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)

R.I.P to a friend of Houston’s Arts and a humble public servant.

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

I recently received a review of my work Introduction and Caprice for tuba and piano. Here’s a description and the review excerpt …
Sections: Introduction (Andante sostenuto), Caprice (Allegro ritmico)
Duration: 6'45"
Publisher: Gulf Wind Music Press
*included on the Texas Prescribed Music List , class one tuba solo with piano (added fall 2023)
** version for solo tuba, strings and timpani available on rental from Gulf Wind Music Press

Review
[ … ]
The introduction features a flowing lyrical melody that showcases the singing, melodious side of the tuba’s abilities. The caprice, in contrast, has a variety of quick arpeggios and interesting rhythmic figures in the tuba part, with the piano and tuba seeming to engage in a dialogue as the parts interact with one another.
Overall, Introduction and Caprice will bring out several skills from the tubist while also providing music that is interesting and engaging to the listener. ~ Wes Calvert, M.M. Tuba – University of Central Arkansas, ITEA Journal (Online Supplement), vol. 51 no.3 (Spring 2024)

🎶 As an exclusive user of Finale since 1991 I’m in a quandary about finding a new notation software home. I’m trying to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of Dorico, Sibelius and MuseScore. What I’m finding is Dorico = steep learning curve, much CPU power needed (a new machine for me) 🤯, Sibelius = questionable parent company (owner of Pro Tools) that is to say less commitment (they closed down once before), slow to innovate and subscription based, MuseScore = free and open-source, perhaps an under performer (needs more bells and whistles), but a highly motivated parent company/developer who now owns Hal Leonard (since 2024!). This little synopsis is by no means definitive, but starting with simple trait descriptions helps me. Dorico and Sibelius are now offering discounts to “crossgrade” to their platforms. I guess “crossgrade” is a verb and a noun. 🎶

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 ...

She’s done so much for the art form. Well deserved!

Two Minnesotans are among the 19 new members of the American Academy of Arts and Letters Composer Libby Larsen and author Charles Baxter have earned international reputations from their Minneapolis homes.

Enjoy this charming score by John Williams. 🎅🏻🎶

Home Alone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – John Williams Classical at Home brings you a Christmas season classic.The Home Alone Original Soundtrack by John Williams. 0:00:00 Theme from Home Alone ("Somewhere in My ...

Sound reading.

Secrets of the East German Oboe Underground Oboists rarely strike out on their own. James Austin Smith’s recent program at Brooklyn’s National Sawdust—pieces culled entirely from the vaults of the German Democratic Republic—was a true solo mission.

‘Decelerare’ is my favorite Italian term today.

✏️🎵