Daedalus String Quartet with composition students
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of getting young composers opportunities to hear their music played, and how some schools put more emphasis on showcasing the work of the composition teachers. Obviously, students should hear the music their professors write, but not at the expense of hearing their own work.
A few days later I received a flyer from a prominent school emphasizing their dedication to 21st century music and listing their 2016-17 calendar of performances. Alas, just one 21st century work was listed, and it was by one of the faculty composers.
Meanwhile, we had the Daedalus String Quartet here this weekend and (along with a scintillating performance, master classes and chamber coaching) they spent several hours yesterday recording five student compositions.
I have to admit, this would have been hard for me to do twenty years ago, when I was struggling to get anyone to play my music – like watching my students drive the Rolls Royce when it was all I could do to get behind the wheel of the Corolla. So I guess that’s one fun thing about being an older composer, someone who has had these experiences and is eager to share them with others.