Residencies
Working directly with students and performers through a composer residency is one of the most enjoyable and fulling experiences I get to have. I love the opportunity to engage closely with musicians and enjoy traveling to schools of all levels to discuss my music, give feedback during rehearsals, share my compositional process, and answer any and all questions. This is often done in person, although a virtual visit through Zoom or Skype is also a possibility.
There are many different possibilities for what a residency could look like depending on the needs and desires of your school or ensemble. This could be a one-day visit to a dress rehearsal and concert, a variety of different activities over the course of one or more days, or several visits over a longer period of time. In the past, I’ve collaborated with high schools, colleges, community ensembles and worked with choirs, composition students, orchestras, and wind bands.
Activities of a residency may include:
Wind Band or Orchestra
Coach and/or conduct the ensemble in rehearsals and a performance of my work
Perform as piano soloist in my Concertino for Piano and Wind Ensemble or ‘Classical’ Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra
Answer questions about my experience, music, and process
Give a pre-concert talk or briefly address the audience before the performance of my work
Composition
Give a talk, masterclass, or private lessons with composition students
Give a talk about my research on how living composers use music from dreams in their compositional processes
Offer whatever help I can, such as advice on building a career as a composer
Choir
Coach and/or conduct choir in rehearsals and a performance of my work
Answer questions about my experience, music, and process
Give a pre-concert talk or briefly address the audience before the performance of my work
Provide insight into my compositional process and explain how I understand the text and set it to music
Vocal/Instrumental
Coach vocalists and instrumentalists as they rehearse and perform my music
Perform a solo piano recital of music by underperformed composers
More Benefits of a Residency
Residencies can turn the act of performing a composition of mine into an interactive and deeper experience for students, performers, and audiences where they are able to interact with and learn from a living composer. Residencies also provide opportunities for the community to connect with the composer through local media, schools, and community organizations in addition to a concert.
Interested in planning a residency?
Click “START NOW” to schedule a conversation about planning a residency where we’ll discuss your goals and ideas, scheduling, and costs.