Miracle of miracles! You have persuaded some players to perform or record your music. That suggests that your relationship with them at least begins on a co-operative footing. But when it comes to rehearsals, how much should you be in charge? Should you let them work...

Every creative artist in whatever field of activity should read at least one book by Cage. Probably the best one to start with is Silence (1961) which was his first published collection of writings, and which usefully sums up his views on music, art, and life in often...

To prove that AI is smarter than us and they're taking over, here's an illuminating conversation with ChatGPT about Laurence Glazier's 'Horn Concerto' Thanks, I'm getting on with the actual composing now, and will come back to you if there are any issues. For...

For several years now I have been re-evaluating types of music that I rejected when younger, but now take a keen interest in. Why is this?  I think that when I was a composition student at the old Guildhall School of Music & Drama, back in the 1960s, I was...

By Michael Regan Which is a popular song, or occasionally an instrumental number, frequently used as the basis for improvisation by jazz groups of varying sizes from trios to bands. Usually, the complete song or piece is performed as written followed by solo...

By Jonathan Cross If, a few years ago, you’d told me that I would be a composer I’d have looked at you in utter bemusement. I’ve never composed any music.  I’m a mediocre violin player (I stopped playing for 20 years…).   I have limited knowledge of classical music...