Ben Johansen is a curious, interdisciplinary composer fascinated with exploring new ways of creating and organizing sound acoustically and electronically. He challenges himself to 1) constantly expand the limits of performers and observers and 2) design atmospheres that foster indeterminate improvisation within accessible boundaries. In his teaching, his goal is to make learning sessions never worth missing by cultivating exploration, prioritizing active learning, and inspiring interest and excellence. Ben completed his Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Music Composition at Baylor University; he earned his Ph.D. in Music with an emphasis in Composition, a Specialization in Computer Media, and a Minor in Installation Art from University of North Texas. While at UNT, he and four of his colleagues created IMPULSE, an improvisational, real-time composition group. Ben also co-founded Alinea. Two of his works were recently released on a CD by a Parma label.