Composer and conductor Steve Danielson interviews other living composers to learn about their journeys, successes, and learning experiences. Each episode features an interview with the composer about their lives plus a review of 4 of their pieces (including audio!). ​

If you have questions or suggestions for the show, email me at moveabledo@gmail.com or visit our Facebook listener's page.

Check out the bite-sized version of the show: Moveable Snippets - one composer, one song. 

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Season Four

Composer Craig Courtney chats with Moveable Do this week about his work with Beckenhorst Press, his time living in Austria, and how his parents found out his musical talents. With training in instrumental music, what turned him to choral music? Featured on this week's episode: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night," "A Better Resurrection," "The Invitation" from Divine Encounter, and "Ukrainian Alleluia." For more information about Craig Courtney and his music, visit https://beckenhorstpress.com/composers.

This week, composer and lyricist Jennifer Lucy Cook talks about growing up in a musical household and then taking the leap into becoming a professional musician. As a mentee of Eric Whitacre, hear how he has helped influence and shape her career path. And, have you ever watched The Bachelor and thought, this needs a musical highlight reel, you've come to the right person! Featured on this episode: "They are Mother," "For You, I Will Be an Island," "Over and Over," and "Time." For more information about Jennifer, visit https://jenniferlucycook.com.

​Composer and violinist Chrysanthe Tan joins Moveable Do this week to talk about their fascination of combining music and the spoken word, what its like to tour with Ariana Grande, and a mutual love of ours: Star Wars! Find out what Chrysanthe's favorite Star Wars song is. Featured pieces on this episode: "If You Lived in Your Body," "On the Other Hand," "Magic Lady," "I Dream of Kitty" (Premiere), and a special bonus, "Lipid Bilayer." To hear more of Chrysanthe's music, visit https://chrysanthetan.com.

For this special 50th Moveable Do interview, Eric Whitacre joined me to talk about a wide range of topics. He discussed what his goals and ambitions were as a teenager, what music inspired him growing up, and how he eventually ended up collaborating with NASA. We went back to the beginnings of the virtual choir world and explored what might be next. I also got to pick his brain a bit about his composing process. Pieces featured on this episode: "Deep Field," "A Boy and a Girl," "Equus," and an arrangement of Trent Reznor's "Hurt." For more information about Eric and his music, visit https://ericwhitacre.com or do a search on YouTube.

​Take a dive into Orthodox Hymnody this week with composer Nazo Zakkak. Though he started as a jazz pianist, he has shifted his life to composing and conducting hymns for the Orthodox Christian liturgical cycle. Explore some very poignant moments as well as some humorous - like which of his pieces is based on a song from "Frozen." Featured on this episode, "Gladsome Light," "Canon for St. Andrew," "I Have Thee," and "The Angel Cried." For more information about Nazo and access to his music, visit http://www.nazozakkak.com/

This week Bryon Black II takes the leap from a Moveable Snippet segment to a full Moveable Do interview. Listen as Bryon talks about faith and composition, the importance of music education, and his process when arranging Spirituals. Plus, find out which VeggieTales song played a role in his early compositional pursuits. Featured on this episode: "Brotherhood," "On Christmas Night," "Magnificasti me mirabilia," and "Hold On Just a Little While Longer." For more information about the music of Bryon Black II, visit https://bryonblackii.com. 
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Hear Bryon's Moveable Snippet, "Forward." https://anchor.fm/moveabledo/episodes/Moveable-Snippet---Bryon-Black-II-e17884d

Multi-faceted composer and performer Kurt Bestor sits down with Moveable Do this week to discuss a broad range of composing topics: from writing simple love songs, to writing film scores, to collaborating on projects with the Osmonds, to writing music for the 2002 Olympics! He also tells the story behind his wildly popular and currently applicable,  "Prayer of the Children." Pieces featured on this episode, "Olympic Flag Segment," "Come to My Garden," the World Premiere of "From Every Pore," and "Il Prete Rosso." For more information about Kurt and his music, visit http://www.kurtbestor.com/.

