Renowned composers visit frequently. Approximately ten department-wide student composition recitals are given each year, with generally excellent performances. However, it is important for students to think ahead while composing because willing performers can be a challenge to find. Students must consider practicality as they compose. When I spoke to composer and faculty member Don Freund he told me that the school feels it is important for student composers to practice their recruiting skills.
Composers sometimes perform or conduct their own work.
And to qualify for their degree, each composer is required to participate in the performance of at least one of their works in their final recital. In addition to the regularly scheduled composers concerts, there are readings with the wind ensemble and orchestra, and students occasionally have their works performed by the New Music Ensemble. Several IU composers have found performance opportunities outside of the University. The music of student composers Forrest Pierce and Kenneth Froelich has been performed by the Indianapolis Symphony . And the New York Youth Symphony commissioned David Hueser and Keith Fitch .