Hi, I’m Hangrui Zhang, a London-based composer, researcher, and educator. I have completed a Doctor of Music in Composition at the Royal College of Music, where my doctoral work explores hybridised influences from Japanese pop culture and the abstract forms of Kandinsky through collaborative practice. As a freelance composer and educator, I work on music for various genres and teach composition, music theory and technology to students at different levels, collaborating with ensembles and organizations around the world. My work spans commissions, performances, and collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on blending contemporary practice with public-facing artistic work. I’m driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the music-making process, always aiming to create engaging experiences for performers and audiences alike.

Hangrui Zhang

Hi, I’m Hangrui Zhang, a London-based composer, researcher, and educator. I have completed a Doctor of Music in Composition at the Royal College of Music, where my doctoral work explores hybridised influences from Japanese pop culture and the abstract forms of Kandinsky through collaborative practice. As a freelance composer and educator, I work on music for various genres and teach composition, music theory and technology to students at different levels, collaborating with ensembles and organizations around the world. My work spans commissions, performances, and collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on blending contemporary practice with public-facing artistic work. I’m driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the music-making process, always aiming to create engaging experiences for performers and audiences alike.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Hangrui Zhang, a London-based composer, researcher, and educator. I have completed a Doctor of Music in Composition at the Royal College of Music, where my doctoral work explores hybridised influences from Japanese pop culture and the abstract forms of Kandinsky through collaborative practice. As a freelance composer and educator, I work on music for various genres and teach composition, music theory and technology to students at different levels, collaborating with ensembles and organizations around the world.

My work spans commissions, performances, and collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on blending contemporary practice with public-facing artistic work. I’m driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the music-making process, always aiming to create engaging experiences for performers and audiences alike.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Music Technology Teacher at M:Tech Education
January 1, 2026 - Present
Teach music technology concepts and composition; develop curriculum and deliver lessons to students in the UK.
Graduate Teaching Assistant at Royal College of Music, London
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Graduate teaching assistant supporting coursework, laboratory sessions and student development; liaising with faculty.
Freelance Composer at Self-employed
January 1, 2019 - Present
Commissioned composer and collaborator on festival and concert projects; develops new works and engages with interdisciplinary teams.
Piano Technician at Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Piano tuning and maintenance for performance programs and faculty.
Freelance Music Theory, Music Technology and Composition Teacher at Self-employed
January 1, 2014 - Present
Private and group lessons in music theory, music technology and composition for students of varying levels.
Graduate Teaching Assistant at Royal College of Music
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Assisted faculty in teaching, seminars, and student supervision; contributed to labs, tutorials, and ensemble activities.
Freelance Composer
January 1, 2019 - Present
Freelance composer producing orchestral, chamber, and electro-acoustic works; engaged in commissions and collaborations.
Freelance Music Theory, Music Technology and Composition Teacher
January 1, 2014 - Present
Freelance teaching of music theory, technology and composition to private students and groups.

Education

Doctor of Music in Composition at Royal College of Music, London, UK
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Artist Diploma in Composition at Royal College of Music, London, UK
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Master of Music in Composition at Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Bachelor of Music in Composition at University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, USA
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Doctor of Music in Composition at Royal College of Music, London
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Artist Diploma in Composition at Royal College of Music, London
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Master of Music in Composition at Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Bachelor of Music in Composition at University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Other, Professional Services