With a Ph.D. in music composition from Princeton University under his belt, Van Stiefel ventured into the realm of chamber music, blending the electric guitar with diverse instruments and computer-generated sounds. His creation of the Sap Dream Quartet and their performances at prestigious venues showcased his commitment to expanding the guitar’s role in new music. His recordings, released on New Focus Recordings and supplemented by works on Mode and Innova labels, along with compositions performed by renowned guitarists and published by Da Vinci Publishing, demonstrate his wide-reaching influence.

He is known for his seamless fusion of music and technology, mainly through interactive compositions for laptop ensembles, underscoring his self-taught programming skills. Beyond the guitar, his experiments with turntables, sound design, digital production, and spoken word reflect his dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.

Portfolio: https://drvanstiefel.com