Hailing from Ellicott City, Md. Dougherty began his studies of piano at the age of 5 and composition at 16. In his senior year of high school, he was mentored in music composition by Eric Stewart, a student at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore.
An avid reader, Dougherty uses current world events to influence his compositions. While studying abroad in Vienna, Austria, Dougherty composed a work for cello and soprano set to a poem by Iraq War Veteran Brian Turner. “Eulogy” tells the story of a young solider, overcome by the horrors of war, who commits suicide. It was premiered in the Palais Corbelli in Vienna, Austria in December 2008.
“I know deep down that music will always be an integral part of my life, something that I will still enjoy even if no one cares to listen,” said Dougherty. “But in discovering the power of music to bring people together, I have acquired a new passion — seeking out venues that allow listeners to experience music as a vehicle for open dialogues on the issues of our world.”
In the fall of 2008, Dougherty was awarded a Temple International Programs Global Scholarship and the IES Scholarship for the Arts, which allowed him to study music composition in Vienna, Austria with Nancy van de Vate. He also attended classes at the Institute for the International Education of Students at the Palais Corbelli in the heart of Vienna.
“The chemistry is ideal for Billy’s success as a Marshall Scholar,” said Richard Brodhead, professor of music studies.“Compositionally, his ability and his achievement have more than prepared him for rigorous graduate study; and his broad approach to learning and his previous study abroad indicate that he will avail himself fully of the opportunities which study in the U.K. presents.”
At Temple, Dougherty has received a Temple Honors merit scholarship, a Garrigues Scholarship in music and the Conwell Undergraduate Research Award, in conjunction with the Temple Diamond Scholars Research Program. In addition, last spring Dougherty received Boyer College’s Dr. Jeffrey Cornelius Tribute Award for showing “exceptional promise.”
“William is an important member of the community of composers at Temple, having led the student composers’ concert series SoundPrints in 2008,” said Maurice Wright, chair of the Department of Music Studies. “He is poised to make a significant contribution to American music.”
Dougherty is Temple’s third Marshall Scholar in the past four years; former recipients Mena Hanna, a Boyer graduate, is at Oxford, and Christina Thatcher, of the School of Education and College of Liberal Arts, is at the University of Cardiff.
“Our students continue to compete and succeed in the most prestigious post-graduate scholarship competitions,” said Ruth Ost, director of Temple’s Honors program.“They do us proud both at home and abroad.” |
