Shows
Composer Chats2.24 - Dennis TobenskiDennis Tobenski is a composer, singer, and die-hard advocate for living composers. As a composer and performer, he embraces emotional complexity and honesty, and never shies away from vulgarity or a good laugh (no polite chuckles, please). Whether he’s behind the microphone as the host of the Music Publishing Podcast or working as the creator and driving force behind the NewMusicShelf Anthologies of New Music, he lifts his colleagues up, and works to build structures and communities that he wished he’d had as a young musician. Dennis lives in NYC with his husband Darien Shulman and their cat Pis...2025-07-011h 20
Song CycleThe One with Robert Peavler & Dennis TobenskiWe've done a lot of pulling back the curtain on the life of composers, but we haven't had the chance to hang with another cornerstone of our industry - the publishers - until NOW! Laura and Sam are joined by super-cool-men-on-a-mission Robert Peavler of North Star Music and Dennis Tobenski of NewMusicShelf (where you can pick up Laura's 40@40 Anthology). These gents share their "why" for starting their publishing companies (hint: their reasons are far more noble than making money). Listen along for a rare glimpse into the world of publishing - and composers, stick around to hear how you...2025-05-2752 min
Relevant TonesLaura Strickling 40@402023 and the first anthology has just been published by New Music Shelf. This extraordinary album features world-premiere recordings of art songs commissioned by Strickling who says: "These twenty songs, from composers and poets of diverse backgrounds, are exceptional in their beauty, depth, quality, and range of emotional expression."Host Seth Boustead talks with Strickling and features several songs from the album.MUSICEmail to Odessa by Dennis TobenskiPeony by Ed WindelsThanks a Latte by Lori LaitmanThis Ode is Mine by Bess McCrary2025-05-0553 min
Life (UN)Closeted: LGBTQ+ Coming Out Stories & Advice for living out and proud!Bringing Trans and Non-binary Voices To Music - Aiden FeltkampWe've all heard the term "life imitates art, and art imitates life" or something along those lines. Now add to the mix a person who lives, as themselves, as trans and nonbinary opera singer and you have today's guest - Aiden K. Feltkamp (they/he). They are breaking the molds of opera and musical theater with their intimate perspective of their release of the Anthology of New Music: Trans & Nonbinary Voices. Get ready for an enlightening and eye-opening journey of truly expressing one's authentic self.
About Aiden
Aiden K. Feltkamp (they/he) is a Turn the Spotlight fellow...2022-05-0449 min
Music Publishing PodcastMPP 062: Darien Shulman on Composing for TelevisionOriginally aired 11/21/2017Composer Darien Shulman returns to talk about his experience writing for a new television series: how he got the job, the process from beginning to end, and what he learned along the way about organization and workflow.Links:Darien ShulmanNetflix: American Vandal2022-01-141h 05Music Publishing PodcastMPP 061: Independent Music Publishers CooperativeOriginally aired 11/6/2017After a Summer hiatus, Dennis returns for a conversation with composers Elizabeth Alexander and J. David Moore, two of the founding members of the Independent Music Publishers Cooperative, a group of eight composer-publishers working together to market and distribute their music. The cooperative’s shared website provides a central hub where directors and performers can browse the group’s individual catalogs simultaneously, and serves as a guide to the composers’ best work.Links:Independent Music Publishers CooperativeIMP on FacebookElizabeth AlexanderJ. David Moore2022-01-141h 15Music Publishing PodcastMPP 060: REBROADCAST David & Matthew Maslanka on Forging Your Own PathOriginally aired 8/15/2017In case you haven’t yet heard the news, composer David Maslanka passed away last week on August 6 after a brief battle with cancer. David, along with his son Matthew, was a guest on the show back in January for Episode #38.Reading other composers’ and performers’ reminiscences of him online, it’s impossible to overlook the impact he’s had in our corner of the world and beyond. From his simple exhortation for composers to Just Show Up when it comes to writing every day, to his acknowledgement about our craft that “nothing about what w...2022-01-1457 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 059b: NewMusicShelf Call for Scores Q&AOriginally aired 8/7/2017BONUS CONTENT: Dennis and the anthology curators do a live Q&A session »Watch the video here »2022-01-141h 10Music Publishing PodcastMPP 059: NewMusicShelfOriginally aired 8/7/2017This week, Garrett Hope of The Portfolio Composer joins Dennis to make a few exciting announcements, including a new partnership with the American Composers Forum, a new distribution outlet for self-published composers, and gigantic new call for scores – all to make composers’ lives better.BONUS CONTENT: Dennis and the anthology curators do a live Q&A session »Watch the video here »Links:NewMusicShelfNewMusicShelf Anthologies Call for ScoresAmerican Composers ForumThe Portfolio Composer: The Vexing