Derek Charke’s music is recognized as an important and original contribution to the Canadian music scene. Derek’s compositions increasingly pair electroacoustic elements, many derived from environmental sounds, with acoustic instruments. Ecological sound as an artistic statement on environmental issues has become an impetus for many works, and his interest in the Arctic has like-wise played a role in many of his compositions. His music bridges a divide between this play of pure sound, collecting natural and environmental sound, and a continuation of the western "classical" tradition, albeit with contemporary and popular influences. Derek Charke earned his bachelor degree in composition at the University of North Texas, a masters degree in composition from the Royal Academy of Music, a masters degree in flute and a doctorate degree in composition from the University at Buffalo. While at Buffalo he studied composition with David Felder and flute with Cheryl Gobbetti Hoffman. Previous composition teachers included Louis Andriessen, Steve Martland and Cindy McTee. Dr. Charke, who currently is associate professor of music theory and composition at Acadia University School of Music in Nova Scotia, Canada, and associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre, has received numerous awards and commission for his compositions. Awards include a BMI student composer award for his work Xynith, the Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Composition from the University of North Texas, and an honorable mention from the Kubik Prize for his composition What do the Birds Think? He has been commissioned by ensembles such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Kronos Quartet and the St. Lawrence String Quartet. Dr. Charke and his wife currently live in Kentville, Nova Scotia.