Negar Soley is an Iranian composer, vocalist, and interdisciplinary artist whose work explores multiplicity, memory, and the emotional landscapes of everyday life. Drawing from field recordings, improvisation, poetry, and the physicality of performance, her music moves between delicacy and intensity, guided by an interest in breaking containment and revealing the different selves that coexist within a single voice. She recently completed her studies at Wesleyan University, where she integrated pre-recorded materials, improvisation, and embodied performance, influenced by courses and faculty in experimental music, improvisation, and electronic music—especially SuperCollider—as well as her experiences in vocal and piano practice and her research into Morton Feldman, Frank O’Hara, and the expressive possibilities of quietness and multiplicity. In addition, deeply inspired by the textures of everyday life in Tehran, her hometown, she has navigated complex emotions of vulnerability, shame, and self-discovery through her field recordings. Currently residing in Philadelphia, she continues to work on composition projects and commissions while maintaining an active composer-performer practice.

Negar Soley

Negar Soley is an Iranian composer, vocalist, and interdisciplinary artist whose work explores multiplicity, memory, and the emotional landscapes of everyday life. Drawing from field recordings, improvisation, poetry, and the physicality of performance, her music moves between delicacy and intensity, guided by an interest in breaking containment and revealing the different selves that coexist within a single voice. She recently completed her studies at Wesleyan University, where she integrated pre-recorded materials, improvisation, and embodied performance, influenced by courses and faculty in experimental music, improvisation, and electronic music—especially SuperCollider—as well as her experiences in vocal and piano practice and her research into Morton Feldman, Frank O’Hara, and the expressive possibilities of quietness and multiplicity. In addition, deeply inspired by the textures of everyday life in Tehran, her hometown, she has navigated complex emotions of vulnerability, shame, and self-discovery through her field recordings. Currently residing in Philadelphia, she continues to work on composition projects and commissions while maintaining an active composer-performer practice.

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Negar Soley is an Iranian composer, vocalist, and interdisciplinary artist whose work explores multiplicity, memory, and the emotional landscapes of everyday life. Drawing from field recordings, improvisation, poetry, and the physicality of performance, her music moves between delicacy and intensity, guided by an interest in breaking containment and revealing the different selves that coexist within a single voice. She recently completed her studies at Wesleyan University, where she integrated pre-recorded materials, improvisation, and embodied performance, influenced by courses and faculty in experimental music, improvisation, and electronic music—especially SuperCollider—as well as her experiences in vocal and piano practice and her research into Morton Feldman, Frank O’Hara, and the expressive possibilities of quietness and multiplicity. In addition, deeply inspired by the textures of everyday life in Tehran, her hometown, she has navigated complex emotions of vulnerability, shame, and self-discovery through her field recordings. Currently residing in Philadelphia, she continues to work on composition projects and commissions while maintaining an active composer-performer practice.

