduate Certificate, Nonprofit Management, University of Oregon, 2017
  • Master of Arts, Media Arts, University of Michigan, 2013
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Performing Arts Technology, University of Michigan, 2011

Areas of interest

  • Data-driven instruments and interface design
  • Curriculum development for STEAM education
  • Nonprofit management and program development

Grants, awards, and honors

  • Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Music, University of Oregon, 2015 to 2018
  • Artist in Residence, Crater Lake National Park, 2015
  • Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Digital Arts, University of Oregon, 2014 to 2015
  • Travel Grants, School of Music and Dance, University of Oregon, 2015 to 2017
  • Exhibit Grant, University of Michigan, 2012

Teaching and professional experience

  • Faculty, Oregon State University
  • Graduate Teaching Fellow, Music Technology, University of Oregon, 2015 to 2018
  • Lead Instructor, SPARK Summer STEAM Camps, Lane Community College, 2017 to 2018
  • Graduate Teaching Fellow, Digital Arts, University of Oregon, 2014 to 2015
  • Lead Instructor, Music & Engineering Summer Camp, University of Michigan, 2014
  • Adjunct Professor of Music, Concordia University, Ann Arbor, 2014
  • Instructor, MPulse Performing Arts Technology Summer, University of Michigan, 2011

Conference presentations

  • SEAMUS, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • Seattle Maker Faire, 2015, 2016, 2017
  • Electronic Music Midwest, 2016
  • SubUrban Projections, 2015, 2016
  • FutureMusic Oregon, 2014 to 2018

Affiliations

  • Percussive Arts Society
  • Audio Engineering Society
  • International Computer Music Association
  • ASCAP
  • Apple and Android mobile application developer
  • PADI, Professional Association of Diving Instructors