News - Page 2 of 8 - American Composers Forum

2021 McKnight Composer Fellows and McKnight Visiting Composers Announced

Thursday, July 15th, 2021

SAINT PAUL, MN, JULY 15, 2021. American Composers Forum (ACF) is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s McKnight Fellowships for Composers and McKnight Visiting Composer Residencies with funding from the McKnight Foundation. Both programs provide meaningful support to artists as they create music and explore Minnesota. The awardees of the McKnight Fellowship for […]

Film Composition

Monday, June 21st, 2021

Recorded live on June 16, 2021 This Professional Development Webinar is co-presented by American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum. Established film composers talk about the film industry and the essentials of being a film composer. ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel moderates a panel of experts. The panel will be followed by a Q&A session with […]

Conductor’s Roundtable: Mei-Ann Chen & David Alan Miller

Monday, May 24th, 2021

Recorded live on April 7, 2021 This Professional Development Webinar is co-presented by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum (ACF). Orchestral conductors Mei-Ann Chen and David Alan Miller provide insight into the conductor-composer relationship, programming new works, and other topics relevant to composers. Moderated by Derek Bermel.

Conductor’s Roundtable: Marin Alsop & George Manahan

Recorded live on May 5, 2021 This Professional Development Webinar is co-presented by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum (ACF). Orchestral conductors Marin Alsop & George Manahan provide insight into the conductor-composer relationship, programming new works, and other topics relevant to composers, followed by a Q&A with the audience. Hosted by ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel.

Programming & Digital Curation

Recorded live on May 19, 2021 This Professional Development Webinar is co-presented by American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum. How does traditional programming change when it’s focused online? Where is classical music headed in the digital age? American Composers Orchestra CEO and President Melissa Ngan moderates a panel of experts, followed by a Q&A with the audience. Panelists: Keith […]

Recording Law & Licensing for Composers

This Professional Development Webinar is co-presented by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum (ACF). Chris Campbell, Director of Recordings at innova Recordings, leads a panel covering the basics of recording law and licensing. The panel is followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Panelists: Meerenai Shim, flutist, artist, record producer, […]

Composer Erin Busch helps the girls of Sister Cities Girlchoir tell their Covid stories through Music

Tuesday, April 6th, 2021

The weather outside is typically unimportant when we gather in virtual environments. But on Saturday, March 5th, there was plenty of sunshine and warmth in the space into which Sister Cities Girlchoir (SCG) invited its loving community. The girlchoir movement based in Philadelphia, PA, Camden, NJ, and Baltimore, MD “builds communities of music makers that […]

Creating Music for Chinese Instruments with Gao Hong

Friday, March 26th, 2021

Recorded live on March 16, 2021. Internationally acclaimed musician Gao Hong to presented Creating Music for Chinese Instruments webinar on March 16, 2021. This conversation is about creating music for the pipa, erhu, guzheng, dizi, percussion and other Chinese traditional instruments. Gao Hong discussed the ranges and techniques for each of these instruments and provide […]

Equity in Orchestras

Thursday, March 25th, 2021

Recorded live on March 24, 2021 The following Professional Development Webinars are co-presented by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum (ACF). A panel of experts converse about the role of race in orchestral culture, individual responsibility, and how racism manifests in the classical music industry. They will use Nebal Maysaud’s article, “It’s Time to Let Classical Music Die’” as a jumping off point. Pratichi […]

Entrepreneurship & Ensembles for Composers

Wednesday, March 24th, 2021

Recorded live on March 10, 2021. The following Professional Development Webinars are co-presented by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum (ACF). How can composers help guide their own careers? What part does creating an ensemble play in that? Frank J. Oteri moderates a panel of innovative ensemble creators to explore topics of entrepreneurship and career advancement as a composer. Q&A with audience will […]

Innova Recordings Launches Pilot for New Model

Tuesday, March 16th, 2021

innova Recordings, the longtime in-house record label of American Composers Forum (ACF), has announced a pilot program to support Bay Area artists in both the creation and release of new recordings. This new program is part of a shift for the label to be more inclusive and accessible to artists. Applicants are invited to submit projects representing […]

Project Production & Recording for Composers

Thursday, March 4th, 2021

This Professional Development Webinar is co-presented by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and the American Composers Forum (ACF). This conversation was recoded live via zoom on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. What skills should a composer have in order to produce their own work? Topics include audio and video recording, project management, and producing recordings. John Glover moderates a panel of creators and producers. Q&A with audience will follow […]

Publishing, Self-Publishing, & Management Webinar

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

Recorded live on Feb 10, 2021 How can a composer navigate publishing? What are their options? Self-published composer Jonathan Bailey Holland leads a panel of experienced professionals to discuss avenues of publishing and management for orchestral composers. Q&A with audience will follow. Co-presented by American Composers Orchestra and American Composers Forum Panelists: Carol Ann Cheung, […]

Finding Your Voice Online

How can composers find their true artistic message and convey that effectively online? Dameun Strange moderates a panel and Q&A exploring topics of authenticity and effectiveness online. Co-presented by American Composers Orchestra and American Composers Forum Panelists: Anthony R. Green, composer & performer Mary Prescott, composer & interdisciplinary artist Beth Stewart, Verismo Communications founder Filmed […]

Fundraising via Supportive Individuals

Recorded live November 9, 2020 Learn how to raise funds for your next project by leveraging the support of generous individuals. American Composers Orchestra Acting President and Director of Development Lyndsay Werking leads a panel of artists and administrators fluent in grassroots fundraising. Co-presented by American Composers Orchestra and American Composers Forum. Panelists: Bonnie Marshall, […]

