The music publishing landscape has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. A growing trend among composers is self-publishing, allowing them to maintain control over their creative output and financial streams. This shift was highlighted during a clinic with Dr. Gregory Whitmore from Cal State Fullerton, where composers shared their experiences and insights on self-publishing. Notably, composer Frank Duarte emphasized how self-publishing empowers composers to retain rights and earn more from their compositions. While this model presents challenges, such as decentralized music repositories, it also offers educators a broader and more diverse range of repertoire to enrich their programs.
The Benefits and Challenges of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing is a powerful tool for composers, enabling them to manage their work and revenue directly. This approach not only benefits established composers but also provides emerging voices with a platform to be heard. Educators can now access a wider variety of music that reflects diverse styles and cultural perspectives. However, finding these works can be challenging since they are not aggregated in traditional outlets like JW Pepper. Despite this, the benefits of direct access—enhanced diversity, fresh ideas, and personal connections with composers—are substantial for evolving music curricula.
The Importance of New Music and Direct Access
Purchasing music directly from composers supports a vibrant ecosystem of new music. This approach offers several advantages:
Diversity of Repertoire: Educators can choose from a broader range of musical styles and cultural perspectives.
Authenticity and Innovation: Direct access fosters a closer connection between composers and educators, leading to more authentic and innovative programming in the classroom.
Empowering Educators: By bypassing traditional intermediaries, teachers can tailor their repertoire to the unique needs of their students, fostering an inclusive and modern learning environment.
Resource List: Direct-to-Composer Music for Band and Orchestra
Below is a curated list of composers selling music directly from their websites. This resource is divided into categories to help you find the perfect pieces for your ensemble:
Band Composers (Established):
John Mackey – Renowned for dynamic, high-energy band works. Website
Frank Ticheli – Offers a rich catalogue of engaging wind ensemble compositions.
David Maslanka – Known for his powerful and moving wind band pieces. Website
Steven Bryant – Known for his energetic and innovative band compositions. Website
Julie Giroux – Offers a diverse range of band music. Website
Michael Markowski – Composes engaging and modern band pieces. Website
Randall Standridge – Known for his versatile and accessible band music. Website
Orchestra Composers (Established):
Jennifer Higdon – Celebrated for contemporary orchestral works with emotional depth. Website
Joan Tower – A pioneering composer with innovative orchestral compositions.
Adolphus Hailstork – Known for his orchestral works that blend classical and jazz influences. Website
Jennifer Jolley – Offers a range of orchestral compositions with diverse themes. Website
Both (Established):
Eric Whitacre – Though best known for choral music, his arrangements for band and orchestra are widely appreciated. Website
Michael Daugherty – Offers versatile compositions that work well in both settings.
Viet Cuong – Known for his diverse and engaging compositions for both band and orchestra. Website
Daniel French – Composes music for both band and orchestra with a focus on storytelling. Website
Emerging Composers:
Frank Duarte – A rising composer who self-publishes his works, offering fresh perspectives and retaining creative control. Website
Samantha Chen – An emerging voice in both band and orchestral music, known for innovative compositions and a direct-to-consumer model.
Alex Rivera – A young composer pushing boundaries with eclectic works available directly through his website.
Kelijah Dunton – Known for his contemporary and innovative compositions. Website
Giovanni Santos – Offers a range of emerging compositions for both band and orchestra. Website
Haley Woodrow – An emerging composer with a focus on modern and engaging music. Website
Daniel Montoya – Emerging composer with a focus on modern band music. Website
JaRod Hall – Offers contemporary compositions with diverse influences. Website
Additional Composers
Kimberly K. Archer – Offers advanced works for various ensembles. Website
Stephanie Berg – Known for her contemporary compositions. Website
Katherine Bergman – Composes music with a focus on storytelling and emotional depth. Website
Jodie Blackshaw – Emerging composer with a diverse range of works. Website
Kristian De Leon – Offers a variety of compositions for different ensembles. Website
Roshanne Etezady – Known for her eclectic and engaging compositions. Website
John Frantzen – Composes music for various ensembles with a focus on innovation. Website
Danielle Fischer – Emerging composer with a focus on modern styles. Website
Catherine Likhuta – Known for her large-scale ensemble works. Website
Joel Love – Composes music with a focus on storytelling and emotional depth. Website
Nicole Piunno – Offers a range of contemporary compositions. Website
Omar Thomas – Known for his diverse and engaging compositions. Website
Valerie Coleman – Composes music with a focus on innovation and diversity. Website
Katahj Copley – Emerging composer with a focus on eclectic works. Website
Steve Danyew – Known for his contemporary and accessible compositions. Website
Kevin Day – Offers a range of modern compositions for various ensembles. Website
Additional Resources
Stanton's Listening Lab: A comprehensive resource for educators to browse, evaluate, and prepare music performances. It offers over 128,589 sound files, making it a valuable tool for music education. Website
ArrangeMe: A platform by Hal Leonard that allows composers to self-publish their arrangements and compositions, offering distribution through major online retailers. Website
Conclusion
The shift towards self-publishing is transforming how we access new music. By embracing direct-to-composer resources, educators can expand their repertoire, increase diversity in their programs, and ultimately provide richer, more engaging learning experiences. If you're ready to elevate your music program with innovative, diverse works, explore these resources and consider how self-publishing is reshaping our industry.