Category: Advice for Composers
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Composing for Students (Conservatory Level)
I was asked by a composer what pitfalls there might be for writing an ensemble piece for a local conservatory. Since we both had copies Carin Levine’s Techniques of Flute Playing, I took that as my basis and made the following remarks. I will preface these remarks with an important note. If you are composing…
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Bass Flute ins and outs – for composers
Here’s some collected advice on how to compose for the bass flute. Please realize that the bass flute is not a true bass instrument. It won’t honk unless you amplify it or use its third octave. Both can be very effective, but I often wonder why composers don’t take advantage of the beautiful acoustic sound…
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Bottom of the Food Chain
Wondering why I haven’t posted recently? This is where I have been all week! At the bottom of the food chain! OK, maybe I exaggerate. Maybe more like a pawn on the chessboard of pieces where composers, conductors, organizers, managers are the big players. We play what sells, and ideas sell, beautiful packaging sells, regardless…
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Pet Peeves for composers
This is going to be a work in progress. To all composers – here is one musician’s (of the flutist persuasion) list of pet peeves:There is a compositional tradition which I would like to ask composers to please avoid, especially when writing for wind players. This is using a comma (which looks to a wind…
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Stolen Moments: What Makes a Composition Difficult?
This has got to be the worst time to start something you want to keep up. Blogging, now, with work and a 4 month old baby? Are you nuts? Well, silly question.I figure this stuff is in my head anyway, might as well get it out and get on with my life. A composer asked…