The School of Music congratulates Professors Peter Dominguez, double bass and jazz studies, and Daniel Grabois, horn, on their retirements, effective May 17. The announcement marks the conclusion of two careers defined by innovation, excellence, and a deep commitment to student success.
Dominguez retires as one of the nation’s top double bass pedagogues, with a career spanning nearly five decades.
A Wisconsin native and UW–Madison alumnus, Dominguez studied under Richard Davis and Roger Ruggeri before embarking on a career that bridged classical, jazz, and Latin traditions. His performance résumé includes collaborations with major symphony orchestras and numerous musicians such as Christian McBride, Bobby McFerrin, and Woody Shaw.
Before joining UW–Madison, Dominguez served on the faculties of Michigan State University and Oberlin Conservatory, where he helped build nationally recognized jazz programs and directed the Oberlin Jazz Septet.
He has served as artistic director for the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists and has led the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass, a biennial gathering of performers and educators. Dominguez’s recordings include How About This, Groove Dreams, and Bass Salute.
Grabois retires after shaping the school’s approach to brass performance, electronic composition and sound, and cross-disciplinary engagement.
Since joining the faculty, Grabois has served as Professor of Horn, Interim Associate Director, and Director of Undergraduate Studies, roles in which he helped modernize curriculum, expand creative opportunities, and strengthen undergraduate pathways.
Grabois is the founder and curator of SoundWaves, the school’s signature lecture-performance series that brings together faculty from many UW–Madison departments. SoundWaves has become a campus-wide model for public engagement, blending scientific discovery, humanities scholarship, and live performance.
Grabois founded and directed the Electro-Acoustic Research Space (EARS), where he mentored students exploring electronic composition and experimental sound. He provided leadership for the UW Horn Choir, which each spring transforms into Twisted Metal, a horn-powered rock ensemble. Grabois was also director of $2 Broom, a student ensemble dedicated to electro-acoustic improvisation.
A member of the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, Grabois has performed internationally and spent 30 years with the acclaimed Meridian Arts Ensemble, premiering more than 75 new works. He has also played with almost all of the performing ensembles in New York City where he was based prior to his arrival in Wisconsin. As a composer, Grabois has published three etude books for horn as well as numerous works of solo and chamber music. His works have been performed on four continents, and are published by Brass Arts Unlimited.
