Carlos Meyers (b. 2000) is a composer and conductor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who is dedicated to finding continuity and pattern in music. Steeped in a deep love for the rich tradition of the Western canon of music, his compositions often reflect his methodical and analytical mindset while also honoring the stylistic trends that drew him into the field - namely romanticism, minimalism, and spectralism. His extensive work with large ensembles, both in his scores and on the podium, has grown into a lifelong passion for connecting audiences and musicians alike on a level that is equally intellectual as it is emotional.

He received first commission from the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), a group he joined in 2013 as a horn player, as a part of their John Downey Creation Project. This was his first experience working with Ron Foster, an active composer, conductor, and instrumental performer in the Milwaukee area, who helped to guide Carlos’ organic and increasingly experimental style. After his first public premiere in 2014, he was chosen the following four years for the John Downey program, resulting in a total of five works written for and performed by MYSO’s various ensembles. Today, Carlos’ work has given him the opportunity to field commissions from musicians in groups such as Ensemble Musikfabrik and the Albany Symphony Orchestra. More information on these pieces and Carlos’ recent compositions can be found in his list of works.

Carlos is also firmly committed to the ongoing education of music and sees a lasting relationship with learning as the cornerstone to any musician. As a theorist, he frequently studies and writes essays on the pieces of music that have had great impact on him, ranging from lengthy and historically researched academic theses to brief discussions for the casual listener. Many of these writings celebrate the work of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, who has profoundly shaped Carlos’ musical vocabulary, but also include a wide range of other composers and musical works. A collection of Carlos’ more accessible writings can be found on his blog.

In 2018, Carlos received two notable honors from the composition project by the Wisconsin School Music Association. Earning first place for instrumental ensemble was Summit View, while four selected movements from Confluence received second place for piano solo. Nearing his graduation from the Blair School of Music, he was presented the prestigious 2022 S.W. Calhoun Undergraduate Composition Award at the unanimous decision of the composition faculty.

In 2022, Carlos graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition with concentrations in conducting and music theory from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, and in 2024 earned his Master of Music at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. To continue his studies at Peabody into the Doctor of Musical Arts program, Carlos has been awarded the Dean’s DMA Fellowship and will continue to study with his teacher, Kevin Puts.

 

Education

Teachers (Composition)

Teachers (Conducting)

Click here to view or download Carlos’ resume: