So Why Doesn’t CutTime® Record?
It has been a long time since I posted about my journey since leaving my enviable, tenured position in a major American symphony orchestra back in 2012. I did post …
Beethoven AND Bust!
How can classical music possibly balance demands for both Beethoven and new music? Why does it matter?
Spoiler Alert
I must confess, I am very spoiled. I grew up middle-class, never wanting for access to food, jobs, a warm house, a supportive family, a caring father, and educational opportunities …
Why Is Your Music Neo-Romantic, Rick? Part 2
Some time ago I wrote about how I started composing unexpectedly, and using tonal, neo-classical modes (just notes). I didn’t go into how I feel about normal new music, avante garde music, experimental …
Working for Change
This blogpost is originally published at New Music USA. In September 2015 I was delighted to serve a short composer residency for New Music USA’s Music Alive: New Partnership program with …
Why We Play the Old Stuff EVERY Year
I was responding on Greg Sandow’s blog to why the classical industry largely continues to play the standard repertoire each year. We musicians of that industry can no longer take for granted …
Classicism vs. Classism
I took part in a place-making workshop last week in Detroit. Despite the usual negative reports, my hometown is actually receiving huge private investments from billionaires, local corporations, and major …