How to Actually *Learn* Composing - Composition Pedagogy with David Conte

This is one of the most illuminating conversations on music I have had in living memory. Our guest today is David Conte, who is Chair of Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory, student of Nadia Boulanger, and apprentice of Aaron Copland. He's a successful composer with over a hundred published works, many of which are becoming staples of the modern repertoire.  In this interview, he talks about: The key points he learnt from Nadia Boulanger The skills he finds most valuable for a composer to learn His thoughts on the "chief job of a composer" What originality in composing really means, and where it comes from The utility of learning traditional harmony and counterpoint Why Nadia Boulanger's music is receiving newfound attention And much more. I'm not exaggerating when I say I was fascinated by David's thoughts, which stem from his decades of experience teaching and learning composition at the highest level.  I really think you'll enjoy this conversation, and you'll learn a lot too.  If you want to join the email list, to receive a once weekly piece of bonus composing content, you can do so for free, by visiting this link!   

Om Podcasten

Composing music can be incredibly fulfilling. In this show we explore techniques, tools, ideas, and the art of composing. We'll consider both traditional and more modern styles of composing, from the concert hall to film and TV. Each episode will focus on an idea, technique, principle, or a great piece of music which we can learn from. The aim is for every episode to give you practical, actionable advice which you can use in your own music, and which will help you to grow as a composer.