Ewan East is a composer, educator, pianist and improviser, currently undertaking a PhD in Music Composition at York St John University. Exploring the use of streaming services in classical music compositions, Ewan aims to develop audience focused compositions and performances to increase interactions with new classical music.

 

Ewan's journey into composition began through improvising on the piano from the age of 9. Consolidating this skill through his GCSE years and further education, Ewan set his sights on university, beginning his Undergraduate degree in Music Composition in 2016, where he developed his style as a minimalist and romantic composer. Completing his Undergraduate degree in 2019, Ewan became the inaugural recipient of the Ann Green Prize for Contribution to University Music. 

 

Following a PGCE in Secondary Music, Ewan taught for the 2020 academic year until the role had a severe impact on his mental health. Ewan began a process of moving towards teaching in higher education, returning to York St John University in 2021 to study for a Masters degree in Music Composition. His final Masters work, Pieces of Depression, created a musical representation of different symptoms of depression, with the aim of encouraging conversations around mental health.