Jon Newton's PSU Website
Contact Info
Email: jnewton@pdx.edu
I am retired from from full-time teaching at PSU.
I do teach an online course in Film Music each spring.
Courses
Spring 2022
Spring 2021
Winter 2020
Modern Music Technology (D2L)
Music for Visual Media
MIDI Applications
SAMP Lab (D2L)
Fall 2019
History of Rock Music (D2L)
Intro to Music Technology
MIDI Applications
SAMP Lab
Summer 2019
Bio
Jon Newton graduated from PSU in 1977 with a BA in Music Composition.
Out of college, he toured the US with folk composer Mason Williams ("Classical Gas") playing bluegrass fiddle and arranging Mason's pieces for Pops orchestra performances.
In 1984, Newton started a music production business in Portland, Oregon.
With partner Michael Bard, Newton formed Newton Bard Inc, a pre-eminent audio production facility in the area, in 1986. Over the next several years, Newton Bard produced numerous scores for feature films, television specials, commercials, and corporate video.
Newton Bard was an early adopter of advanced music technology, being one of the first studios in Oregon to utilize digital audio and MIDI sequencing in their commercial work.
In 1988, Newton became music director for Portland Civic Theater, and directed music for over 50 musical theater projects for several theater companies over the following years.
In 1994, Newton joined the staff at Will Vinton Studios (now Laika), an internationally recognized film animation company, first as music director for films and commercials, then as concept development director for animation projects.
During his tenure, Vinton Studios produced the network TV series The PJ's, starring Eddie Murphy, along with numerous national television commercials and specials.
Leaving Vinton Studios in 2001, Newton earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Pacific University in 2003.
In 2003, Newton joined the faculty at Portland State University, where he helped create the PSU Music Technology curriculum. He has taught courses in music theory, music business, music production, rock music history, and film music.
In 2017, Newton's 15th year at PSU, he was promoted to the rank of Senior Instructor II.
In spring, 2020, after teaching at PSU for 17 years. Newton retired from full time teaching. He currently produces different types of music projects and performs on violin.
Links
PSU School of Music + Theater Home Page
Last updated March, 2022