Prepare to enter a world where sound, art, and nature become one in the hands of Cheryl E. Leonard, a San Francisco-based composer, performer, and instrument builder. Cheryl’s unique approach involves creating musical instruments from materials like stones, ice, and water, collected from nature. In this episode, she shares how her experiences in remote locales, especially Antarctica, inspire her compositions and help reimagine our connection with the environment.
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On this episode of Music from Humans, host Michael Cooke continues the conversation with Stephen Main, a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. In this follow up to The Art of Music Improvisation, Stephen shares his thoughts on what composers should do to be came better composers.
Subscribe to “Music from Humans” for more insights into the lives of creators who make our world a richer place through their art.
On this episode of Music from Humans, host Michael Cooke engages with Stephen Main, a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. As the Minister of Music at Piedmont Community Church, Stephen brings a rich narrative of a musical career that traverses choral, orchestral, and film music, grounded in his foundational skills as an organist trained at Oberlin Conservatory.
Our discussion delves deep into the core of musical creativity—improvisation. Stephen shares his profound connection with historical musical practices, highlighting how improvisation shaped the Western musical canon, from Bach to contemporary compositions. He argues passionately for the reintegration of spontaneous creativity in classical music performances, drawing parallels between the roles of an organist and a film score composer in creating adaptive, atmospheric music.
This episode not only explores Stephen’s personal and professional musical philosophies but also ignites a conversation on the transformative power of live improvisation in enriching modern classical music. Join us as we explore how the historical threads of improvisation continue to weave through the fabric of today’s musical landscapes, promising a rejuvenated appreciation for live, dynamic expressions in music.
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In this episode, I’m excited to introduce Emily Koh, a Singaporean composer and bassist renowned for her groundbreaking work in microtonality. Now based in Atlanta as a professor at the University of Georgia, Emily is pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
Hailed as “the future of composing” by The Straits Times, Emily’s works have been performed globally, and she has earned prestigious honors like the Copland House Residency Award. Her music blends intricate microtonal scales with innovative techniques, creating an otherworldly sonic experience.
In our conversation, Emily shares her journey into microtonality, starting with her early days as a bassist and a transformative trip to Bali, where she encountered Gamelan ensembles. We also explore how she composes microtonal music and her work developing custom instruments like the Microharmonic and ModμMIDI, which allow musicians to explore this complex sound world in new ways.
Whether you’re a fan of microtonality or curious about the future of music, this episode offers unique insights into the creative process behind Emily Koh’s extraordinary work.
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In this special follow-up episode of “Music from Humans,” we delve into the challenges and intricacies faced by composers when transitioning between music notation software. It is recommended you watch “Moving From Finale to Dorico or MuseScore” first. With the recent announcement that Finale will no longer be supported, many composers, including our host, are forced to migrate their work to other platforms such as Sibelius.
Join me as I explore a personal journey from using Finale, a tool relied upon since the late ’80s, to adapting to new environments. This episode isn’t a tutorial but a real-time exploration of what it takes to transfer compositions across different software. We’ll tackle the warnings about Sibelius from other composers and the technical hurdles.
I will share my firsthand experiences with Sibelius, highlighting both the possibilities and the challenges of these tools. Whether it’s dealing with file compatibility issues, learning new interfaces, or ensuring that complex musical notations are preserved, this episode covers it all.
👉 Tune in to learn more about preserving the integrity of musical compositions during software transitions, and discover tips on how to choose the right tools for your creative process.
Subscribe to “Music from Humans” for more behind-the-scenes looks at the lives and workflows of musicians and composers!
In this special episode of “Music from Humans,” we delve into the challenges and intricacies faced by composers when transitioning between music notation software. With the recent announcement that Finale will no longer be supported, many composers, including our host, are forced to migrate their work to other platforms such as MuseScore and Dorico.
Join me as I explore a personal journey from using Finale, a tool relied upon since the late ’80s, to adapting to new environments. This episode isn’t a tutorial but a real-time exploration of what it takes to transfer compositions across different software. We’ll tackle the technical hurdles, from installation woes to adapting modern notation practices in new systems.
I will share my firsthand experiences with MuseScore and Dorico, highlighting both the possibilities and the challenges of these tools. Whether it’s dealing with file compatibility issues, learning new interfaces, or ensuring that complex musical notations are preserved, this episode covers it all.
