William Dougherty

William Dougherty is a composer, sound artist, and educator originally from Philadelphia. His work centers on listening as a creative and social act. He approaches music-making not only as artistic expression, but as a way of practicing attention, care, and empathy. Through experimental and alternative approaches to music-making, he invites students to explore sound as a pathway toward awareness, connection, and collective imagination.

As a teacher, William has worked with students of all ages and experience levels, from beginners to advanced composers. He creates musical spaces where curiosity, collaboration, and risk-taking are valued as much as technical skill. Drawing on composition, improvisation, and community-based performance, he encourages participants to experiment, reflect, and discover new ways of engaging with sound and with each other.

In addition to his work at North Seattle College, William serves as Assistant Professor of Music Composition at the University of Washington. His music has been performed internationally and recognized with honors including the Luciano Berio Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome. Across all of his work, he is committed to using music as a tool for connection, awareness, and shared creative possibility.