Contemporary classical composition • writing for the theater (opera, musical theater, incidental music) • Songwriting/pop and rock • film scoring
Percy the African Grey has opinions.
My philosophy on teaching composition
Composition—constructing musical thought one note at a time—should be a core learning activity for all musicians regardless of specialty. We learn best from the doing, by applying concepts in a practical fashion, and when we have a stake in the result.
Composition is also a unifying “capstone” activity demanding the combination of creativity, critical thinking, the application of pertinent knowledge bases (e.g. theory, analysis, orchestration), discipline and a willingness to be open-minded and playful in solution searching, and, of course, bravery. It seems obvious that those who want to be composers would benefit from composition study, but what about performers? By practicing composition, we humanize composers and their work, gain insight into, and appreciation for their efforts while stripping away the shellac of history and familiarity that too often turns the “urgent classic” into the “mundane warhorse.” Composing is about thinking, feeling, expressing, playing, and decision-making. It is also analytical. So is performing. Engaging in creative pursuits in all forms is, in and of itself, “practice” and develops discipline, knowledge, and perspective.
I teach composition in many genre-disciplines and at different levels. My students write contemporary classical, rock songs, musicals, opera, film scores, and jazz. Whether advanced or just beginning, my job is to expose them to good literature, help them develop the tools to learn and practice their craft, and support them so they gain confidence in expressing themselves. I never prioritize one style or genre above another and my students do not write music like me. What matters is the ability to: discern, analyze, problem solve, stay curious and take chances, and authentically express ideas.
Finally:
- Writing is rewriting
- Play the “what if…” game. What if I tried this…? What if I did this instead of that…? What would happen if I…? Never be afraid to play.
- Edit assiduously. Be ruthless.
- Surprise me, take me somewhere I don’t already know and expect.
I do take private students, so if you're interested contact me