Composers and the "relationship-making business"

An article by Alex Shapiro, posted today, well-worth reading even if you're not a composer:

Blogger Book Club III: Selling Everything, 2.0—The Jig Goes Public

"Those of us who are musicians and composers might think that we're in the music-making business, but we're actually in the relationship-making business. [...] One of the limitations of the new music world is its self-referential nature, whereby accepted norms are...accepted norms, and fewer participants think outside of the taco shell. I find myself most stimulated and inspired by the observations of those who are not part of the arts scene, who see the larger trends in society and in the way people communicate." —Alex Shapiro [READ MORE]

author: Alex Shapiro
source: www.artsjournal.com
date: July 27, 2009

Topic for discussion: How can composers best build responsive relationships for their art outside of the new music community?


[This post also appears in my own EarRelevant blog. --mg]

Documentary project looking for composers to participate.

I received this from a friend of mine and fellow Atlanta composer looking for help on a thesis film from composers in the area. Feel free to contact him if interested. -Brian Skutle

I have a graduate degree in composition from GSU. I am currently completing a second graduate degree, this time in film/video. My chosen thesis is a documentary on living composers in Atlanta. In addition to fulfilling my thesis requirements, I will submit it to GPTV and PBS. I am seeking a few composers who would like to participate in this film which will entail profiling a piece of your music and a piece of your life.

If interested, please contact:

Ben Champion
404.290.1694
bensmail8@yahoo.com