Kyle Krause is a Chicago-based composer, pianist, and educator. His compositions explore textural and prismatic aspects of music, and are often inspired by science and nature. The use of resonance, rhythmic layering, and timbral blending are also key components of his works. 
 
          Kyle has worked with ensembles such as the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet, Ensemble Mise-En, Cisum Percussion, Fulcrum Point New Music Ensemble, Arcomusical, NIU Philharmonic, NIU New Music Ensemble, and the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins Opera Department and Honors Ensemble Program. He has also worked extensively with steel-panist and percussionist Mike Schwebke. Kyle’s music has been performed throughout the United States and internationally at venues and festivals including Chosen Vale, PASIC, NIU New Music Festival, Great Lakes Steel Pan Festival, International Percussion Ensemble Festival, and Interlochen Center for the Arts.
 
          Kyle has received multiple awards for his music including the 2014 Northern Illinois University College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean’s Award. He was also awarded the 2015 Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University Otto Ortmann Award in Composition, and 1st place in the 2016 Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University DeLillo Composition Competition. Kyle is currently a finalist in the 2018 American Prize for Instrumental Chamber Music. 
 
          Kyle holds a B.M. in both composition and piano performance from Northern Illinois University. While pursuing his degrees from NIU, he studied piano with William Goldenberg and composition with David Maki, Robert Fleisher, and Ted Hatmaker. Kyle received his M.M. in composition at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University studying with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Kevin Puts. Kyle is currently on faculty at Northern Illinois University where he teaches aural skills. He also teaches piano, theory, and composition privately throughout the Chicago-land area.