Joseph Schillinger is a Ukrainian-born American composer and music theorist who established his own unique system of music theory and had a major influence on 20th century music.

Biography of Joseph Schillinger

• Born August 28, 1895 in Hostomi, Ukrainian Empire
• Moved to New York in the late 1910s
• Developing his own music theory since the 1920s
• Died March 23, 1943 in New York

Major Achievements

• Establishment of the "Schillinger System" theory
• "The Mathematical Basis of the Arts" published in 1941
• Theorizing atonal and atonal music

Schillinger developed a new theory of music from a scientific approach. He created the Schillinger System, which uses mathematical methods to systematize rhythm, melody, and other elements. This allowed him to provide theoretical support for atonality and 12-tone techniques.

He also pioneered the fusion of music and science and technology, such as by starting the development of an automatic score generation program. Schillinger's theories influenced Webern, Ives and others, and opened up new horizons for 20th century music. He is an important figure who showed the possibilities of new music through his unique musical thinking and pioneering endeavors.