Steve Matchett - Composer

An inspiring truth from a vigorous musician.

"The lesson I would probably offer anyone is to not call themselves a film composer but to call themselves a composer, and to compose for the theater, compose for film, compose for the church or the synagogue or educational music or instrumental, choral, secular, or religious music. Whatever they do; the ballet, and the theater certainly. Film is one thing that we do, and it’s good for young composers to know how to do that and desire to do it and find work doing it if they can.

But I think they should think of themselves in a broader sense because film music is restricting in many ways. You’re subjugating yourself to a soundtrack filled with sound effects and dialogue and other things that are in many ways equally important. Most of the great composers in history also have been great performers. So I think attending as many performances as one can is important. If one can play or sing, one should play and sing. If one can conduct, one should do that also. I guess that would be my singular first step in trying to advise anyone.

Life is so quixotic. I never would’ve imagined that I’d have the opportunities I’ve had. And young people can’t possibly imagine how far and how high their efforts can reach. All they can do is continue to work as hard as they can, learn as much as they can and not stop working. The process is the process. The joy of it is doing the thing itself." —John Williams

(From "A Conversation with John Williams," Juliet Simon, 2015, BMI.com)

A recording is posted.

Expressions for bass trombone and piano, by Steve D. Matchett - Gulf Wind Music An advanced recital .work for bass trombone and piano with contrasting slow-fast sections in a single movement. (8'40") *sample part

So, typing in the word “notturno” caused auto-correct to want to change it to “not turbo.” I guess that’s how I will think about it now.

Congratulations University of Houston Trumpet Ensemble on 1st place in the National Trumpet Competition small ensemble division. Also to Houston composer and trumpet professor/coach . Well done all!

University of Houston - Okinawa by Battista | 1st Place - SMALL ENSEMBLE DIVISION University of Houston - 1st Place in THE BILL PFUND TRUMPETS COLLEGE SMALL ENSEMBLE DIVISION - performs Okinawa by BattistaDon't forget to subscribe!Find us ...

‘Decelerare’ is my favorite Italian term today.

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