William P. Dougherty composer

William Patrick Dougherty is Ellis and Nelle Levitt Professor of Music at Drake University where he teaches courses in music theory and composition. His research is directed toward developing a semiotic approach to the art song, and he has published numerous articles on music and text relationships and on musical semiotics in books and journals (including Music Theory Spectrum and Semiotica). In addition, Dr. Dougherty has presented over thirty papers at national and international conferences, including presentations in Poland, Finland, Switzerland, Australia, France, Italy, Scotland, and Germany. He is currently completing a book titled Mignon in Music: The Art Song as Semiotic. He has twice been awarded National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowships to pursue his research. Links to a list of his publications and presentations can be found above. He was named the 2013 Stalnaker lecturer by the College of Arts and Sciences at Drake University.

Also active as a composer, Dr. Dougherty has been commissioned by the Polaris Wind Quintet, the Brass Band of Columbus, the Drake University Fine Arts Trio, the Pioneer String Quartet, the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra, the New England Symphony Orchestra, the New England Wind Ensemble, and numerous chamber groups and soloists. He has written works for several Drake faculty members and student ensembles. A link to a list of his compositions, their recordings, and a partial performance history is located below.

Dr. Dougherty was awarded a bachelor's degree in music education from Illinois Wesleyan University (summa cum laude) and a M.A. and Ph.D. in music theory from The Ohio State University.