Virginia Tech is known as a leading research institution, but it is also “an incredible place to make music because it combines a strong culture of collaboration, cutting-edge facilities and a community that values experimentation and creativity,” says Dr. Kyle Hutchins, Assistant Professor of Practice in Saxophone.
“I’m not afraid to take risks and fail,” he explains. That’s why Hutchins pushes his students to explore new ideas and try things that might not work “and embrace the learning that comes from experimentation.”
Students have access to a wide range of resources at Virginia Tech, including performance spaces, technology labs, ensembles and interdisciplinary projects, which allow them to explore music in both traditional and innovative ways. “My goal is to help students take full advantage of this environment, guiding them to grow as performers, composers and creative thinkers while fostering curiosity, confidence and artistic independence,” Hutchins says.
His saxophone studio reflects a wide spectrum of musical interests and academic paths. “Alongside music education and performance majors, I work closely with students in music technology, composition and committed music minors studying everything from engineering to business,” Hutchins explains. “I believe in creating an environment of trust, curiosity and high expectations. Every student is encouraged to practice consistently, take ownership of their growth, and develop a personalized process that empowers them to reach their individual goals.”
The New Music + Technology Festival is a platform for new works, spatial audio, multimedia performance and improvisation. It also functions as a space for mentorship, dialogue and hands-on learning. “The festival has helped redefine the creative landscape on campus as one that values experimentation, inclusivity and collaboration across disciplines,” Hutchins explains. “It has become both a performance series and an educational laboratory, encouraging students to see technology not just as a tool, but as an active partner in artistic inquiry.”
In addition to the festival, Hutchins integrates technology and improvisation into his teaching. He requires every student to engage with repertoire that includes varying levels of indeterminacy and structured improvisation. “Students perform pieces that require them to make creative decisions in real time, developing flexibility, listening skills and artistic agency alongside technical mastery,” Hutchins says. “Each student must also perform at least one work that meaningfully incorporates technology — such as live electronics, multimedia elements or digital processing — so they gain hands-on experience working with contemporary tools and performance contexts.”
By balancing cutting-edge technology with traditional saxophone study, Hutchins’ students build a strong technical and stylistic foundation while also learning how to navigate the evolving creative landscape of today’s music.
Hutchins also advocates for diversity and inclusion because “music thrives when multiple perspectives and voices are present,” he says. He has hosted over 100 guest artists to allow his students to encounter different artistic approaches, philosophies and life experiences. “These interactions expand their understanding of what music can be and who gets to create it. It’s about preparing them to not just be excellent musicians, but also thoughtful, socially conscious contributors to the broader musical world,” he explains.