Problem of Unplanned Vacations2022-01-1454 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 058: Ed Windels on Being a 5-to-9 ComposerOriginally aired 7/25/2017Ed Windels returns to talk about the benefits and drawbacks of having a full-time day job in addition to your composing.Links:Ed WindelsEd on TwitterEd on Soundcloud2022-01-1459 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 057: Tony Manfredonia on Video Game MusicOriginally aired 7/18/2017Composer Tony Manfredonia returns to talk about his bifurcated career of writing concert music and music for video games.Links:Tony ManfredoniaTony on TwitterTony on SoundcloudWayward Isles teaser trailer2022-01-1455 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 056: Griffin Candey on Securing Performances Before You WriteOriginally aired 7/3/2017Composer Griffin Candey talks about the importance of securing performances of new, large-scale works before you write them.Links:Griffin CandeyGriffin on TwitterSweets by KateOperaRox2022-01-141h 01Music Publishing PodcastMPP 055: ADJ*ective New MusicOriginally aired 6/13/2017This week, I’m joined by composers Jamie Leigh Sampson and Andrew Martin Smith, the co-founders of ADJ•ective New Music, as they talk about the benefits and challenges of forming a composer collective, how they handle publishing and distribution for their composers, and the value they’ve found in running a podcast about new music.Links:ADJ•ective New MusicADJ on TwitterLexical Tones podcast2022-01-131h 19Music Publishing PodcastMPP 054: Commissioning with Megan Ihnen and Alex ShapiroOriginally aired 6/4/2017Mezzo-soprano Megan Ihnen and composer Alex Shapiro return to MPP to talk about the ins and outs of commissioning new music from the perspective of the composer and the commissioner.In the course of the conversation, we discussed: Making both sides happy Contracts Making smaller, regular payments Consortia Arrangements/Adaptations 802 Low Budget Agreements Acting as a collaborative partner TaxesLinks:Alex ShapiroMegan IhnenAlex Shapiro on NewMusicBox: “Let’s Make a List”New Music USA commissioning resources2022-01-131h 22Music Publishing PodcastMPP 053: Garrett Schumann and Live Streaming EventsOriginally aired 5/30/2017Composer Garrett Schumann talks about building a local music scene, investing in yourself, and the nuts and bolts of economical live streaming.Links:Garrett SchumannGarrett on TwitterÆpex Contemporary PerformanceÆpex on Facebook & TwitterThe Awesome FoundationSalt Arts DocumentationTech mentioned on the show:Zoom H4NLogitech C920Open Broadcaster Software2022-01-131h 04Music Publishing PodcastMPP 052: One Year Anniversary ExtravaganzaOriginally aired 5/22/2017MPP celebrates one year of episodes with some reflection on the past year, a look ahead to the coming months, and a drink with return guest Jay Venute.Links:Jay on TwitterJay Venute: Jerk Birds2022-01-131h 03Music Publishing PodcastMPP 051: New Music Gathering, Part 2Originally aired 5/21/2017Dennis is joined by composers Tony Manfredonia and Ed Windels to share even more reactions to the third New Music Gathering, held in Bowling Green, OH.Links:Tony ManfredoniaEd WindelsREXduoEd Windels: 5 to 9 Composer2022-01-131h 03Music Publishing PodcastMPP 050: New Music Gathering, Part 1Originally aired May 18, 2017Dennis is joined by soprano Elisabeth Halliday and composer Spencer Arias to talk about their reactions to the third New Music Gathering, held in Bowling Green, OH.Links:New Music GatheringElisabeth HallidaySpencer AriasSteven Schick: In Pursuit of an Externally Facing Artistic PracticeÆPEX Contemporary Performance2022-01-131h 09Music Publishing PodcastMPP 049: Marc Ostrow on Legal and Legislative DevelopmentsOriginally aired 5/8/2017Entertainment lawyer Marc Ostrow returns to MPP to talk about recent legal and legislative developments in copyright and licensing, including bipartisan legislation to make the Register of Copyrights a Presidential Appointment, and the Fair Play Fair Pay Act.Links:Marc OstrowH.R.1695 – Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017“A Declaration of Independence for the Copyright Office”H.R.1836 – Fair Play Fair Pay Act of 2017Music Tech Policy: What’s in the New Fair Play, Fair Pay Act?Will the Fair Play Fair Pay Act Get a Fair...2022-01-1353 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 048: Martha Mooke on Finding BalanceOriginally aired 4/27/2017Composer/violist Martha Mooke talks about improvisation, following your passions, and finding balance.Links:Martha MookeMartha on FacebookNewMusicBox: “Martha Mooke: Walls, Windows, and Doors”Fuse Project: Revolution x3 (May 19, 2017)ASCAP Thru the WallsThe Other Graduation (May 6, 2017)2022-01-131h 06Music Publishing PodcastMPP 047: Brian Coughlin on Embracing VarietyOriginally aired 4/17/2017Composer & bassist Brian Coughlin has been performing, recording, and touring with the Fireworks Ensemble, which he founded in 2000. The six member ensemble plays in a wide variety of styles, emphasizing its “brazenly inclusive approach to repertoire.”During the course of our conversation, Brian and I talked about non-linear career paths, meaningful collaborations, being open