Self Taught Composer and Pianist Link to heading

David Karapetyan (b. Glendale, CA, March 28, 1982) is a self-taught composer and pianist whose music merges deep mathematical precision with Romantic expressivity. Though he holds a Ph.D in Mathematics, his obsession with classical music began suddenly at age 12, particularly with the German classical tradition. Without formal training, he taught himself to play and compose on the piano shortly thereafter, developing a rigorous yet emotionally charged style. While entirely self-directed, his compositional journey has been shaped by invaluable mentorship from Tim Ribchester, whose insights have been crucial in navigating the psychological challenges of composition.

About three years ago Karapetyan became fascinated anew by the work of Johann Sebastian Bach, particularly the recordings of the English Suites, Partitas, and single, double, and triple concertos by Murray Perahia, which is all he listened to for a period of about six months. This obsession only deepened with András Schiff’s recordings of the Well-Tempered Clavier, which became the soundtrack to his life for an entire year. This immersion in these works, and Bach’s Clavier Übung in general, profoundly transformed his compositional style. It inspired compositions for piano, small chamber ensemble, and choir that blend counterpoint, rhythmic dance sequences, and strident harmonies, resulting in a distinctive sound that is both modern and rooted in a mathematical yet spiritual, sensual, and expressive tonality.

Karapetyan further honed his craft through the Universal Edition Composition Mentoring Program with David Moliner. During the program, he composed a new piece, which Mr. Moliner will premiere at the Vienna Musikverein . He talent has been recognized in several competitions, most recetly a shortlisted for the composition prize at the 8th Manhattan International Music Competition.

Mathematics and Structural Influence Link to heading

Dr. Karapetyan received dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, where he attended on a Regents’ Scholarship. He went on to earn a Ph.D in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame, supported by the prestigious Schmitt Fellowship. His deep affinity for mathematics plays a central role in his music, nurturing an intuitive ability to create structure and harmonic density. This natural sense of form and harmony is at the heart of his compositions, fueling the romantic intensity and movement that defines his work.