Dr. John Baxter is a composer for media, conductor, and producer. He earned his bachelor's degree from Yale University. After graduation, John received acceptance into New York University’s Film Scoring program in Fall 2017. Since then he has worked on more than 50 films, commercials, television programs, and video games with directors from around the world such as Greece, Australia, India, and Great Britain. He has been awarded Best Original Score at 4 separate film festivals. Also active in the concert music world, John has composed for several diverse ensembles. He was recently accepted to the Tennessee Contemporary Music Festival, the Space City New Music Festival, and the Sofia Symphonic Summit. He graduated with his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition from the Frost School of Music in 2022.

I am a hands-on, student-centered teacher who blends creativity with real world experience. My classes balance theory and practice, from film composition recording to music business, and I emphasize personalized feedback to foster growth. I strive to make every student feel engaged, capable, and inspired—whether through office hours, diverse repertoire, or empowering final projects. My teaching philosophy is rooted in accessibility and inclusivity: showing students from all backgrounds that they can find their voice in music and thrive as creators.

My teaching style is adaptive, blending structure with flexibility. I emphasize clear, concise explanations while tailoring lessons to each student’s background and goals—whether through connections, varied repertoire, or one-on-one feedback. I use hands-on projects and creative challenges to spark engagement, but I also adjust pace and method when needed, ensuring that every student, regardless of skill level or background, feels both supported and challenged. At the core, I believe great teaching is responsive and inclusive, empowering each student to grow on their own terms.