Dr. Nolan Stolz is Professor of Music at the University of South Carolina Upstate, where he teaches composition, music theory, and popular music studies (including drum set lessons). Although firmly rooted in the contemporary classical tradition, his compositions are clearly influenced by his performance background in jazz and rock. The Brno Philharmonic’s commercial recording of his Lincoln Highway Suite was awarded second place in the American Prize in 2020. Stolz is currently composing a follow-up, the Route 66 Suite, also for symphony orchestra with a second version for concert band.
As a scholar, Stolz is best known for his work on the music of Black Sabbath such as his book Experiencing Black Sabbath: A Listener’s Companion, various articles and essays, and public scholarship works posted on YouTube. He has also published on the music of Chick Corea, Genesis, Rush, and Frank Zappa and on jazz theory and improvisation.