to a variety of experiences, and learning from your mistakes.Links:Fireworks Ensemble2022-01-131h 03Music Publishing PodcastMPP 046: Robert Paterson on Believing in Yourself and Support SystemsOriginally aired 4/11/2017Robert Paterson is a composer whose career has many facets: he’s a percussionist, he conducts, he runs a successful new music ensemble, he runs a boutique record label, and he’s launching a new festival of new music in 2018. He joins me this week to talk about running composition competitions, believing in yourself, dealing with rejection, and having support systems in place.Links:Robert PatersonAmerican Modern EnsembleAmerican Modern RecordingsMostly Modern FestivalThe Portfolio Composer Ep. 2: Robert PatersonThe Portfolio Composer Ep. 108: Robert Paterson on S...2022-01-131h 26Music Publishing PodcastMPP 045: Reg Unterseher on CurationOriginally aired 4/42017I met composer Reg Unterseher at the Chorus American conference a few years ago, and was taken with some of the things he had to say about how composers can be better-served by the community. He joins me this week to talk about the benefits of curation, the future of electronic scores, and different forms of distribution and publication.Links:Reg UnterseherReg on FacebookNorthwest Choral Publishers2022-01-131h 00Music Publishing PodcastMPP 044: Darien Shulman on Commercial MusicOriginally aired 3/2/2017After ten months of doing this show, I finally managed to get my husband, Darien Shulman, on the podcast! Darien is a composer who started his musical career as a concert music composer, and has made the transition to writing for TV and film. He also wrote the MPP & CGDB theme music, and does the MPP voiceover.In this week’s episode, we talk about different philosophies of music education, writing for commercials, and what it takes to kill your darlings.Download the episode here »Links:Darien Shulman...2022-01-131h 21Music Publishing PodcastMPP 043: Alexandra Gardner on Composer WebsitesOriginally aired 3/21/2017Composer Alexandra Gardner (Ep. 9) returns to talk about what should and shouldn’t go into your composer website.Links:Alexandra GardnerDale Trumbore: Seven Things to Remove from Your WebsiteDaleTrubmore.comCaroline ShawAgata ZubelHarold Meltzer2022-01-131h 13Music Publishing PodcastMPP 042: Jason Heath on Working with School EnsemblesOriginally aired 3/14/2017Jason Heath is a bassist and fellow podcaster. His show Contrabass Conversations has been running for nearly a decade, and helps bass players with their artistry, auditioning, and careers.During the course of our conversation, we talked about working with and getting commissions from school ensembles, and ways that composers and performers can leverage podcasting and blogging.Download the episode here »Links:Contrabass ConversationsDouble Bass BlogJason HeathWinning the AuditionArts HackerInside the ArtsAdaptistration: The Growing World o...2022-01-131h 21Music Publishing PodcastMPP 041: Kevin Clark on Kickstarter and the Economics of ArtOriginally aired on 3/6/2017Kevin Clark is a philanthropy consultant, product manager, and composer working to help artists thrive. He is the brains behind the New Music USA project platform, and speaks and writes about arts economics, technology in the arts and non-profit worlds, and philanthropy.During the course of our conversation, we talked about some of the interesting up-and-coming organizations that he consults for, making art sustainable, Baumol’s cost disease, and fundraising with Kickstarter.Links:Kevin ClarkTwitterCASH MusicLive Music Project2022-01-131h 15Music Publishing PodcastMPP 040: Jonathan Newman on Strength in NumbersOriginally aired 2/27/2017In addition to his work as a composer, Jonathan Newman is the Director of Composition & Coordinator of New Music at the Shenandoah Conservatory; he was also a founding member of the composer consortium BCM International.During the course of our conversation, we talked about writing for educational ensembles, the history and impact of BCM International, and being “pigeonholed”.Download the episode here »Links:JonathanNewman.comJonathan on FacebookJonathan on TwitterBCM InternationalBCM Forums2022-01-131h 02Music Publishing PodcastMPP 039: Anne Lanzilotti on Collaboration and CommissioningOriginally aired 2/20/2017Anne Lanzilotti is a violist, composer, and fierce advocate of contemporary music. She is a member of The Rhythm Method string quartet, co-founder for Kalikolehua — El Sistema Hawai‘i, and a member of the string faculty at NYU Steinhardt, and she created “Shaken Not Stuttered”, an online resource of extended techniques for strings used in Andrew Norman’s orchestral and chamber works.During the course of our conversation, she and I talked about collaboration, the joys and challenges of commissioning, and new music advocacy.Links:Anne LanzilottiShaken Not Stuttered2022-01-131h 15Music Publishing PodcastMPP 038: David & Matthew Maslanka on Forging Your Own PathOriginally aired 2/13/2017For this week’s episode, I sat down to chat with David and Matthew Maslanka. David is a renowned composer, often known for his extensive catalog of works for wind ensemble; and Matthew, David’s