This essay originally appeared in Consorting , newsletter of the Consortium of Vermont Composers .
Many composers have areas of instrumental performance expertise.
Alas, I have none. I always write music for specific performers and specific performances. At high school and college, I composed for various choruses, chamber ensembles and even local orchestras. However, after graduate school, I once again resumed my writing for my performer-colleagues. From each live performance of my music, I learned a great deal from the performers about writing for their instruments.