[Stellane]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on where you get your first ideas from, when starting out writing for concert.

1. poetry, novels, short stories?
2. movies, plays?
3. paintings, scultpure, etc - a visit to the museum?
4. tinkering at the piano?
5. nature?
6. current events?
7. personal experiences/emotions?

What's your process?

I love to write music based on things I've read, especially books. I think about structuring the piece in a way that mimics the story line... chapters might become movements, but more I focus on the emotions and development of the story and characters. It helps me focus and stay motivated, because it gives me a guide. I find it very hard to stay on a direction otherwise. It's like a purpose...

Which is another question - what is the purpose of a concert piece? Just for enjoyment, or do you try and say something 'bigger' when you write?

[Theotome]

I have a circle of composer friends, and every once in a while we issue a 'challenge' to write a piece of music within a strict set of parameters. It's a way to stay sharp, work under some unusual guidelines, and have your work critiqued by your peers. We use pretty much all of the suggestions you listed as possible inspiration. Additionally, we might suggest a very specific ensemble, or to write a soloistic piece for a specific instrument. The results are always fascinating!