Elizabeth J. Hambleton – Music theorist and composer

Taking field recordings in the mountains around Bogong, Australia. July 2019.

Elizabeth J. Hambleton is a music theorist, composer, and flutist from Seattle, currently based in San Marcos, TX. She completed her Ph.D. in Music Theory in the summer of 2020 (yes, during the pandemic) at UC Santa Barbara. Their dissertation examines score study of non-traditional notation and sonic expression in multimedia electroacoustic works. Her other major areas of research include video game music theory (focusing on how soundscapes shape ‘reality’), 20th-century notation, and modern sound studies (especially VR and AR soundwallks).

In addition to their work in music theory, Elizabeth is an active composer. She largely writes for solo instruments with electronics. Inspired by digital soundwalks and invented soundscapes, lately she has been exploring the intersection of musical form and modular video game level design.

Elizabeth is working towards their MLIS degree at the SJSU iSchool with an eye towards becoming an academic music librarian. As of April 2022, she is working at Texas State University as the Library Audio Specialist. In this role, she gets to teach workshops on all things audio, manage hardware and software in the three studio spaces available in the library for all TXST folx, and collaborate on creative projects with colleagues. As a side gig, she is also a part-time Mozilla Hubs tech helper for SJSU students to get help making their VR graduation rooms!