about
Hi there! My name is Kittie Cooper—I’m a sound and intermedia artist, performer, and educator based in Charlottesville, Virginia. I make work that explores the spectrum between silliness and seriousness, and in particular where those two qualities overlap with spookiness. Much of my work deals with the messy insides of humans, electronics, and other everyday things. I compose works using text and graphic scores, structured improvisation, and DIY electronic instruments. My work has been called "highly original and wonderfully fun." My music has been commissioned and performed by International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), Ensemble Dal Niente, Splinter Reeds, TAK Ensemble, Warp Trio, Popebama, and Ghost Ensemble. I have also performed and presented at a variety of festivals and conferences across the United States, and perform regularly as a guitarist, electronic musician, and improviser.
Currently, I serve as Education Director and a teaching artist for MIMA Music (Modern Improvisational Music Appreciation), an educational nonprofit that builds community through collaborative music-making. During the summer, I serve as Director of Electronic Music, Director of Composers Forums, and Faculty for The Walden School Young Musicians Program—a creative music-making program, festival, and summer camp for students ages 9-18. I hold an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Simon Fraser University’s School for Contemporary Arts, an MEd in Special Education (Teaching Students with Visual Impairments) from George Mason University, and a BMus from Northwestern University in Music Education and Guitar Performance.
I also like ghost stories, chili, and cats.