Biography

Ian Donald McDonald was born in Wellington 1-4-37. Educated St Patricks College, Wgtn 1950-4. Technical Trainee, Radio NZ 1955. Draughting Cadet, NZ Railways 1956, also, began Engineering Intermediate Victoria University of Wellington. 1958 began part-time composition course at Victoria Univ of Wgtn, composition study with Douglas Lilburn, David Farquhar and Jenny McLeod. 1959 foundation member of Studio Jazz Club, Wgtn. 1961-3 attended Wellington Teachers College. Graduated Victoria Univ of Wgtn BMus 1967, BMus hons 1968, MMus 1969. Teacher Maraeroa Primary School 1969. From 1970 to date, full-time composing, writing for concert performance, dance, drama, radio, television, film and advertising. Resident composer Palmerston North Centennial 1973. Judge television “Studio One” songwriting competition 1973-4. Foundation Secretary of CANZ 1974. 1974 Itinerant composer Kapiti College. Temporary Head of Music, Kapiti College 1975. 1978-9 Mozart Fellow at the University of Otago, studies in computer composition. 1980 resident composer Rotorua Centennial. 1980 to date, freelance composer. 1983 Chairperson Chingford Stables Arts Workshop, Trustee Fortune Theatre, Member Dunedin Civic Arts Council. 1986 Trustee Renaissance Community, Motueka. 1989 Foundation member Motueka and Districts Community Arts Council. 1990 tutor in New Maori Music at Te Awhina Marae, Chairperson Te Awhina Kokiri, kaituhituhi mo Te Runanganui O Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka A Maui. 1991 trustee Te Awhina Kohanga Reo. Writes poetry and prose, occasionally paints and sculpts. Has frequently lectured on electronic music and music composition.

See also “Bibliography of NZ Compositions (-1982)”

• Works (73)
• Awards (2)
• Related Resources (1)