son, is a euphonist and engraver, and handles the operations for publishing David’s music.During the course of the conversation, we talked about the trajectory of David’s career and the important changes he made and risks he took along the way, how Matthew handles publishing David’s works, and the importance of being true to your music and...2022-01-1356 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 037: Dale Trumbore & Brandon Elliott on Recording ProjectsOriginally aired 2/6/2017In her first appearance on the show exactly 30 episodes ago, Dale Trumbore mentioned How to Go On, her secular requiem commissioned by Choral Arts Initiative. She explained the plan to premiere and record the piece with the ensemble, and promised to be back to talk about the process.So this week, she and CAI Artistic Director Brandon Elliott join me to talk about the process of the preparation and recording of the album: from the project’s genesis through fundraising, marketing recording, and post-production, up to the impending release this month.2022-01-131h 20Music Publishing PodcastMPP 036: Joshua Gersen on Youth SymphoniesOriginally aired 1/30/2017Joshua Gersen is, in addition to being a composer, the Musical Director of the New York Youth Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic. An advocate for new music, he helps to oversee the NYYS’s annual composer competition, which awards commissions to three composers under 30.During the course of our conversation,w e talked about the role of youth orchestras, the nature of orchestral writing, and the annual NYYS composition competition.Links:Joshua GersenNew York Youth Symphony2022-01-1352 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 035: Scott Tegge on Diversified RevenueOriginally aired 1/23/2017Scott Tegge, tubist for the Gaudete Brass, knows how to hustle, and he’s genuinely an awesome guy. We met at the “composer hang” coordinated by Frank J. Oteri during the Midwest Clinic, and I knew right away that he had to be a guest on the show. In addition to all the work he does for the quintet, he also teaches an insane amount, and is in the process of creating a new non-profit to help generate more opportunities for brass players.During the course of our conversation, a few of the things...2022-01-131h 20Music Publishing PodcastMPP 034: William J. Lackey on Administrative SkillsOriginally aired 1/16/2017William J. Lackey is one of the many cool people I met at the Midwest Clinic. In addition to his work as a composer, Billy has been the Administrative Director at the Mizzou New Music Initiative, and served on the Boards of the newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, the Odyssey Chamber Music Series, and the Kansas City Electronic Music and Arts Alliance. He’s currently a Vice President of Programs at the American Composers Forum, and he brings all of the skills he learned in these various positions to bear in his composing career.Du...2022-01-131h 03
Contrabass ConversationsDennis Tobenski talks careers, business, composing, and podcastingDennis Tobenski is a composer of acoustic new music whose work has been described by Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times as “distinctive and engaging”. He is also a vocalist and a strong advocate for new music and for the interests of living composers. Dennis also hosts two music business-centered podcasts aimed at helping composers and performers to learn more about the practical aspects of their careers: the Music Publishing Podcast, a weekly, hour-long conversation with other professionals in the field of concert music, and The Composer’s Guide to Doing Business, where he answers questions and disc...2017-08-161h 07Music Publishing PodcastMPP 033: Frank J. Oteri, Part 2: AudienceIn Part 2 of my conversation with Frank J. Oteri, we talk about reconciling different genres, thinking about audiences and their (lack of) preconceptions, and amateurism.2017-01-101h 10Music Publishing PodcastMPP 032: Frank J. Oteri, Part 1: OriginalityTo say that Frank J. Oteri has a multi-faceted career in music is a gross understatement. In addition to his own work as a composer, he has been the Co-Editor for NewMusicBox since it was created in 1999, where he writes and reports on all manner of topics relating to the realm of new music, and he bears the unique title of Composer Advocate at New Music USA. He works tirelessly on behalf of composers in the US and abroad, and has a breadth and depth of knowledge of living composers and their works that is, quite simply, staggering.2017-01-031h 11Music Publishing PodcastMPP 031: Reena Esmail on Gender and Race in Concert MusicI met Reena Esmail a few years ago when my friend Marc Peloquin (Ep. 20) featured her on the KeyedUp MusicProject. I was immediately taken with her musical style, and was thrilled to get to know her in person after the concert.We tried for over two months to get this episode to happen, but our schedules refused to cooperate until just a few days before Christmas. Reena has some wonderful things to say on a host of topics, and I think that this is the perfect way to close out the year on a note of reflection...2016-12-291h 19Music Publishing