Fred Frith

English musician composer and professor who is known for his avantgarde works involving electric guitars film soundtracks and using improvisations in his music He first gained prominence as a member of progressive rock band Henry Cow in the 1970s and collaborated with various musicians and bands throughout his career Since the 1980s he has composed music for film theatre and dance In addition he was Professor of Composition in the Music Department at Mills College in Oakland California until his retirement in 2018