Peter Kryshtalovich

Dean of Studies

Peter discovered a passion for sound and sound technology in two ways: the urban industrial soundscapes of his youth, and his early involvement with (at the time very new) modular synthesizers by ARP and MOOG. In fact, he was experimenting with found-sounds, soundscapes and sound design when those terms — now common — were only known to a handful of early enthusiasts. Inventing sounds was and remains a form of enchantment for him.

While other young artists played with, mixed and invented with color palettes, Peter played with, mixed and invented sounds — in addition to painting. He went on to steep himself in the avant-garde musical and artistic currents of the time, notably Musique Concrète and Art Informel, developing a multi-track electronic music studio by age 20. In fact, he foresaw a time when a single artist could be a whole orchestra. Not only has this now happened (and much sooner than he thought), these early visions strongly influenced his involvement in OIART’s early years.

Peter met Paul Steenhuis during OIART’s first year and together they spent many late-night sessions arguing music theory and, presciently, the advent of modern recording studios as a new form of musical instrument. Inevitably, Paul invited him to distill these ideas into courses and the program’s overall content — a collaboration that, with Ken as well, continues to this day.

Still endlessly fascinated by sound and imagery, as Executive Director and Dean of Studies, Peter’s passion for modern and post-modern art and music continue to inform his visions for the school.