Cole D. Swanson is a musicologist and collaborative musician who teaches at the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on film music and sound design, with an emphasis on the lingering influence of analog aesthetics (vinyl records, cassette tapes, celluloid film, and more) in digital filmmaking. His research also explores the oft obscured roles played by African American composers in Hollywood practice, and the influence of popular music on film from the 1960s to the present. He has presented his work at conferences hosted by the American Musicological Society, Music and the Moving Image, and the International Musicological Society. He holds a Ph.D. in musicology from Duke University, an M.A. in musicology from Tufts University, and B.A. degrees in music and environmental studies from St. Olaf College. Before joining USC, he taught at Duke University, St. Olaf College, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Swanson's collaborative musicianship is focused on musical theater and opera, serving as vocal coach, musical director, and conductor for university, community, and professional-level productions for the past 15 years. Recent engagements include the Durham Savoyards Ltd. (Durham, NC), Paradox Opera (Durham, NC), and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Musical Theater program. He is also an accompanist for solo vocal recitals and choral music, a freelance jazz musician, and an amateur composer.

He lives in Columbia with his wife and their cat. Outside of the classroom and rehearsal, he is most likely cruising local bookstores or record stores, hiking, or working on a new vegetarian recipe.