New Work for Solo Tuba (Excerpts)

Rethinking Performance Notes

I am frequently asked why some of my compositions include performance notes, and some do not.  What the observer of my scores may be unaware of is that I typically confer at length with the performer(s) in advance and customize performance guidance for various performers.

In some cases, I do include performance notes, however, these may not be considered typical.

"Rethinking Performance Notes" (From "Explorer, Producer, Stoic After Your Fashion" for String Quartet)

Download the Complete Performance Notes in PDF format here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14sK_-6LOVbX3PTchY9V3OlsGFc2rLpLx/view?usp=sharing

A Sampling Of Performance Notes

Updated: The Composer's Sketch Book. Bil Smith Composer.

In the past several years, I have been conducting lectures on a number of compositional topics at Yale, Pace University, University of Chicago, UCLA, University of Miami, North Texas State University, and Cal State Northridge.  ("Alternative Music Tablature Design"; "Dystopian Music; Tactile and Object Oriented Composition"; ""Qualitative Perspectivisation and Syntactic Nomenclature: New Words, New Ecosystems in Notational 

Systems").

The subject of compositional mapping with a specific focus on strategic and tactical planning of a new project is a prime discussion point.  Ironically, I do believe that are lessons to be found in business fundamentals that can assist us in a systematic methodology which can help stimulate the creative process.

I am posting some pictures from my sketchbooks which draw from the origins of my work.  It's a gallery of photos.