PodcastMPP 030: Stacy Garrop on Overcoming ShynessAfter several weeks of emailing to set up this episode, Stacy Garrop and I met in person at The Midwest Clinic, and had a wonderful time getting to know one another between Clinic events. A few days after I returned to NYC, we sat down for this conversation. Stacy’s a great composer, and I had the pleasure of hearing her fantastic brass quintet Legends of Olympus performed by the Gaudete Brass while I was in Chicago.During the course of our conversation, we talk about: The Midwest Clinic Planning for conferences Writing music for different le...2016-12-251h 06Music Publishing PodcastMPP 029: The Midwest ClinicI’m joined this week by a number of friends and colleagues to break down The Midwest Clinic, which we all just attended – most of us for the first time.Trudy Chan returns to the show, then Frank J. Oteri (Trudy’s husband, and the founder/co-editor of NewMusicBox) joins the conversation, then Sean Perrin of the Clarineat podcast and Garrett Hope (the Justin Timberlake to MPP’s SNL) have a nice chat about our first experiences at the conference.In short: it’s HUGE, it’s overwhelming for a first-timer, and it’s an amazing opport...2016-12-201h 29Music Publishing PodcastMPP 028: Scott Winship Analyzes NMUSA Project Grant ProposalsAfter we spoke in Episode 19, Scott mentioned that we should have looked at one of my previous NMUSA Project Grant applications as an example to help other applicants, and I immediately started kicking myself for not thinking of that earlier.So this week, that’s exactly how we start the episode – we look through two of my previous applications (screen-capped below). Then we go on to look at a few applications from the String Orchestra of Brooklyn (with the permission and at the behest of Ep. 23 guest Emily Bookwalter), as well as a broad look at some prev...2016-12-061h 09Music Publishing PodcastMPP 027: Lessons Learned and the Six Month Anniversary with Jay VenuteJay Venute is the wit and talent behind Jerk Birds and the webcomic Doodle Park. He’s also a very close friend, a regular listener to the show despite not being a musician, and a constant sounding board for my myriad harebrained ideas.This week, we commemorate the six month anniversary of the show by talking about how it came to be, the trials and tribulations of all the behind-the-scenes machinations, and the various lessons I’ve learned along the way.We also spend time talking about our artistic common ground, showing appreciation, support systems, and...2016-11-281h 11Music Publishing PodcastMPP 026: Angela Myles Beeching on Time ManagementAngela Myles Beeching, author of the well-known book Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music, has created and run entrepreneurship programs in a number of major music schools throughout the country, and now is a full-time career consultant for working musicians.This week, she joins me to talk about her work with musicians, and some tips for composers and performers.Also, Angela has made a very generous offer to the MPP community: between now and December 14, 2016, she is offering a free 30-minute career consultation! Just email her at Angela@BeyondTalentConsulting.com, and mention that...2016-11-141h 05Music Publishing PodcastMPP 025: Trudy Chan on Showing UpTrudy Chan has had a multifaceted career in music. The former Senior Manager of Promotion at Boosey & Hawkes, Trudy now heads her own boutique composer management company, and works as a collaborative pianist, most notably as one half of the Cheah Chan Duo, which puts on six concerts of art song and piano music each season.Trudy and I have been friends for years, and we’ve had the pleasure of performing together several times.During the course of our conversation, we touched on: Friendship as the basis for working relationships Working for a tr...2016-11-071h 08Music Publishing PodcastMPP 024: Garrett Hope and MastermindingMy friend and fellow podcaster – and MPP Superfriend – Garrett Hope is back this week to talk with me about an idea that’s not super-well-known within the music community, but has been helping artists, professionals, and small business owners for nearly a century: Mastermind Groups.Garrett and I are members of a small mastermind group of music podcasters and bloggers, and it’s in large part thanks to this group of wonderful musicians that I’ve continued to improve this show over the past few months.What is a mastermind? Let Garrett explain it to you in thi...2016-10-3142 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 023: Emily Bookwalter on Citizenship and CommunityEmily Bookwalter is a violist, the Director of External Affairs for the String Orchestra of Brooklyn, and the Executive Director of New Amsterdam Records. In short, Emily does all the things.This is a fantastic conversation where we riff on marketing, storytelling, the dargers/usefulness of -isms, community, musical citizenship, and how the viola is the best instrument. Soap-boxes abound.And then Google Hangouts lost the last six minutes of the broadcast. Seriously. Fortunately, I was talking for most of those six minutes, so very little of import was lost. 