117. Composing Beyond Limits, Inspiring Musicians with Brian Balmages

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes world-renowned composer and conductor Brian Balmages. Known for his powerful and versatile works for orchestra, band, and chamber ensembles, Balmages’ music has been performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. He has conducted across the globe with ensembles ranging from professional symphonies to The President’s Own United States Marine Band.

Brian shares his unique musical journey—including how he built his career without traditional composition or performance degrees, the influence of his musical family, and the pivotal orchestral experiences that shaped his path. He discusses the importance of failure in the creative process, the need for young musicians to embrace rigor and dedication, and how teaching and performing intersect in the life of every musician.

We also explore his latest projects, including A Hundred Horizons, a new festival-style orchestra piece, and his innovative work with MakeMusic Cloud (formerly SmartMusic), where he has been creating engaging, soundtrack-based practice foundations that are transforming the way students approach technical skills.

Join us for this inspiring conversation with one of today’s most influential voices in instrumental music education and composition.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, Toronto Centre for the Arts, and many more. As a conductor, he has performed in nearly all 50 states with notable engagements including “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, United States Air Force Band, performances at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, Maryborough Music Conference (Australia), numerous state ASTA conferences, Teatro dell’Aquila (Italy), and others. He is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association and won the 2024 Outstanding Contributor Award presented by the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. Currently, he is Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred Music and MakeMusic.

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