Eric Schultheiss
Composer | Percussionist | Educator | Innovator in Electro-Acoustic Music
Pioneering the Future of Percussion and Electro-Acoustic Composition
Eric Schultheiss is a composer, percussionist, and educator pushing the boundaries of contemporary music through his hybrid electro-acoustic percussion compositions. As the Head of Percussion Studies and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Middle Tennessee Conservatory of Music, he merges rhythmic complexity with cutting-edge technology, crafting immersive musical experiences that transcend traditional acoustic performance.
Born and raised in Southern California, Schultheiss developed his musical foundation in the diverse and dynamic creative culture of the region. He earned his degree in Music Composition and Percussion Performance from the University of California, Irvine, where he honed his deep understanding of rhythm, timbre, and experimental soundscapes. His compositional approach seamlessly integrates traditional percussion techniques with modern electronic manipulation, redefining how percussion is perceived in the contemporary classical and film scoring worlds.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation: The DAW Advantage
Unlike many of his contemporaries in the electro-acoustic space—who rely on handwritten scores and live processing—Schultheiss fully embraces Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) as an essential tool for composition and sound design. His workflow leverages the computational power of DAWs to bring precision, flexibility, and a new dimension of possibility to the creative process.
Rather than seeing the DAW as merely a recording or sequencing tool, Schultheiss approaches it as an instrument in itself—a means of sculpting intricate rhythmic textures, layering organic and synthetic timbres, and dynamically controlling spatial audio environments. His innovative approach allows for:
- Real-Time Orchestration & Sonic Experimentation – By integrating multi-layered polyrhythms and spectral sound manipulations directly in the DAW, Schultheiss can instantly hear and refine ideas, rather than relying on imagined sounds or manual transcription alone.
- Precision in Complex Rhythm & Timbre – While traditional notation struggles to capture micro-timbral shifts and unconventional rhythmic modulations, DAW-based composition enables hyper-detailed articulation of percussive nuances that would be impractical on paper.
- Seamless Electro-Acoustic Integration – Schultheiss masterfully combines acoustic percussion performances with electronic processing, achieving organic yet futuristic textures that would be cumbersome or impossible to execute solely with traditional methods.
- Scalability for Performance & Production – Whether composing for live ensemble, film, or immersive multimedia installations, his DAW-driven workflow ensures that every element can be adapted for studio production or live performance with seamless fluidity.
His music is a testament to the synergy of human touch and digital evolution, proving that technology enhances—rather than replaces—musical artistry when wielded with intention and expertise.
Signature Works & Collaborations
Schultheiss’ compositions explore the intersection of percussive motion and sonic transformation, incorporating elements of polyrhythmic structures, spectral sound design, and algorithmic manipulation.
Beyond his solo work, Schultheiss has collaborated with leading film composers, experimental sound designers, and digital artists, further expanding the reach of electro-acoustic percussion as a vital force in modern composition.
Educator & Mentor for the Next Generation
As the Head of Percussion Studies and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Middle Tennessee Conservatory of Music, Schultheiss is dedicated to shaping the next wave of percussionists and composers. His courses emphasize hybrid composition techniques, sound design, and the creative potential of DAW-driven workflows, ensuring that students graduate with the tools to thrive in both traditional and modern musical landscapes.
Through his social media presence and educational initiatives, he has also played a key role in bridging the gap between traditional composition training and 21st-century music technology, helping countless composers gain visibility in the digital era.
Legacy & Vision
With a career built on bold experimentation and technical mastery, Eric Schultheiss continues to redefine the sonic possibilities of percussion-driven composition. His work stands as a beacon for composers embracing both the past and future—where the expressiveness of the performer meets the limitless potential of digital innovation.