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KIP ROSSER

Thereminist, Kip Rosser’s solo performances, staged productions, award-winning compositions, distinctive music videos and new playing techniques have earned him a reputation as one of today’s most accomplished players. When performing solo, Rosser typically moves beyond a standard recital format, making for a unique event that combines music (ranging from classical to jazz to popular) with humor, stories, performance art, animation and video, continually pushing the boundaries of the theremin’s capabilities.

In 1998 Rosser directed and composed music for “Eek!,” an assortment of both published and unpublished works by renowned author/illustrator Edward Gorey. During the early 2000s, his original compositions repeatedly won first place in the Avant Garde and Electronic categories on “Spellbound,” Cygnus Radio’s theremin program.He is a member of MUNY (Music Under New York) and continues to bring theremin music to the public in the New York City subway. 2005 saw his critically acclaimed full-length production, Unholy Secrets of the Theremin presented with concert pianist, Jef Anderson, at the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival.

After creating full courseware for using the theremin in a therapeutic environment, Rosser was chosen by Moog Music, Inc. to represent their theremins at the annual convention for the American Music Therapy Association.

From 2009 to 2018, he was on the artist roster of Musicopia, bringing his grade-appropriate music programs and workshops to students of all ages in the underserved schools of the Philadelphia area.

Film credits include original music for Sabina Ptasnik’s short film, Gravity, theremin tracks by composer Dane Walker for the Toddy Burton Eames film, Scientists in the Woods, and his own original theremin soundtrack for award-winning filmmaker Michael Jason Allen’s feature film, An Idle Mind is the Devil’s Playground.

Most recently, he’s currently the roster of musicians for Concerts In Motion, a New York City-based, not-for-profit organization “…reaching older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, individuals experiencing housing or food insecurity, and medical patients of all ages.”

BIOGRAPHY

Rosser describes his musical life as a child: “I spent time from age seven to nine NOT practicing the piano and I spent from the fourth grade to the ninth grade NOT practicing clarinet.” Still, he created piano compositions through college.

Equipped with a BFA in Acting/Directing from Ithaca College and an MFA in Directing from Northwestern, Rosser moved to New York City and worked as a director, playwright, graphic artist and copywriter. Fast forward to 1996; after a twenty-one year hiatus from serious musical study, Rosser crossed paths with the grandfather of all electronic instruments, the theremin; he purchased a kit, built one, and practiced like a maniac for two years before daring to play in public.

He continues to present his music programs and original performance pieces at every opportunity.

DISCOGRAPHY

2004 – Exploration of the Black Exterior

2010 – Euphonic Verses

2016 – Lessons from Vinegar Mother