Professor Christopher Tonkin serves as Associate Professor and Head of School at the Conservatorium of Music, University of Western Australia. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he holds a BMus from the University of Western Australia, a MusA from Rice University in Houston, Texas, and a PhD in composition from the University of California, San Diego. Since 2008, he has taught undergraduate composition, electronic music, and sound design for screen and video games at the UWA Conservatorium of Music, while supervising postgraduate students. In 2016, he designed and inaugurated a new major in Electronic Music and Sound Design, running since 2018. Previous appointments include Chair of Composition Studies from 2008 to 2018, Graduate Research Coordinator in 2016, Research Committee Chair from 2017 to 2018, Teaching and Learning Committee Chair from 2021 to 2023, and Board of Studies for Design and Creative Arts from 2021 to 2023. He has held the Chair of Electronic Music and Sound Design since 2016.

Tonkin’s research interests include music composition, electronic music, algorithmic computer music, sound installation, recording, video game music, and screen music. His creative output comprises acoustic works, compositions for performers and live electronics, sound installations, and recordings as producer. Collaborations and performances encompass the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, IRCAM, Ensemble Offspring, Goethe Institute, Science Gallery Dublin, Contemporary Arts Centre of New Orleans, Seoul International Computer Music Festival, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and Tall Poppies Records. Key publications and compositions are "Roger Smalley - Transformation for piano with live electronics: Critical Edition" (2025, co-edited with Adam Pinto), "Smalley’s Magic Piano: Reconstructing Transformation" (2025, co-authored with Adam Pinto), "Echoes and Songs: musical fragments of abandoned works and other sketches" (2022), "Get Pasted" (2022), "Colour Warp" (2021), "Patchwork RSQ Remix" (2017), "Love, madness and death" (2014), "Rapid same question" (2013), "Trio" for violin, cello, and piano (2013), and "Vocalise" for djembé and live electronics (2008). He received the 2004 APRA Professional Development Award (Art Music). His scores and recordings are held at the Australian Music Centre.

Professional Email: christopher.tonkin@uwa.edu.au