Presentation at Mannes

I decided to change the title of my lecture to something that was more appropriate to the matter at hand: "Questions my Composition Teacher Never Asked Me." I'm glad to say I had a great turnout, and I'm positive I helped my audience think about music in new ways.



Look for a reprise of this lecture in March, 2009, when it will be presented by the New York Composers Circle. In the meantime, here are some pics from last Wednesday's presentation (click for larger view), in which I'm making a point about Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

(Thanks Sofia for the pictures!)

How to Become a Better Composer (in Just Two Hours!)

On Wednesday, October 22 from 5-7pm I will present a lecture/demonstration at Mannes College of Music, presented by the Mannes College Composition Department. I will pose provocative questions guaranteed to challenge assumptions about music and composition. Emphasis will be placed on finding one's unique voice or musical thumbprint.

This is free and open to all, but seating is very limited. If you would like to attend, please let me know via email at Richard.Russell@mac.com. Hope to see you there!

ASCAPlus Award

For the second year I can proudly announce I have received an ASCAP award from The ASCAPLUS Awards Concert Division Panel. This year's panel included New York Times critic Steve Smith and conductor JoAnn Falletta. The ASCAPLUS Awards Program is for writer members whose catalogs have prestige value for which they would not otherwise be compensated.