By Alexandra Gardner
Capturing photographic images of a working process helps to remind me how different pieces progressed and how the ideas rolled along—those little sketches and lists were crucial in the moment (because if it doesn’t get written down, it will be gone) and a simple image can bring it all back.

By Alexandra Gardner
On several occasions I have been gobsmacked by late-arriving inspirations that have rather drastically changed the form or some other aspect of a composition, definitely for the better. The ideas seem so obvious—when they finally show up!

Kathleen Supové’s release on Major Who Media, The Exploding Piano, is aptly titled in that each work includes elements, both electronic and acoustic, that make the piano larger than life.

By Alexandra Gardner
I think that physical surroundings can play a huge role in one’s work; it can create the sense that what you are doing somehow fits into an historical timeline, even if you can’t quite see exactly how yet. It provides grounding, or a sense of belonging within the grand scheme of things.

By Alexandra Gardner
I know that for many people the idea of living in another country seems unrealistic, and perhaps a bit scary, but it is an adventure worth taking, whether for study or simply a change of scenery.

For three years beginning with the 2006-7 season, composer Lisa Bielawa served as the BMOP resident composer, and her BMOP/sound CD In Medias Res draws a map through her time working with the musicians of this group.

By Alexandra Gardner
For many composers the creative process can be a psychologically (and physically) charged beast, which we are destined to battle over and over with every new project.

By Alexandra Gardner
Who wouldn’t want to change the world?? Would I really have to give up writing instrumental music in order to make that happen?!

ETHEL’s latest CD Oshtali is a collection of vital, engaging compositions by a talented group of young composers that not only provides a tribute to the heritage and future of the Chickasaw Nation, but that also creates a strong sense of optimism for the future of contemporary music in the US.

By Alexandra Gardner
I did all that really fun stuff and they’re going to (*gasp*) pay me for it?! Sweet!