Mu Ding

Mu Ding

First Year Graduate Student in Composition

A music critic once described Ding Mu's compositions: "Beneath the dramatic tension, there is a profound power hidden between the notes. And after the music fades, it consistently sparks deeper discussion and reflection."

As a composer, Mu Ding(She, Her/They) works across a wide range of genres, including music theater, experimental music, improvisation, and sound art. She is also passionate about expanding the boundaries of her creativity, actively collaborating with artists from other disciplines. Feminism is the main focus of Mu's works, as she seeks to use her music to explore women's issues, advocate for women's rights, and give a voice to women from all walks of life.

In 2015, Mu co-founded Ensemble Novel, China’s first contemporary music ensemble. Over the past eight years, she has led the ensemble in organizing ten special concerts and supported more than 20 young composers worldwide in performing and promoting over 30 original contemporary music pieces.

Mu is originally from China and now resides in Philadelphia. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the Central Conservatory of Music and is currently pursuing a PhD in composition at the University of Pennsylvania.