Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

From time to time, starting as early as the mid-1960s, perhaps earlier, there have been flurries of activity in the world of text-sound composition or sound poetry among composers, …

Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

I would like to suggest that we may have a skewed notion of the criteria for what it good or great in the music and the arts. Guided …

Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

We appear to be due for a new musical style to make itself known. It has been a long time since the last ‘big thing’ in music, and …

Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

Morton Feldman once said to a group of student composers and their teachers at Darmstadt, "If you don’t have a friend who’s a painter, you’re in trouble." A …

As the academic year gets underway, it serves as a time of reflection for those who are teaching the next generation of musicians and especially composers.

Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

In last month’s column, I discussed the significance of the Paul Dresher Ensemble Electro-Acoustic Band and the Bang On A Can All-Stars as ensembles featuring composer/performers and which also …

Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

That the worth of record labels specializing in experimental music is invaluable would be difficult to argue against. While live performances may be the best way to experience music, …

Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

That the West is a haven for musical iconoclasts and has a dynamic new music community is made manifest when one takes a close look at some of the …

Dean SuzukiPhoto by Ryan Suzuki

It may appear that the West Coast is cowering in the shadow of Manhattan and the East Coast when it comes to new music, but might also argue that …