Malcolm Brooks

Composition & Music Theory

Malcolm Brooks teaches composition, songwriting, theory, and guitar. He has led numerous programs at Bay Chamber, including the Living Room casual ensemble series, the Music History for the Curious seminars, and the Lullaby Project with Carnegie Hall. He enjoys working with people who may find it helpful to go slowly and who may find music theory mystifying. Malcolm’s professional work includes composing for film and for choirs. His film work is heard on PBS, NOVA, and the History Channel. He has written music for films that have won honors, including two Emmy nominations and a Peabody award. His choir work can be heard by the Choir Without Borders on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Additionally, Malcolm serves as a documentary songwriter, co-writing with marginalized populations, such as people who are incarcerated and people who are recovering from addiction. His documentary songwriting approach has been taught at Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Hawaii. He holds degrees from Columbia, Berkeley, and Prescott.