The Provost’s Office is excited to extend a warm welcome to Connor Elias Way, joining the Music department in Fall 2026!
What excites you most about joining Gustavus Adolphus College?
As a composer who loves teaching music theory and composition in interdisciplinary contexts, there are many aspects of joining Gustavus and its thriving liberal arts community that deeply excite me. If I had to pick one, it would simply be the opportunity to explore great music with a new group of students.
Briefly describe your professional interests.
In my creative practice, I combine old techniques with new systems and processes in an attempt to make music that sounds otherworldly. My compositional output ranges from works for orchestra and choirs to pieces for electric guitar quartets and detuned pianos. As a drummer-turned-harpist-turned-composer with an omnivorous appetite for music, I enjoying approaching both my creative work and my teaching from multiple angles.
What aspects of teaching do you find most rewarding?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is being able to facilitate “lightbulb” moments for curious students in which new dimensions in a piece of music, its historical context, or the creative process are illuminated for the first time.
What are you looking forward to exploring or engaging with in the Saint Peter community outside of your academic work?
As an avid cyclist, I look forward to exploring the dirt roads surrounding Saint Peter astride my gravel bike this fall.
If you could have any superpower (related to your field or otherwise), what would it be and why?
Undoubtedly time travel so that I could go grab a coffee with Schubert and take a composition lesson with Nadia Boulanger 🙂