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Language

English
Fluent
Persian
Fluent

Work Experience

Concert Organizer & Marketing Assistant at Wesleyan University
September 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025
Planned and coordinated concerts, managing logistics including venue booking, performer scheduling, and on-site support. Developed and executed marketing strategies; designed promotional materials and ran targeted social media campaigns. Collaborated with faculty, student groups, and university staff to ensure smooth execution.
Composer at Hezartoo (Directed by Abdolreza Abdolkarimi)
June 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Composed original score aligning with the work’s philosophical and emotional depth. Collaborated with director to refine the sonic identity of the piece.
Sound-Based Documentary Artist at Interdisciplinary Project, Tehran, Iran
June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Conducted interviews exploring cultural memory through sound. Recorded and edited immersive field recordings from Tehran’s urban soundscape. Produced layered audio-visual content; integrated sound, video, and narrative into a cohesive experience. Evaluated outreach effectiveness and optimized promotional efforts.
Sound Designer, Music Director & Composer at Of Government (Directed by Katie Pearl) – Wesleyan University
September 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Led music direction and sound design for an intensive interdisciplinary theater project. Directed vocal and instrumental rehearsals and integrated live and pre-recorded sound elements. Managed technical setup and cueing, contributing to a seamless production. Aligned musical and emotional cues with the director’s vision in a politically charged performance.
Music Library Assistant at Wesleyan University
September 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Assisted with archival processing of Alvin Lucier materials and experimental music collections.
Teaching Assistant at Wesleyan University
September 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025
Supported courses in Experimental Music, Theory, and Composition. Led sectionals, created assignments, and mentored students in composition and performance. Facilitated ensemble work and gave individualized feedback on student compositions.
Piano and Music Theory Teacher at Pooyan Piano Institute, Tehran, Iran
June 1, 2022 - August 31, 2022
Taught one-on-one lessons to students of varying levels, focusing on theory, performance, and creativity.
Concert Organizer & Marketing Assistant at Wesleyan University
September 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025
Planned and coordinated concerts, managing logistics including venue booking, performer scheduling, and on-site support. Developed and executed marketing strategies; designed promotional materials and ran targeted social media campaigns. Collaborated with faculty, student groups, and university staff to ensure smooth execution.
Composer at Hezartoo (Directed by Abdolreza Abdolkarimi)
June 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Composed original score aligning with the work’s philosophical and emotional depth. Collaborated with director to refine the sonic identity of the piece.
Sound-Based Documentary Artist at Interdisciplinary Project, Tehran, Iran
June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Conducted interviews exploring cultural memory through sound. Recorded and edited immersive field recordings from Tehran’s urban soundscape. Produced layered audio-visual content integrating sound, video, and narrative into a cohesive experience. Evaluated outreach effectiveness and optimized promotional efforts.
Sound Designer, Music Director & Composer at Of Government (Directed by Katie Pearl) - Wesleyan University
September 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Led music direction and sound design for an intensive interdisciplinary theater project. Directed vocal/instrumental rehearsals and integrated live and pre-recorded sound elements. Managed technical setup and cueing for seamless production. Aligned musical and emotional cues with the director’s vision in a politically charged performance.
Music Library Assistant at Wesleyan University
September 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Assisted with archival processing of Alvin Lucier materials and experimental music collections.
Teaching Assistant at Wesleyan University
September 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025
Supported courses in Experimental Music, Theory, and Composition. Led sectionals, created assignments, and mentored students in composition and performance. Facilitated ensemble work and gave individualized feedback on student compositions.
Piano and Music Theory Teacher at Pooyan Piano Institute, Tehran, Iran
June 1, 2022 - August 31, 2022
Taught one-on-one lessons to students of varying levels, focusing on theory, performance, and creativity.
Teaching Assistant at Wesleyan University
May 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025
Teaching Assistant – Experimental Music, Counterpoint, Music Theory, 20th-Century Music Composition
Music Library Assistant at Wesleyan University
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Music Library Assistant
Piano and Music Theory Teacher at Pouyan Piano Institute
August 31, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Piano and Music Theory Teacher
Music Composition Teacher at Intercultural Family Services, Inc.
September 1, 2025 - November 9, 2025
Music Composition Teacher
Piano and Music Theory Teacher at Poyan Piano Institute
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Taught piano and music theory in Tehran, Iran.
Music Composer at CAM Ground 26 / CAMP Ensemble
March 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Commissioned contemporary art music project; wrote a melodrama for soprano Jamie Jordan and CAMP Ensemble.

Education

Master of Art at Wesleyan University
January 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025
Bachelor of Art at Tehran University of Art
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2021
Master of Art at Wesleyan University
September 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025
Bachelor of Art at Tehran University of Art
September 1, 2017 - December 31, 2021
Master of Arts in Music (Experimental Music / Composition) at Wesleyan University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition at Tehran University of Art
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2021
Master of Arts in Music at Wesleyan University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition at Tehran University of Art
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2021

Qualifications

First Place Winner, Music Composition Competition, Bonyad Roudaki
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Winner, Writing Contest, Nasang Publication
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
First Place Winner, Music Composition Competition, Bonyad Roudaki
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Winner, Writing Contest, Nasang Publication
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Selected Piece, MATA Festival
June 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2021
Master of Arts in Music (Experimental Music / Composition)
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025
First Place Winner, Music Composition Competition - Between Mirror and Window
January 11, 2030 - February 12, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other