Carl Derfler, composer, clarinetist and pianist, received his doctorate in Music Composition and Theory from the University of Oregon  under Harold Owen and Robert Kyr in December, 1999. His dissertation, Borderlands: From War to Wilderness, for wind ensemble has received a number of performances in the United States and Canada and Europe by university bands, community bands and U.S. Military Wind Ensembles and Bands.

Carl began his studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and Washington State University where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Education. After a period of private composition study in Berlin, Germany he began a Master's degree in composition at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he received a Masters of Music in Composition in 1982. His master's thesis, Symphony #1, has been performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra  under Uri Meyer, the Willamette Falls Symphony and the Mittleman Jewish Community Orchestra under Anthony Armoré. His compositions include choral works, vocal and piano works, chamber music, piano solos, liturgical songs and works for large ensembles. As an educator, Dr. Derfler has taught music classes at literally all levels from kindergarten through high school (general music, band, guitar and theory) to university (music theory, composition, aural skills and music rudiments). He has also maintained a private studio in which he has taught piano, guitar, clarinet, music history, music theory and composition.

Between 1996 and 2001 Dr. Derfler served as an editor for Oregon Catholic Press which publishes liturgical music. In 2001 he accepted a position teaching music theory and sight singing at Radford University.  Aside from teaching responsibilities Dr. Derfler acts as the Faculty Advisor for the XI Theta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He is also active in the College Music Society where he has been appointed as Composition Chair for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

He is married to theorist and pianist Barbara Mackin. They have a six year old son, Carl Anthony.

 

Education
Ph. D. in Music Composition and Theory (1999)
University of Oregon - Eugene, Oregon

Master of Music in Composition (1982)
University of Alberta - Edmonton, Alberta CANADA

Bachelor of Music in Education (1972)
Washington State University - Pullman, Washington

Teaching Responsibilities
Music Theory 111, 112
Music 211, 212
Sight Singing and Ear Training 114, 115

Hobbies and Outside Activities
United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol
St. Jude Catholic Church Choir - Director
Knights of Columbus