Frank Ticheli, professor, composition, received his master's and doctoral degrees in composition from the University of Michigan where he studied with William Albright, George Wilson and Pulitzer Prize winners Leslie Bassett and William Bolcom. Dr. Ticheli was composer-in-residence with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra from 1991 to 1998. Awards for his music include the prestigious Charles Ives Scholarship and Goddard Lieberson Fellowship, both from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, First Prize in the Texas Sesquicentennial Orchestral Composition Competition, the Frances and William Schuman Fellowship, the Ross Lee Finney Award and frequent summer residencies at the MacDowell Colony and Yaddo. The Pacific Symphony Orchestra's Koch label recording featuring Dr. Ticheli's Radiant Voices and Postcard received an honorable mention at the 1994 National Association of Independent Record Distributors (NAIRD). His works are published by Helicon Music (of European American, Inc.), Manhattan Beach Music and Encore Music Publishers, and are recorded on the labels of Koch International Classics, Klavier, Albany and Mark Records. His twelve compositions for wind ensemble and concert band have been performed widely throughout the world and have been awarded several prizes. In 1999, Dr. Ticheli was selected as a recipient of a Chamber Music America Grant to compose a work for the Philadelphia-based saxophone quartet Prism.

Frank Ticheli, composer and Professor of Composition at the USC Thornton School of Music, discusses teaching composition. He explains that since composition is such a mysterious process, it is difficult to teach composition. Ticheli also explains that the head and heart keep the other in check. Also in this segment, he mentions that he teaches craft courses such as counterpoint and orchestration. However, he shares that he usually finds himself trying to figure out students' ambitions and fears about composition and helping them learn composition through that approach. He stresses that one must spend time looking at what's already been accomplished. Constantly staring at a blank page will lead to burn out.

Frank Ticheli, composer and Professor of Composition at the USC Thornton School of Music, discusses the many aspects involved in the process of composing. He explains the importance of understanding instrumentation. Once one knows the limits, one can push those limitations. Ticheli also points out that a lot of ideas come out of instrumentation. Also in this segment, he discusses the difficulty of being a teacher and composer. Each new piece of music requires feeling like a beginner. Therefore, he shares his belief that composition requires patience and courage. He also believes that listening to music has a significant impact on the development of a composer. Listening to a variety of composers and knowing the literature is a must. Ticheli covers the luck of great inspiration as well.

Frank Ticheli, composer and Professor of Composition at the USC Thornton School of Music, talks about how to make a living as a composer. He explains that there are a number of ways to make a living as a composer. For instance, Ticheli composes for chamber groups and young musicians. Other sources of income can come from video games or films.

Frank Ticheli, composer and Professor of Composition at the USC Thornton School of Music, talks about the importance of having passion about your work when in the field of composition. He stresses that you have to have a passion for this business. He emphasizes that it is the kind of passion that allows you to spend hours by yourself composing and working because that is what it takes to be a successful composer.