Antonio "Greg" Barata earned a Doctor of Music Arts degree in music composition from the University of Illinois where he specialized in electroacoustic music. He is an active composer in both traditional genres and electroacoustic music. His article on woodwind multiphonics is published in Perspectives of New Music. He is a consultant for acoustics, sound reinforcement and electronic music laboratory design. Two of his compositions have been released on a compact disc titled "American Cantata."

Barata retired from full-time teaching in June 2020, but continues to teach as a lecturer.