Orchestra Musicians Roundtable

Recorded live October 14, 2020 Co-presented by American Composers Orchestra and American Composers Forum Join seasoned orchestral musicians as they speak about their experiences with living composers and new orchestral music. They’ll touch on topics of effective communication between composers and musicians in a variety of ways, including parts writing, email/remote communication, and in-person working […]

NEW SERIES FEATURING WORLD PREMIERES CELEBRATES THE FULL SPECTRUM of BLACK MUSIC

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

ACF | connect partner Music of the Unsung America launches a season on music and art by Black creators Miami, FL (February 4, 2021) –. A new series featuring Black artists of history and today launches this month. Music of the Unsung America reveals a beautiful truth about our history as it kicks off a […]

ADVOCACY | Help Get the Next Relief Bill Passed

Monday, December 7th, 2020

U.S. Congress is working to finalize the next wave of COVID-19 economic relief. This is an important moment for our ecosystem to actively engage with their local representatives. Please take a moment to reach out today about the critical needs in the arts and culture sector! The following steps are recommended:  Express the urgent need […]

20 Years of BandQuest

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

In its 20 years, BandQuest® has connected middle-level learners with living composers in meaningful ways. For those who may be new to it, BandQuest is a series of new music written by a group of leading American composers from many life experiences for young band musicians. No BandQuest piece is created in solitude– leading up […]

Resonance: October 2020

Monday, October 5th, 2020

Accomplished music educator Portia Dunkley is the next artists in the ACF | connect program, which provides sustained support for music creators to build relationships with ensembles based in the United States. Through the development of new work, the program intentionally supports a spectrum of voices and music to advance creative musical expression, which ACF believes is essential to human culture. Dunkley has lived in Miami most of her life and she generously shared some stories from her journey in music. She’s the innovative founder of Teeny Violini, a mobile music education program provider for early education sites and schools. Spending over 16 years throughout Florida in string education, Dunkley’s leadership in music education is a bright light in the music-rich city of Miami, the South Florida region, and beyond.

New Program Celebrates Black Composers And Features South Florida

ACF | connect’s Partnership with Portia Dunkley Saint Paul, MN (October 5, 2020) – South Florida is rich with historic Black musical traditions that are diverse, vibrant, and span generations. Miami native Portia Dunkley grew up surrounded by these traditions, and as a professional Classical musician living there today, she wants to see more professional […]

After 29 years at ACF, Philip Blackburn Says Goodbye

Thursday, September 24th, 2020

For nearly 30 years Philip Blackburn has been unwavering in his dedication to the work of the American Composers Forum (ACF). His work has enabled hundreds of artists to receive incomparable support, guidance, and pathways for creating and sharing their music with audiences of curious listeners of which Philip is definitely one. This is evident […]

AWARD-WINNING MEDIA PLATFORM I CARE IF YOU LISTEN JOINS AMERICAN COMPOSERS FORUM

Thursday, September 17th, 2020

St. Paul, MN (September 17, 2020) – I CARE IF YOU LISTEN, the award-winning multimedia hub for living music creators, has officially become part of the American Composers Forum. After 10 years of operation as an all-volunteer enterprise, I CARE IF YOU LISTEN (ICIYL) was acquired by American Composers Forum (ACF) this month. “Over the […]

INNOVA RECORDINGS ENTERS A NEW CHAPTER

Friday, September 4th, 2020

Program Expansion and Staff Changes at the longtime Label of ACF Leading into its 50th anniversary in 2025, American Composers Forum (ACF) has developed a new strategic plan. Key aspects of the Board-approved plan and its new direction will be shared over the next few weeks. Highlights were discussed earlier in a video with the President […]

Resonance: September 2020

The Healing Culture Work of Composer and Vocalist Mankwe Ndosi by Sun Yung Shin “The aim of each thing which we do is to make our lives and the lives of our children richer and more possible.” – Audre Lorde 1 “I don’t try to please when I play. I try to cure.” – Ornette […]

Announcing 신 선 영 辛善英 Sun Yung Shin as editor of the ACF Resonance Series.

Thursday, September 3rd, 2020

We are thrilled to announce that Sun Yung Shin will become the new editor of ACF’s Resonance Storytelling series.

ACF Statement of Commitment to Racial Equity available for public feedback

The ACF Racial Equity Statement will be available for public feedback from September 3rd through October 5th.

19th Amendment Centennial series UNEVEN MEASURES begins

Friday, August 7th, 2020

American Composers Forum in partnership with I Care If You Listen to kickoff UNEVEN MEASURES: Artists Reflect on the 19th Amendment in 2020 series The centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment provides an opportunity for the American Composers Forum (ACF) and I CARE IF YOU LISTEN (ICIYL) to celebrate this historic moment […]

Resonance: July 2020

Friday, July 3rd, 2020

Learning through the Ears: Reflections on Heard in Havana In 2014, President Barack Obama announced that his administration would begin the process of normalizing relations between the United States and Cuba, restoring full diplomatic relations with the island nation after 50 years of tense, frozen relations. In 2015, Third Sound presented the first concert entirely […]

Jasper Talwani: Following His Own Path

Friday, June 26th, 2020

Jasper Talwani comes from a musical family but his journey to music was anything but a straight path. His parents studied music at different parts of their lives and wanted him and his siblings to study, as well. In fact, Jasper’s sister, Lucy is a previous Next Notes winner. Initially, Jasper resisted the push towards […]