👉 Tune in to learn more about preserving the integrity of musical compositions during software transitions, and discover tips on how to choose the right tools for your creative process.
Subscribe to “Music from Humans” for more behind-the-scenes looks at the lives and workflows of musicians and composers!
Exploring the National Parks Through Music with Stephen Lias
In this episode as we delve into the inspiring world of Stephen Lias, a composer whose work celebrates the majesty of America’s national parks. From Denali’s rugged peaks to the mysterious depths of Carlsbad Caverns, Stephen’s music transports listeners into the wilderness through his vivid sonic landscapes.
Stephen, a professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, has collaborated with top orchestras like the Boulder Philharmonic and the Russian String Orchestra. Today, we explore his creative journey, discussing the intricacies of composing music that echoes nature’s splendor and the practical aspects of his artistic career, including the business of music, and how a well-crafted contract can protect artistic vision.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Stephen Lias, where music meets the wild. Subscribe to “Music from Humans” for more insights into the lives of creators who make our world a richer place through their art.
In this episode, we’re honored to delve into the world of Liz Dilnot Johnson, a composer whose profound works echo deep communal stories and social issues. In this video, we dive into Liz’s acclaimed piece, “When a Child is a Witness,” a requiem dedicated to refugees and a tribute to their resilience and plight. This award-winning composition, which garnered the prestigious Ivors Composer Award for Community and Participation in 2022, has touched audiences globally with its powerful narrative and emotional depth. Liz has dedicated her career to addressing pressing social issues through her music. With a diverse catalog ranging from delicate chamber music to grand orchestral works, Liz’s music speaks to the soul and advocates for change. Join us for an in-depth look at how Liz Dilnot Johnson’s music not only reflects but also shapes our understanding of empathy and solidarity through art.
In this episode, Sounds of the City, we dive deep into the sonic cityscape with Christopher North, a maestro whose melodies resonate from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the grand stage of Carnegie Hall. This episode takes a special look at his groundbreaking work on the documentary “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes,” which clinched the Best Music Documentary at the 2023 IDA Documentary Awards.
In this exclusive interview, Christopher reveals a unique insight into the creation of a documentary score that honors jazz legend, Max Roach. Learn about his creative process, the challenges of aligning music with cinematic storytelling, and his personal inspirations that keep his music evolving.
Discover how Christopher North, a Texan turned New Yorker, harmonizes the clamor of the city with the rhythms of jazz. His scores don’t just fill the screen; they narrate stories, evoke emotions, and connect deeply with audiences worldwide. From his collaborations with legends like Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro on profound film project, North’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music.
Tune in to explore the intersection of urban vibrancy and musical innovation, and experience how Christopher North’s compositions craft a narrative as compelling as the city itself. Don’t forget to subscribe for more explorations into the world of music with “Music from Humans,” so you don’t the interview.
Sounds of Ice (or lack there of) with Christopher North
In this episode, Sounds of Ice (or lack there of), we explore the sonic landscapes of Christopher North, a maestro of melody whose musical prowess spans film scores and stage performances. Born in Texas and flourishing in New York, North has composed soundtracks for over 60 films and created 20 genre-defying albums. His remarkable works have resonated globally, earning him a Grammy nomination and prestigious accolades like the Best Music Documentary at the 2023 IDA Documentary Awards for “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes.”
In this intimate discussion, Christopher reveals the profound impact of nature on his life and music. He shares his transformative experiences during a retreat in Alaska, which birthed his acclaimed composition, “Nellie Juan’s Scratchiti.” This piece not only reflects the haunting beauty of the Alaskan wilderness but also captures the essence of its disappearing glaciers.
Discover how Christopher North’s innovative fusion of sound and scenery pushes the boundaries of traditional music and storytelling. From the vibrant rhythms of urban life to the serene silences of snow-covered landscapes, North’s compositions invite us to delve into the depths of musical expression and consider the influential role of the environment in shaping artistic visions.
Tune in to witness how a composer harmonizes with the whispers of the wild, crafting a unique auditory experience that transcends the ordinary. Don’t forget to subscribe for more explorations into the world of music with “Music from Humans,” so you don’t miss the second part of this interview with Christopher North.
