Today's episode is with my longtime friend, Dr. Daniel Perttu.   We went to both high school and graduate school together. Dan is currently  Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Westminster College, where he also serves as the Chair of the School of Music.   His music has been performed on four continents and in over 40 of the United States and he has also received various commissions and awards.  His music can be found on the Navona records label, in which his music has appeared on five albums. I had an inkling that music was a field that really combines both analytical and technical aspects, with creative expression.  And I thought what better way to see that come together than to interview a composer!  Dan has also shared a youtube link to one of his works called: To Spring (An Overture), performed by Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra.  You can find it in the link below.  Hearing the music will bring the concepts we talk about to life!  We cover so much ground that I split this into 2 parts!  In the first part,  we talk about how music activates multiple centers around the brain, also how he started composing when he was 7 years old, and how he composes as a daily practice.  In the 2nd part, we talk about how other composers influence him, how composers network, and also he is venturing into endeavors beyond music!  You don't want to miss our deep dive into all things music!

Music References:

Dan Perttu - To Spring (An Overture)

Gustav Mahler – Symphony No 2

Ralph Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Gustav Holst – The Planets

You can find Dan on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/perttude

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I have more great interviews of analytical creatives that I will be releasing on a weekly basis. If you have a topic you would like me to talk about, you can email me at  [email protected]

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IG: the_analytical_creative

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