Composer's Project: A Performance and Educational Experience

Many composers have written wonderful, engaging pieces for solo piano but often have difficulty in finding musicians willing to perform with discipline, skill, and a passion for 'new' music. This can often be the case with student composers who rely on friends or fellow students to play their pieces. Although this provides an excellent learning opportunity for the performer; the composer himself only gains the insight of hearing his music realized. In talking with composers I have noticed many come to the same conclusions: They often wish the performer took the piece/project more seriously, practiced more, had some insight other than just asking questions and in turn could give critical feedback to them.

This project allows new composers the opportunity to work with a professional pianist who not only specializes in performing new music but also is a gifted and passionate teacher; allowing the new generation of composers to emerge!

How the Project works:

• Instead of presenting an established touring repertoire, McCright performs a concert comprised of new piano works from the students (Undergraduate through Doctoral Students) of the school. If not enough material is presentable for a whole concert, McCright will add in contemporary piano works as appropriate.
• The school provides the scores (completed, no allowance for major revision) as least four weeks prior to the concert. *
• The residencies normally last for two complete days. The first day focuses on coaching with each composer and the second day is dedicated to practice (post-coaching), rest, and the concert itself.
• Depending on the option selected, a Piano Master Class and a Lecture/Workshop on Contemporary Piano Music may also be added to the schedule.

* McCright does reserve the right to eliminate scores if time is not available to adequately perform the work.