Michael Pisaro is Co-Chair of the Composition and Experimental Sound Practices department at the California School for the Arts, where he teaches music composition and theory. He is also a working composer whose work is regularly performed by new music ensembles and programs worldwide.
Michael Pisaro, from the California Institute of the Arts, gives advice about entering the music business. Pisaro explains that it always comes back to their commitment to and belief in the creative life. He also focuses on the steps after school. School is a support network. The difficulty decision students often face is how to organize their lives after they graduate. Pisaro suggests taking actions such as drawing money from different sources.
Michael Pisaro, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about his background as a composer. He started in music as a classical guitarist and became interested in composition when he saw a performance directed by John Cage at Lincoln Center. He believes that a composer is somebody that changes the sonic situation. He also believes that we live in an orchestral environment. He discusses that a composer is a creator. Also in this segment, Mr. Pisaro talks about the presence of music, tone as a way of standing out, and his most recent commission written for violin.
Michael Pisaro, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about avant-garde music. Avant-garde music has become a tradition in the United States. Pisaro explains that contemporary music involves other sounds besides traditional orchestral instruments. He shares that that area of music has a lot of potential. It has hardly been explored. Pisaro also points out that avant-garde music speaks to the educational environment. It actively questions what music is and what it can be. Also in this segment, he discusses teaching contemporary music. As a teacher, he attempts to identify students' interests. Sometimes training gets in the way of true creativity. Pisaro also shares why he enjoys being a composition teacher. He is able to learn from his students and share his opinions. One of the main reasons students seek out Cal Arts is covered as well. Students come because the school allows avant-garde music to take place.
Michael Pisaro, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about different tools that are necessary for being a composer. Pisaro explains that composers need intellectual tools. They must have an ear. When it comes to making the music, he points out that an individual is one's first performer as a composer. Pisaro also mentions using the computer as basic composition tool. Also in this segment, Pisaro shares his belief that everything a composer does should enter the sounding world as soon as possible. The real foundation of a composer is comprised of a lot of listening. Pisaro also discusses the avant-garde composer. This composer must be creative in order to make money. While composers do get paid for performances of their music, they often still struggle. Compared to Europe, there are not as many organizations in the United States - funding for the arts is poor. Pisaro also talks about other alternatives for avant-garde composers such as teaching. Cal Arts is a place where teaching is encouraged. Touring is another option. Pisaro also points out that one must be an entrepreneur. However, the question is how to become one.
