New Music: Why and How

Why

• This is the music of your time, and it is yours. You have the power to influence it through interaction with composers. You can change a composer’s entire approach to your instrument or understanding of it. One of the most crucial aspects to a developing composer (myself very included) is performer feedback.
• You will face new challenges that will take you out of your comfort zone. This is essential for learning!
• Be a well-rounded musician; play a variety of styles/eras and be able to tackle anything
• There will be gigs for playing new music. Developing experience here will make you a better candidate for these opportunities.
• Playing new music is networking. When you give a positive performance of a composer’s work, other composer notice. Be someone many composers want to work with. (Years from now, this could lead to a concerto written specifically for you!)

How

• Treat rehearsals of new music as seriously as you would an orchestra rehearsal. Show up prepared, early, and ready to create music. (Composers will really appreciate this, so much!)
• Rhythm, rhythm, rhythm! Tricky rhythms, especially for ensemble playing, need to be learned well. Pull out your metronome.
• Like an etude or orchestral excerpt, start off slowly and focus on some challenging spots. If a recording is available listen to it. If you can get a score look over it.  
• All music is expressive. Always maintain good sound quality and tell a story, capture your audience. As composer Libby Larsen would say, verbatim, "Get off the page, or get off the stage!"