This week, composer Dr. B.E. Boykin talks about her simultaneous work as a choral professor and a composer. We go back and talk about her musical family and some of the influences that helped her on her path. Plus, what's her favorite color and what does that say about her? Featured pieces on this episode, "Consolamini," "Unified Prayer," "We Wear the Mask," and "Joshua Fit the Battle." For more information about B.E.'s music, visit https://beboykin.com/.

While attending and participating in the composer fair at Northwest ACDA convention in Spokane, I was able to catch some composers and get a word about some of their latest works. This is the third part of three bonus episodes. This episode features Cary Boyce - "Ave Maria," Ash Shirazi - "A Lover Leaves", David A. Klement - "Time is...", and Judy A. Rose - "I Feel Tired Sometimes." Each composer introduces their piece and then we listen to about 90 seconds of the piece.
For more info on these composers, please visit their websites:
Cary Boyce - https://caryboyce.com
Ash Shirazi - https://MusicByAsh.com
David Klement - https://www.davidalanklement.com/
Judy A. Rose - https://www.judyarose.com/

Steve sits down with Andrew Maxfield and talks about growing up in a musical family, his travels around the world, his work with the poetry of Wendell Berry, and his project for orchestra and narrator, "They All Saw A Cat." Featured on this episode: "Invitation to Love," "The Singing Bowl," "For the Future," and "One Household, High and Low." Enjoy a step into the world of the Sacred Harp singing. For more information about Andrew Maxfield, visit https://andrewmaxfield.org.
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Andrew's Moveable Snippet: https://anchor.fm/moveabledo/episodes/Moveable-Snippet---Andrew-Maxfield-e16gfcs

This week I sit down with Canadian composer Sarah Quartel for a discussion about connections: singer to singer, conductor to ensemble, choir to audience. We discuss growing up making harmonies with washing machines to singing with choirs through high school and beyond. How does Nine Inch Nails fit into Sarah's music? Let's listen and find out! Featured pieces on this episode: "The Bird's Lullaby," "Amabile Alleluia," "Peace," and "Sing, Sweet Child." For more information about Sarah and her music, visit https://www.sarahquartel.com/.

While attending and participating in the composer fair at Northwest ACDA convention in Spokane, I was able to catch some composers and get a word about some of their latest works. This will be the second part of three bonus episodes. This episode features Brian Galante - "Ring Out Wild Bells," Reg Unterseher - "A Little Song of Life", Karen P. Thomas - "Alchemy", and Dawn Sonntag - "There Will Come Soft Rains." Each composer introduces their piece and then we listen to about 90 seconds of the piece. For more info on these composers, please visit their websites:
Brian Galante: https://galantemusic.com/
Reg Unterseher: https://reginaldunterseher.com/
Karen P. Thomas: https://karenpthomas.com/
​Dawn Sonntag: http://www.dawnsonntag.com/index.html

Composer, conductor, and podcaster William White talks with Moveable Do about his work in Seattle, WA. We discuss his podcast, The Classical Gabfest, his early compositions for piano and clarinet, his love of Nirvana and the Beatles, and the influence of Beethoven on his writing. Learn about his work with Harmonia, a symphony and chorus that he conducts in Seattle. Featured works on this episode: "Kyrie," "Haumea" from The Dwarf Planets, "Piano Sonata," and "Acadia Fanfare." For more information about Will and his music, visit https://www.willcwhite.com. For more information about this podcast and a full archive of episodes, visit https://sdcompose.com/moveabledo. ​

While attending and participating in the composer fair at Northwest ACDA convention in Spokane, I was able to catch some composers and get a word about some of their latest works. This will be the first part of three bonus episodes. This episode features Richard Nance - "In Profundum Maris," Mari Esabel Valverde - "Winter Ride", Nicholas Ryan Kelly - "Now Boarding", and John Muehleisen - "Singing Together." 
For more info on these composers, please visit their websites:
Richard Nance: https://www.richardnancemusic.com/
Mari Esabel Valverde: https://marivalverde.com/
Nicholas Ryan Kelly: https://www.nicholasryankelly.com/
John Muehleisen: https://johnmuehleisen.com/

Season 4 of Moveable Do opens with a fantastic interview with Roger Emerson, one of the most performed choral composer/arrangers in the world! Join us as we talk about growing up in a musical family, his time with a rock band, his process of arranging and composing, and about some of the people that have influenced his amazing 45 year career. Featured on this episode: "Shoshone Love Song," "Red River Valley," "Stopping by Woods," and "Waving Through a Window (from Dear Evan Hansen)." You don't want to miss this interview! To learn more about Roger Emerson, visit his website https://rogeremerson.com. Keep the music moving! 

