As a composer, his compositions have long been lauded for their “strong rhythms with lucid textures” and his vocal works distinguished by “clear, natural text settings, refined expressivity, and wit.” Educated by such composers as Oliver Messiaen, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Virgil Thomson, Wheeler has held teaching positions at the New England Conservatory, Brandeis University, and Emerson College, where he co-founded and directed the Dinosaur Annex Music Ensemble devoted to the performance of contemporary music.