😉Links:Emily Boo...2016-10-261h 25Music Publishing PodcastMPP 022: Kathleen Supove on Forging Your Own PathKathleen Supové is an excellent pianist with a flair for the theatrical and a deep love for new music. Although she studied within the classical tradition, she feels the need to forge new paths and create new traditions for new music.We spoke a few days before The Debussy Effect, Kathleen’s latest album of works written for her, was released on New Focus Records. During our conversation, we talked about: Virtuosity Curation Marathon concerts: the good and the not so good Having long-term relationships with composers and other colleagues Recording projects The Debussy Effect Recreational lis...2016-10-1759 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 021: Seth Hanes on Breaking into the SceneSeth Hanes is Philadelphia-based horn player and entrepreneur, and runs the excellent website The Musician’s Guide to Hustling, where he helps musicians get more gigs and create more – and more rewarding – connections with other musicians. I met Seth when he invited me to come on his site to talk about the differences between traditional publishing and self publishing, and I was impressed with his level of knowledge on marketing and effective promotion.Seth just released his first book, Break into the Scene: A Musician’s Guide to Making Connections, Creating Opportunities, and Launching a Career, today, and I th...2016-10-1056 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 020: Marc Peloquin on Recording and Rolling with the PunchesIn June 2005, my composition teacher at the time told me that he was having his Pianos Variations premiered by a pianist named Marc Peloquin at the Bloomingdale School of Music, and that if I was interested, I should go. I arrived rather early, met Marc, and ended up helping him to set up chairs for the recital. The concert was wonderful, and in addition to Daron’s Variations, included some works by Virgil Thomson and David Del Tredici.Afterward, I was invited to a post-concert dinner a few blocks away with Marc and his partner (now husband) Se...2016-10-031h 17Music Publishing PodcastMPP 019: Scott Winship on the New Music USA Project GrantsFor this week’s episode, I sat down with Scott Winship, the Director of Grantmaking at New Music USA to talk about the organization’s Project Grants, and answer a few listener questions. It was a great conversation with a lot of really great tips for making your application the best it can be.Some of the things we talked about were: The American Music Center & Meet the Composer merger, which created New Music USA How the NMUSA are a reaction to the ways that artists make their art today The grant application process The panel proc...2016-09-261h 23Music Publishing PodcastMPP 018: Rhymes With Opera on New American OperaRecently declared by Opera News to be a “game changing” company that is redefining American opera, New York City-based Rhymes With Opera started just like most new music ensembles – as a handful of like-minded friends who just wanted to do good work – and have become a well-established, well-respected organization creating a whole new set of operatic repertoire for the 21st century.I was thrilled to sit down with all five of the founding members to talk about the company’s successes and growing pains, and their advice for new music ensembles that are just starting out.During t...2016-09-191h 10Music Publishing PodcastMPP 017: Rose Marshack on Teaching Music BusinessRose Marshack is a professor of Arts Technology and Music Business at Illinois State University (my alma mater), as well as the bass player for the indie rock band Poster Children. I met Rose when I spoke to her Music Business students for the first time in 2013, and immediately loved her enthusiasm for giving her students the skills they need to survive post-graduation.During the course of our conversation, we talked about: Giving back Maintaining connections with your alma mater “Band Karma” The different approaches to teaching music business Different ways to make a living as a mu...2016-09-1255 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 016: Daniel Gilliam on Classical RadioIn addition to being a talented composer, Daniel Gilliam is the Director of Programming for WUOL Classical 90.5 in Louisville, KY. We got to know one another a number of years ago on Twitter, and finally met in “meatspace”, along with Dale Trumbore, over drinks at the 2012 Chorus America conference in Minneapolis, MN.During the course of our conversation we touched on: The responsibilities of a classical radio Program Director Having a day job outside of academia How your paycheck doesn’t define you as an artist – your art does Building relationships Being able to talk about your mus...2016-09-0559 minMusic Publishing PodcastMPP 015: Garrett Hope on Marketing and Helping Other ComposersGarrett Hope is a composer, entrepreneur, and business coach, as well as the podcaster behind The Portfolio Composer (originally titled Composer on Fire). Like me, he loves helping other composers to navigate their careers, and he’s currently putting together an online course, which will launch in September, to