The Portfolio Composer

Freelance composer, music producer, and podcaster in Minneapolis. Writes for film, video games, commercials, instrumental ensembles, and for himself every once in a while. Hosts regular composing quests (challenges) through his podcast Composer Quest, including writing a song based on a fortune cookie, writing a children's Christmas musical, or creating a composition for someone's tattoo.

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What do video games, podcasts, tattoos, and modern patronage all have in common? Find out in this episode where Charlie McCarron discusses these topics and more!

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Garrett’s music has been performed in such venues as the Kennedy Center, Teatro Colòn, and St. Peter’s Basilica. His current commissions include a song for soprano Mireille Asselin and the Reverb Brass Quintet with bespoke poetry by Darla Biel; and a song cycle for soprano Ann Moss and the Hausmann String Quartet with bespoke poetry by Sandra Alcosser.
After completing his PhD, Garrett chose to forego academia and is currently the Annual Fund & Institutional Giving Manager at Oakland Symphony.

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In this episode Garrett Shatzer discusses how to build a career outside academia, grant applications, and more!

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Edgar Barroso received his PhD in Music Composition from Harvard University. He is a member of the National System of Art Creators in Mexico and his music has been performed awarded regularly worldwide. Edgar is also an entrepreneur and a social activist. He is a strong advocate for transdisciplinary collaboration and the role of the arts in the betterment of society. Currently he lives between Mexico and Switzerland where he compose most his music and enjoys the company of his wife Ulla.

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In this episode Edgar Barroso discusses core entrepreneurship skills, how to create value as a composer, and more!

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Links to Mexican New Music Festivals

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Tina Davidson creates music that stands out for its emotional depth and lyrical dignity. Lauded for her authentic voice, the New York Times praised her “vivid ear for harmony and colors.” OperaNews called her works "transfigured beauty." Tina Davidson has been commissioned and performed by well-known ensembles such as National Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, OperaDelaware, Kronos Quartet, and most recently by Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn.

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In this episode Tina Davidson shares her tips on writing effective grant applications and how to advocate for yourself!

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A classical guitarist, composer, and arranger whose playing and works have been described as “…invitingly poetic” (Boston Globe), Dr. Jonathan Godfrey has performed recitals throughout North America, won prizes in several performance competitions, and garnered a multitude of recording credits (including solo works for the Embassy of Spain). In 2011 he was named Grand-Prize Winner of the Boston GuitarFest International Composition Competition for his now oft-programmed Sonatina for Solo Guitar.

Korean-American coloratura soprano Jenny Kim-Godfrey has appeared on stages across the United States, Canada, Italy, and South Korea, and as a soloist with the St. Petersburg Opera Company, Indiana University Opera Theater, New York Catskills Choral Society, and Sarasota’s Gloria Musicae, among numerous other ensembles. Jenny holds her Masters from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Mary Ann Hart & two-time Grammy award winner Sylvia McNair.

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In this episode husband-and-wife team Jonathan Godfrey and Jenny Kim-Godfrey discuss being vulnerable, collaboration, and enjoying your work.

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James Adler is a pianist who “can create whatever type of music he wants at the keyboard” (Chicago Sun-Times) and a composer who writes “with uncommon imagination” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution). His extensive list of compositions includes Memento mori: An AIDS Requiem. Performed worldwide, recorded by AmorArtis Chorale and Orchestra, and published by Alfred Music. As performer and composer, Mr. Adler can be heard on recordings from Albany Records, Capstone, Navona, and Ravello Records.

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In this episode James discusses why it's important to know and understand the music business as a composer and more!

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Lawrence Edelson is highly respected as a visionary company leader who has created programs in the areas of new opera development that have served as models of innovation for opera companies around the country. Edelson is the founder of American Lyric Theater in NYC, where he oversees the Composer Librettist Development Program. In 2014, Edelson was appointed the new Artistic & General Director of Opera Saratoga, a position he now holds concurrently his position at ALT.

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In this episode Larry discusses the importance of creating your own opportunities as well as developing opera through collaboration.

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Cheryl Frances-Hoad was born in 1980 and received her musical education at the Yehudi Menuhin School, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and Kings College London. Her music has been described as “like a declaration of faith in the eternal verities of composition” (The Times), with “a voice overflowing not only with ideas, but also with the discipline and artistry necessary to harness them” (The Scotsman).

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In this episode Cheryl discusses the importance of treating your compositions as assets and more.

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György Ligeti, Piano Preludes

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Steven is the founding partner of Dotdotdotmusic, the leading public relations agency serving artists and organizations in the vibrant new classical music scene. Trained as a composer, with a PhD in composition under principal teacher Morton Feldman, Steven's background includes journalism, radio, the recording industry, and PR. Prior to starting DOTDOTDOTMUSIC, he spent sixteen years as the director of publicity at Boosey & Hawkes.

Sarah Baird Knight is a publicist and partner at Dotdotdotmusic, specializing in ‘public relations for the modern age,’ where she has managed campaigns on behalf of John Adams (Nixon in China), eighth blackbird, New Amsterdam Records, David T. Little (Dog Days, Soldier Songs), Beth Morrison Projects (PROTOTYPE: Opera/Theatre/NOW, 21c Liederabend), MATA Festival, American Modern Ensemble, So Percussion, Ted Hearne, and many others. Prior to joining Dotdotdotdotmusic, she spent several years as Director, Media & Public Relations at Boosey & Hawkes, where she represented the full roster of composers, including such luminaries as Elliott Carter (100th birthday), Steve Reich, Ned Rorem, and Meredith Monk. Sarah’s calling card is innovation: in her time at B&H, she rang in the 21st century with fresh new practices for e-marketing, contests, social media, content production, and event planning at Sundance and SxSW. She has presented talks on best PR and social media practices for various audiences, including the Music Publishers Association, Opera America, James Madison University, and Princeton University. A French hornist, singer, and songwriter with a background in music education, Sarah plays in the Brooklyn Wind Symphony, sings in the PSUMC Choir, and fronts the indie-Americana band, The Scarlet K.

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In this episode Steven and Sarah discuss PR and marketing best practices for composers.

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Maestra Kim Diehnelt established her craft as conductor, composer, and artistic coach in both Finland and Switzerland. This year alone her compositions were performed in Chicago, New York City, and by the Rensselaer Concert Choir; she also completed a commissioned work for unaccompanied cello to pair with the Bach cello suites. Kim is currently a semi-finalist for the American Prize in composition in the professional orchestra category.

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In this episode Kim discusses how to master the skills of composition through conducting, and more!

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