Artist Blog
Writings by new and established artists
Featured This Month
Patricia Brennan: MAGIC SQUARE – Composition by numbers
Patricia Brennan discusses her work "Magic Square" and her approach to composition by numbers.
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Frank Carlberg: Some Harmonic Strategies In (Jazz) Composition
Frank Carlberg discusses techniques he uses to open up harmonic possibilities for new works with a particular focus on triads, tetrachods, and other harmonic devices.
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David Caffey: The Jazz Soli: The Arranger’s Solo
David Caffey frames some techniques he uses in soli writing along with giving examples and explaining his decision making process and the origin for the techniques he uses.
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The Archive
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An Interview with John Clayton
In this interview with Paul Read, John Clayton recounts his compositional origins, his processes, and his advice for young composers.
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Michael Phillip Mossman: On Arranging
Michael Phillip Mossman reflects on his work as an arranger, how those opportunities shaped him, and a few pieces of directly applicable tips and…
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Thinking Forward (Blog 17)
Artist Blog Curator and Composer Paul Read talks about the hidden benefits of curating this blog and asks for your feedback.
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Scott Robinson: Following the Music
Scott Robinson reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a musician abroad.
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Ryan Keberle: Eight Things I’ve Learned About Jazz Composition and Arranging as a Freelance Trombonist
Ryan Keberle talks about soloing, technique, and conception; eight lessons he’s learned while playing great composers’ music as a freelance trombonist.
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Adam Benjamin: Some Thoughts on Listening
Adam Benjamin talks about listening with 7 different important checkboxes that musicians should definitely consider.
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Bob Mintzer: The Ever Evolving Writing Process
Bob Mintzer reflects on his process as a composer through his background, techniques for generating ideas, and executing those ideas.