Composer and conductor Andrew Ardizzoia is the new director of instrumental studies at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He joins me to tell his story and share his thoughts about music and teaching.

Topics:

• Andrew's background, education, and an influential early horn teacher.
• Studying conducting with Eric Hammer at the University of Pacific and then moving on to study composition at Arizona State and the Hartt School.
• Andrew’s new gig at Muhlenberg and his plans for the instrumental program.
• Concert programming, especially for his first concert in a new job.
• Making the performing ensemble accessible and welcoming.
• The importance of being open to paths different than what you expect and the potential importance of a “gap year”

Links:

• Andrew Ardizzoia
• Muhlenberg College
• Holsinger: On a Hymnsong of Lowell Mason
• Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy
• Nelson: Courtly Airs and Dances
• Sochinski: The Legend of Alcobaça

Biography:

Assistant professor of music, director of composition and instrumental studies at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Active as a composer in a wide variety of genres, including band, orchestral, chamber, percussion, and vocal music. Degrees in composition from the Hartt School (D.M.A.), Arizona State University (M.M.), and the University of the Pacific (B.M.)