M. William Karlins

Martin William Karlins (b. New York City, February 25, 1932; d. Northbrook, Illinois, May 11, 2005) was an American composer of contemporary classical music.

Karlins obtained B.M. and M.M. degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, and, in 1965, a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. His composition instructors were Frederick Piket, Philip Bezanson, Richard Hervig, Stefan Wolpe, and Vittorio Giannini.

Karlins taught composition at Northwestern University beginning in 1967. His notable students include Augusta Read Thomas, Maggi Payne, and David Gaines. He composed for the double bass player Bertram Turetzky and the saxophonist Frederick Hemke.

Karlins died at his home in Northbrook, Illinois, on May 11, 2005. The M. William Karlins papers are held at the Northwestern University Archives.