When you give your composition to the musicians who will perform it for the first time, it transitions from a personal musical expression to a shared one.
Finale Spotlight on Trumpeter Arnetta Johnson
I’m pretty sure everyone in the MakeMusic office will attest to my love for Beyoncé, pride for my alma mater (Berklee College of Music), appreciation of a good horn line, and admiration for gifted female artists.
Finale Spotlight on Scott O’Neil and “Weird Al” Yankovic’s “Strings Attached” Tour
Scott O’Neil is a conductor, orchestrator, composer, arranger, pianist, and public speaker. I first became aware of Scott through his nine-year tenure as Resident Conductor with the Colorado Symphony.
Conversation with Composer Jennifer Higdon
Last December I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing composer Jennifer Higdon at the Midwest Clinic. Jennifer is one of the most performed living composers in the United States; she is the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, multiple Grammy Awards, and Northwestern University’s Nemmers Prize.
Finale Spotlight on Guitarist Shawn “Prester John” Persinger
Like so many musicians, Shawn Persinger, a.k.a. Prester John wears many hats and is incredibly prolific. He’s a performing and recording guitarist, a composer, a music educator, and a published author.