Brandon J. Rolle

Dr. Brandon J. Rolle is a composer whose interdisciplinary approach draws on psychoacoustics, sonology, computer programming and technology in order to realize the deeply-immersive sound worlds that define his music. His work has been supported through commissions, grants, and awards, including the Borchard Foundation, New Music USA, the University of California, Synchromy, Piano Spheres, and the Hear Now Festival. Giovanni Albini’s 2021 recording of Rolle’s “Afterward” on A Contemporary Ukulele (Da Vinci Classics) was called “a work of considerable imaginative power” that “really shows off the instrument (and player) to the greatest musical effect” (Musicweb-International). His musical catalog includes orchestral, chamber, electro-acoustic, and intermedia music, which have been performed at festivals and concerts of new music across the United States and Europe.

Outside of his creative work, Brandon is a conductor who champions new works and living composers, as well as a tenacious advocate for the arts. He is the founding Artistic Director of the Impulse New Music Festival, a nonprofit organization supporting talented early-career composers through creative training, professional development opportunities, and career mentorship; he has also worked with numerous other Los Angeles based organizations including NewClassic.LA, Equal Sound, Piano Spheres, and Brightwork newmusic, where he became the Executive Director in 2025.

Dr. Rolle gives masterclasses and talks across the United States and has taught undergraduate and graduate music at UC Santa Barbara, Cal State University Northridge, Chapman University, and at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music where he is Music Theory & Ear Training Faculty. He holds a Master’s Degree from Mills College where he worked with Pauline Oliveros and a PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara where he worked with Clarence Barlow and Joel Feigin. Since 2017 Rolle has been based in Los Angeles.