Composer Chats

Joseph Jones is a dedicated, passionate, and consummate classical musician with a wide range of talents including composition, conducting, and orchestral playing.

Mr. Jones studied at the Peabody Con…

Marti Epstein (November 25, 1959) started studying composition in 1977 with Professor Robert Beadell at the University of Nebraska. She has degrees from the University of Colorado and Boston Universi…

Jessica Rudman’s music inspires empathy for social issues through stories of myth, magic, and the modern world. Described as a “new music ninja” by the Hartford Advocate, she blends lyrical melodies …

Born in Australia and raised in an immigrant family, Melissa Dunphy herself immigrated to the United States in 2003 and has since become an acclaimed composer specializing in vocal, political, and th…

Charles Booker (b. 1952), a native of Natchez, Mississippi, is a former U.S. Army Bandmaster, and Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. He served the university as Director …

Catherine Likhuta (b. 1981, Kyiv, Ukraine) is an Australian-based composer, pianist and recording artist. 

Catherine holds a bachelor's degree in jazz piano from Kyiv Glière Music College and a five-y…

Jennifer E. Rose (b. 1978) is an American composer, sound designer, and audio editor. A former band director and music educator of 15 years, Rose is passionate about engaging students through perform…

From the serious to the lighthearted, Spavelko's work inspires deeper connections with one another and ourselves. In equal measure, listeners can find play, curiosity, joy, sensitivity, and empathy.

H…

Katie Jenkins is a multi-award-winning Welsh composer and producer, now based in New York City. She is recognised for her ability to weave together sonic textures, influenced by her Celtic background…

Nathan Hervey (b. Texas) is an American composer and educator.

Mr. Hervey grew up in Arlington, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from UT Arlington and his Master of Music in trombone perf…

David Shenton is an English-born pianist, violinist, composer, and arranger based in New York City. As pianist/music director David has worked with renowned members of the music profession in all gen…

Praised as "One of the most sought after young composers in the country" (Texas Monthly) and “a composer who clearly understands the orchestra and knows how to take advantage of its many varied color…

Composer/librettist Rachel J. Peters (she/her, b. 1977) writes all manner of works for the stage. Her operas include Lesson Plan (On Site Opera), Companionship (Virginia Arts Festival, Fort Worth Ope…

Randall Standridge (b.1976) received his Bachelor's of Music Education from Arkansas State University. During this time, he studied composition with Dr. Tom O'Connor, before returning to Arkansas Sta…

Erin Keeton-Howard is a Seattle-based educator, conductor, and composer. Community music, and the formation of community through making music, is at the heart of her research interests, educational p…

After 36 years as a middle and high school band director, Laura Estes (b. 1959) retired in 2018 from the Cobb County School System (GA) and began composing. Her first piece, Kvetchers (Surprises in C…

The innovative and highly energetic music of Rob Smith is frequently performed throughout the United States and abroad. His music has received numerous awards, including those from the Aaron Copland …

Larry Clark (b. 1963) is the founder and President of Excelcia Music Publishing as well as President of Wingert-Jones Publications, Kendor Music Publishing, and RBC Publications. His company focuses …

Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor, having conducted concerts in 26 countries and published over 200 musical works.  Randall is the Artistic Director of two international summer…

Robert Sheldon (b. Feb 3, 1954) has taught instrumental music in the Florida and Illinois public schools and has served on the faculty at Florida State University where he taught instrumental music e…