teach composers how to market their works more effectively.During our wide-ranging conversation, we talked about: The Portfolio Composer (née Composer on Fire) “Done is better than perfect” Believing in yourself and having the courage to go out and pursue your dreams “What does it mean to market...2016-08-301h 05Music Publishing PodcastMPP 014: Marc Ostrow on 100% LicensingThree months after his first appearance on the show, entertainment/copyright lawyer and MPP Superfriend Marc Ostrow is back to talk some more about Fair Use, with me supplying a few hypothetical situations. But more importantly, Marc lays out the Department of Justice’s recent and unexpected ruling that PROs must abandon 70+ years of established industry practice and adopt a 100% Licensing regime, and what that means for you.During the conversation, we covered: A history of ASCAP, BMI, and their consent decrees Rate courts and “reasonable rates” How consent decrees allow new streaming services to operate withou...2016-08-231h 14Music Publishing PodcastMPP 013: Megan Ihnen on New American Art SongMegan Ihnen is a Des Moines, IA-based mezzo-soprano and “tireless promoter of contemporary classical music for the voice.” For this week’s episode, we sat down to talk about building community, being generous, and writing for the voice.Throughout the conversation we covered: Getting inspiration from other fields Building a career outside of NYC Building local music communities Megan’s mission statement of building relationships in concentric circles Entrepreneurship & generosity Being a part of the larger community Starting new music ensembles with close colleagues Fostering the works of living composers as a lynchpin to your career How sing...2016-08-161h 13Music Publishing PodcastMPP 012: Thomas Deneuville on Social Networking and Email MarketingThomas Deneuville is another musician whose friendship I owe to Twitter, which is only fitting considering his affinity to and facility with social media. Thomas is the founder of the online new music magazine I Care If You Listen, which he created in December 2010, and has since grown to include ICareIfYouListen.tv, a fully-fledged media platform dedicated to user-generated new music videos. A testament to his ingenuity and love of the world of new music, Thomas and I Care If You Listen won the 45th Annual ASCAP Foundation Deems Taylor Media Award in 2013.Outside of ICIYL, Thomas...2016-08-091h 21Music Publishing PodcastMPP 011: Kurt Knecht & Jennifer Rosenblatt on MusicSpoke and digital distributionIn November 2015, Dale Trumbore recommended that Kurt Knecht and I talk about me joining MusicSpoke, an online retailer of self-published scores run by Kurt and his wife Jennifer Rosenblatt. I’ve been a MusicSpoke composer ever since, and have a number of my scores available for sale there.Because Kurt & Jennifer run MusicSpoke with such dedication, zeal, and transparency, I wanted to highlight their business, which does so much for the composers involved, and for the community in general, and to talk about digital distribution in general.In the course of our conversation, we covered:...2016-08-021h 03Music Publishing PodcastMPP 010: Choral music with Dominick DiOrioComposer & conductor Dominick DiOrio is a supremely talented musician, and we have many friends in common who have raved about him to me over the years. He’s a widely-respected choral conductor, and a huge champion of new music, so I’ve been interested in getting him on the show from the word “go”.We have a few audio issues at the beginning of the episode, but everything smooths out nicely after a few minutes, and we have a really wonderful chat.In the course of our conversation, we talk about: Wearing the dual hats of...2016-07-251h 08Music Publishing PodcastMPP 009: Alexandra Gardner on Score Pricing, Websites, and NetworkingAlexandra Gardner is a great composer who, thanks in no small part to her time as an Associate Editor for NewMusicBox, knows a lot about the nuts and bolts workings of the concert music world. For this week, she and I sat down to talk about a wide range of practical considerations for composers. During our conversation, we touched on: Pricing your scores Comparing your prices to similar scores by other self-publishied composers or put out by traditional publishers Prices that reflect blood, sweat, and tears cs. those that reflect concrete costs of printing & binding Taking where you...2016-07-131h 06Music Publishing PodcastMPP 008: Social Media and Talking About Music with Rob DeemerAfter having never met Rob Deemer before in person, I had TWO conversations with him in less than a week for the podcast! Conversation No. 1 was marred by some unexpected audio issues, so we re-recorded less than a week later, and that’s what you’re getting this week.During Convo No. 2, we talked about: How side projects can boost your career Being able to talk about your music Labels as specifiers & Labels as marketing Drawing parallels between concert music and other fields The ways we talk about “new music” Music as an Experience Program notes Social m...2016-07-061h 08Music Publishing PodcastMPP 007: Dale Trumbore on Taking a Methodical