Afrim Shabani (b.1977)
                               Composer

Style

Afrim Shabani’s music composition style consists of a unique and innovative approach to contemporary modernism he refers to as “compromised-traditionalism.”  This compositional style is characterized by a unique blend of acoustic and electronic sounds carefully interweaved within an asymmetrical rhythmic foundation and supported by explorative harmonies of traditional western music principles and ethnic music from world cultures. Mr. Shabani’s music is internationally recognized with commissions from several performers and organizations worldwide. His repertory includes works for orchestra, concert band, symphonic winds, chamber ensembles, choir and solo instruments.

Biography

Afrim Shabani (b. July 13, 1977) Albanian composer, resides in the U.S.A; began his composition studies in Chicago Illinois under renowned music teacher and director Ty Hanson. Mr. Shabani received his Master's of Music Degree in Music Composition from Illinois State University, Normal IL (2006). He studied music composition with Dr. David Feurzeig (Professor of Music Composition, ISU); Dr. Narong Prangcharoen (Instructional Professor of Music Composition, ISU); and, advanced music theory topics under Prof. Charles Stokes (Professor of Music Theory, ISU). He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Music Degree (Cum Laude) in Theory and Composition from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (2004), under the direction of two theory and composition professors: Dr. Darryl Coan (Professor of Music Theory, SIU-E) and Dr. Stephan Brown (Professor Emeritus of music Composition, SIU-E).

Assistantships & Awards 

Mr. Shabani received the 2004 Mark Gerdelman Music Composition Award from SIU-E in addition to several teaching assistantships from Illinois State University during his graduate studies. At ISU he taught computer skills for musicians and assisted in teaching music theory/ear training and composition courses.

Awards
       Mark Gerdelman Music Composition Award, SIU-E 2004
       Full Teaching Assitantship, ISU 2004/05
       Full Teaching Assistantship, ISU 2005/06
       Dean's List, LCCC 2003
       Dean's List, LCCC 2002
       Phi Theta Kappa, LCCC 2001
       President's List, LCCC 2001
       President's List, LCCC 2000   

Presentations and Guest Lectures
       Western Music and the Visual Arts. Lecture, WCC Sugar Grove, IL. 2007   

       Transcribing Primitive Folk Music. Guest Lecture, ISU Normal, IL. 2006 
       Asymmetrical Music Rhythms. Guest Lecture, ISU Normal, IL 2005 
       The role of Balkan Women in Music. Guest lecture, ISU Normal, IL. 2004
       The art of Electronic Music. Lecture recital, SIU at Edwardsville, IL. 2004
       World Music and Music Composition. Music Presentation, SWIC-B, IL. 2003
       Music of the Balkan Regions. Guest Lecture, LCCC Godfrey, IL. 2002
       Folk Music of Northern Albania. Guest Lecture, LCCC Godfrey, IL. 2001

Current Employment 

         Afrim Shabani is an instructional assistant professor of music at Illinois State University-Normal, IL where he lectures courses in music theory, transcription, analysis through composition and graduate analysis for performers; and, holds a part-time music faculty position at Richland Community College in Decatur, IL lecturing courses in Music Theory and Ear Training, non-Western Music, American Music and Music Appreciation. In addition, he maintains a piano studio of 20 students in Bloomington, IL. He served on the piano jury for the 2007 Illinois Federation of Music Clubs Festival held at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington IL (February 10, 2007). Mr. Shabani is working on a recording project that will compile his original compositions in both Chamber and Solo music (two string quartets, piano trio, cello solo, viola solo, piano, etc.) which will be released in the spring of 2008. He is also a founding partner of Alba-Tone Music Production Co., a complete music production company.

Research Interest
         Mr. Shabani’s research interest includes music of world cultures; Specializing in Balkan and Indian music (asymmetrical rhythms; modal; and, microtonal sounds). In addition, research interests on issues relating to cross cultural ethnography of music performance practices, music and identity, and globalization.

Affiliations
        The College Music Society, 2005
        The American Composers Forum, 2006
        The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, 2007

        The Society of Composers, 2007

        The Illinois Federation of Music Clubs/Orpheus, 2007  


Teaching Philosophy  
            "My goal is to create an environment that generates enthusiasm from music students, motivating them to learn, and above all, retain knowledge. As a music teacher for 6 years, I believe strongly in animated student-teacher interaction; presenting material in a style conducive to student participation and exploration. This philosophy, combining factual knowledge with creative teaching methodology, and most importantly, a sincere love of teaching music, has been the key to my success as a music instructor."