Composition Conversations

All great artists take inspiration from their predecessors. Whether that is in visual arts, literature, or music, by studying the techniques of great figures of the past, one can gain knowledge that may be essential to their own work. Today's guest, Dr. James Noyes, is no exception. As a lifelong researcher of Claude Debussy's works as well as a composer, Dr. Noyes has gained a comprehensive picture of the French composer's techniques and philosophy. He's been able to apply what he's le...

Let's say you're writing a story and need to pick a main character. What would you choose? Probably a human; if not, maybe an animal or even an alien species, if you're into sci-fi. In one of her pieces, Elizabeth Gartman chooses microplastics. As an award-winning and widely-commissioned composer, Gartman is unafraid to bring innovative, strange ideas to her sound world. In relinquishing many traditional musical norms and unbinding herself to what is seen as "natural," Gartman defies c...

Imagine the president of a foreign country has just arrived in the United States and is stepping off the plane. Immediately, they are welcomed by a lush, heroic rendition of their national anthem played by professional musicians who play for the military. The person in charge of writing this music is today's guest, Alex Tedrow. As the composer for the official U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own," Alex Tedrow has composed pieces that are performed for the highest-level government and milit...

Think about your favorite song. What type of music is it? Pop? Rock? Maybe rap? Regardless of your answer to this question, most songs and pieces can easily be categorized into these types of music called "genres". Even within classical music, it is usually easy to distinguish between works from different eras. Innovative composer Wesley Thompson challenges this hard-set categorization of music. As a connoisseur of many different music genres - whether it's rock, video game music, heav...

For centuries, composers and musicians have adhered to the limitations of equal temperament, a tuning system that defines the 12 tones we’re most familiar with. Almost every melody and song you've heard likely uses this system. But in reality, an infinite number of pitches exist between any two notes—pitches we rarely think to use. These microtones surround us constantly, present in everything we hear, each sound carrying its own distinct pitch. So why restrict ourselves to just 12 tones?&nbs...

Classical musicians constantly program works by esteemed composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. While the works of the past are undeniably remarkable, we need not look back in time to find exceptional classical music. All around us, incredible musicians are creating unique, captivating pieces: all we have to do is look. Join me, Wesley Lin, in a fascinating adventure where we discover the vibrant composers of today. Interwoven into the fabric of music is an ever-growing infinity ...