Approach to Your CareerDale is a composer whose career I’ve enjoyed following over the years. I’m always intrigued by the projects that she takes on, and I love the interesting and super-savvy ways that she tackles each one.In the course of our conversation, we talked about: How performance is the best rehearsal for recording The benefits of long-term musical relationships Taking advantage of your own enthusiasm Touring an album Kickstarting a project Using preorders to fund an album The potential dangers of Kickstarter rewards Imposing artificial deadlines on projects Hybrid publishing Using traditional publishing to boost sale...2016-06-211h 21Music Publishing PodcastMPP 006: Engraving and Score Production with Noah LunaFor this week's episode, I sat down with San Jose-based composer and engraver Noah Luna to talk about the importance of having professional-quality scores and parts. He offered some great advice on some little things that composers can do to improve the look and - most importantly - the readability of their materials.In the course of the hour, we chatted about: getting a professional eye on your scores/parts leaving time for proofreading the various communities that engravers/copyists serve how high quality scores facilitate rehearsals how poor engraving can be costly to ensembles the...2016-06-141h 06Music Publishing PodcastMPP 005: Erin Rogers on Publishing and LicensingErin Rogers is a super-talented composer and saxophonist who I’ve known for a couple of years. We met for the first time over lunch many years ago while I was in the early stages of writing the Composer’s Guide, where we had a wonderful conversation about publishing and composer career issues that has always stuck with me. Our paths haven’t crossed much in the intervening years, so I was glad to have a reason to reconnect with Erin by inviting her on the show. And boy was I glad I did!This is the first...2016-06-071h 24Music Publishing PodcastMPP 004: Copyright and Fair Use with Marc OstrowCopyright is the bedrock of every artist’s career – it secures rights and offers protections that allow us to build careers on solid ground without undue worry of our works being stolen or exploited without our knowledge or consent. The Founding Fathers of the United Stated thought it so important that they wrote it into Article I of the Constitution. Every artist should have a working knowledge of current copyright law – they should know the basic rights and protections that they’re afforded, and how they can remedy any infringement on their rights.It’s with this in mind th...2016-05-311h 30Music Publishing PodcastMPP 003: Mental Health and Self-Doubt with Chris CresswellComposer Chris Cresswell and I have known each other for a couple of years, and we never fail to to have long, rambling, fun conversations. Today was no different in this trans-Atlantic chat about self-doubt, finding joy in composing, and mental health for artists.In this episode: Wearing many hats Finding joy in creating How practical considerations can inform your compositional practice Comparing yourself to other composers Cutting yourself some slack Creating a life that is healthy and sustainable, and also nourishes your art Success and mental health Feeding the whole person How Dennis and Chris...2016-05-251h 31Music Publishing PodcastMPP 002: Jennifer Jolley on Rejection and CollaborationThird time’s a charm! After a sudden scheduling conflict and a Google Hangouts technological nightmare, Jenn Jolley and I finally sat down to talk about her music, her blog, and the opera company that she helped to found.In this episode, we touched on: Rejection How processing our emotions is time invested in our art Using rejection to springboard into new projects Competitions and how they’re run NANOWorks Building an organization that serves the wider community The difficulty of securing second and third performances The realities of running an ensemble or arts organization Taking stoc...2016-05-241h 02Music Publishing PodcastMMP 001: The Business Mindset with Alex ShapiroTo kick off the Music Publishing Podcast, I sat down to chat with Alex Shapiro, a fantastic composer and friend who writes and speaks regularly about composers’ career issues, and is a Writer Member of the ASCAP Board of Directors.Appropriately enough, we sat down on April 15 – usually tax day, except that we got a reprieve this year to procrastinate for a few more days.Also listen to Alex on Garrett Hope’s great podcast Composer on Fire on the music business – two episodes, here and here!In our wide-ranging conversation, we talked about:2016-05-231h 13Music Publishing PodcastMPP 000: Getting to Know YouSo you’re in the concert music world, and you’re looking to improve your career.Maybe you’re a composer who’s heard a bit about self-publishing, but you’re not totally sure what that fully means, or what you should be doing.Maybe you’re a performer who’e pretty good at getting gigs, and you’re starting to think about making a recording, but aren’t sure of where to start.Or maybe you’re thinking of starting your own concert series or putting together an ensemble or getting a little opera company...2016-05-2305 min