The music of composer and multi-instrumentalist Dan VanHassel has been described as “energizing” (Wall Street Journal), “a refreshing direction” (I Care If You Listen), and “an imaginative and rewarding soundscape” (San Francisco Classical Voice). His works create a uniquely evocative sound world drawing from a background in rock and heavy metal, Indonesian gamelan, free improvisation, and classical music.

VanHassel has received commissions from groups including the Washington National Opera, Splinter Reeds, pianist Jihye Chang, 48 St. Stephen Duo, Splice Ensemble, Transient Canvas, UC Santa Cruz Wind Ensemble, Shanghai Conservatory, and Dinosaur Annex. His compositions have been featured all over the world including: the MATA Festival, Gaudeamus Music Week, International Computer Music Conference, Bowling Green New Music Festival, UnCaged Toy Piano Festival, Shanghai Conservatory Electronic Music Week, and the Bang on a Can Summer Festival. Recordings of his works can be found on releases from New Focus, Soundset, and Thinking OutLoud labels.

VanHassel’s work has received funding from the Boston Foundation, New Music USA, Chamber Music America, the Barlow Endowment, and the Johnstone Fund for New Music.

As an electric guitarist, VanHassel has performed with leading contemporary groups including the Callithumpian Consort, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Multiverse Concert Series, Castle of Our Skins, and Kadence Arts. He was a founding member and artistic director of contemporary chamber ensemble Wild Rumpus in San Francisco (now Ninth Planet) and is the founder, artistic director, and guitarist of Hinge Quartet.

VanHassel received degrees in composition from the UC Berkeley, New England Conservatory, and Carnegie Mellon University. He has taught composition and electronic music at MIT, Brandeis University, UC Berkeley, Clark University, and Connecticut College and is currently Assistant Professor of Composition at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.