From Performer to Music Creator: How Can They Do That?

Composers and performers are often considered two different roles in music making in the world of Classical music. While some composers also perform, fewer performers would create their own music. The five-day online Composition Masterclass series “From Performer to Music Creator” in late May 2024 brought together four professional musicians who shared their unique musical journeys as performers and musical creators: Evelyn Chang, Steinway artist; Wan Xing, guzheng artist; Eveline Wong, pipa artist; Brian Grimm, multi-instrumentalist and composer. 

Even though the artists came from different musical backgrounds and had different approaches to music making, some commonalities can be observed:

• Performers can create and perform their own music as they wish.

• Musical instrument is the tool for musicians to express themselves.

• Improvisation is natural and essential in music making. 

Evelyn Chang composes piano music for children. Her compositions are storytelling. She plays how she feels on the piano and then notates the music on the manuscript paper. She said, “If you have enough peace, enough quiet moment to really listen to your inner voice, you’ll find something. I believe we’re all here to create.”

Wan Xing associates guzheng music with visual arts. She fuses traditional, contemporary, Eastern and Western sound worlds with modern technology in her multimedia productions. When she composes, she designs certain sections for improvisation.

Eveline Wong improvises with dancers. The creative exploration of integrating instant composition and real-time choreography between she and Ivy Tsui is through sensation, sensory, space and embodiment. Notation is not necessary.

Brian Grimm is a composer-performer of many musical instruments and styles. For him, composing and performing are inseparable. The creative process of composing and improvising are combined. He likes to record different versions of improvisation on the same motive he composed, so that he will never run out of materials and will not be stuck so easily.

These professional musicians truly enjoy what they are doing. Their sharing is inspiring. Maybe it is time for us to re-examine the roles of music making. Musicians should be able to create and play their own music if they have something to say. Listen to your inner voice. Freely express yourself with your instrument. The creating process itself is a fulfilling experience. If you wish to document your creation, then notate it or record it. 

Every musician has a unique journey. Wishing your musical journey brings you fulfillment and joy!

P.S. I am offering a Bonus session to answer any question you might have about creating your own music. If you are in the process of composing and are “stuck”, you may present your case and see if we can find a solution to your problem. First come, first serve.

Register here: https://bit.ly/BonusSession061324

Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024

Time: 10:30-11:30 AM (EST)

 10:30-11:30 PM (HKT)