Dawson Hull is a pianist, composer, and conductor living in Memphis, TN. A graduate from the University of Memphis, Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, and Samford University in Birmingham, AL, Dawson has appeared as a featured soloist with numerous symphony orchestras. His compositions and arrangements have been performed across the nation. Dawson is the Pastor of Instrumental Worship Arts at Germantown Baptist Church where he leads the Conservatory of Music, orchestra, jazz band, and student choir. Dawson and his wife, Taneea, who is a clarinetist, have three children.
Featured works
Sonata for Trumpet & Piano
Performed at the 2026 International Trumpet Guild in Rochester, NY
This work was written in January 2025, in between sonatas for clarinet (December 2024) and cello (February 2025). After collaborating with many excellent trumpet players over the past few years, I wanted to write something that covered a full range of the instrument’s majestic and virtuosic capabilities, while also exploring moments of lyrical expression. The sonata is in three movements, starting with a heroic theme in the key of C minor, that begins with a five-note figure. The second movement is lyrical with a chromatic waltz in the middle. The third movement is a polonaise that eventually returns to the five note figure from the opening of the first movement. The work ends with a coda that displays virtuosity from both the trumpet and the piano.
Sonata for Clarinet & Piano
Premiered in August 2025 on the Germantown Baptist Church Masterpiece Concert Series and shared at the 2025 International Clarinet Association New Music Weekend
I wrote this work as a last-minute Christmas present for Taneea (I had another gift in mind, but decided against it with just a few days before Christmas). Due to the time crunch and wanting to keep the gift a surprise, I wrote it in three days, including the middle of the night. There were three notes in my head (Eb, F, Bb) that I wanted to use as the basis for the entire composition. These three notes are heard at the very beginning in the clarinet. My favorite part of the work is near the end of the third movement, where the main theme from the first movement returns, played simultaneously with the theme from the third movement (both built from the same three notes).
Sonata for Cello & Piano
Premiered in August 2025 on the Germantown Baptist Church Masterpiece Concert Series
I have always loved the cello, specifically works for cello and piano, so I wanted to add to that repertoire. This work was written for Estefan Perez, whom I asked what his favorite musical elements were. His answer was the use of the minor sixth scale degree in a major key, which I was able to incorporate in the second theme of the first movement. After I wrote this work, I thought of words to describe it, and the ones that came to mind were: darkness, pain, confusion, wandering, deep sorrow, and anguish. There are moments of peace and tranquility, but they are short-lived. These are a reflection of the pain and brokenness all around us. My favorite part is near the end of the first and fourth movements, where this pain gives way to a feeling of hope and serenity, a promise of a day when all darkness will be erased.
Dawson Hull 