​Moveable Do has been named one of the Best Music Composition Podcasts by Feedspot.com. Check it out here: https://blog.feedspot.com/music_composition_podcasts/

Season Three

This week George M Atwell talks with Moveable Do about the ins an outs of his varied career as a composer, pianist, and producers. Share in some of his fascinating stories - including working with Michael Jackson and the band that trashed the studio. And what exactly is the "Atwellian Mode"? Featured on this episode: "Fly!" "Emmanuel, God is With Us," "God is Movin'," and "Fuga Internetus." For more information about George Atwell, visit https://georgematwellmusic.com/.

This week, Sergio Barer talks with Moveable about growing up in Mexico and his career as a professional pianist before turning to composition. Learn about what sort of music he was listening to as he grew up; learn about his album, "Piano Music for One Hand;" learn about his own podcast, Let's Talk About Music! Compositions featured on this episode: "Por que me vine?" "Enthusiasm," "The Spirit," and "The Song of the Sea." For more information about Sergio Barer, visit https://sergiobarer.com/.

Dr. Zanaida Robles sits down with Steve this week to talk about her passion in diversity and inclusion in music education. We discuss her interest in story telling and relationship building, her rather unusual choice for a first instrument, and what it's like working with John Williams as a studio vocalist. Compositions featured on this episode: "Veni Sancte Spiritus," "Psalm 61," "She Lingers On," and "Nunc Dimittis." For more information about Zanaida Robles, visit https://zanaidarobles.com/.

​Let's get political! Australian-born composer Dr. Melissa Dunphy joins Moveable Do this week to discuss growing up in Australia with immigrant parents and how that shaped her political ideology. Listen as she shares her journey as she discovered music to be a perfect outlet for her political passions. Featured on this episode: "What Do You Think I Fought For on Omaha Beach?" "American DREAMers," "Halcyon Days," and "The Gonzalez Cantata." To learn more about Melissa Dunphy, visit her website http://www.melissadunphy.com/.

This week, Dr. Jonathan Campbell takes Moveable Do on a journey through the Midwest as we talk about music publishing, conducting, and singing. We also talk about some wishes and plans for a rather unusual cantata. Featured on this episode: "The Final Harvest," "Sorrow and Sadness Shall Flee Away," "The Lone Wild Bird," and "Hush the Ocean Wild." Find his SoundCloud stream at https://soundcloud.com/jon-campbell-589736139. ​

This week, Natalie Dietterich shares with Moveable Do the lessons that she learned about pacing during her composition classes, what her dream piece would be to write, and about her international multidisciplinary collaboration that was life changing for her. Featured on this episode: "Aeolian Dust," "Chain Link Fences," "Conversations with Strangers," and "Bound." For more information about Natalie Dietterich, visit her website at https://www.nataliedietterich.com/. ​

This week on Moveable Do, Dr. Karen Siegel talks about how she has turned the pandemic into an opportunity to explore aleatoric music and play with the latency inherent in making music through video calls. Hear about her work with C4 (no, not the explosives!). Featured on this episode: "Here I Am," "Meditation," "Why Do We Love Our Guns?" and "How She Could Not Drive." For more information about Karen, visit http://karensiegel.com/.

Moveable Do was fortunate to sit down with Loretta Notareschi and explore the vast array of her compositions - from string quartets, to choral music, to classical ukulele. We also talk about what music and composers have influenced her style. Featured on this episode: "Evocations," "Form'd of Joy and Mirth," "So Live!", and "String Quartet OCD." For more information about Loretta, visit http://lorettanotareschi.com/.

Dr. Dan Bradshaw, professor of music at BYU-Hawaii talks with Moveable Do this week about the joys of living in Hawaii, the influences of his composer father, his missionary experience in the Czech Republic, and his work with the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition. He also talks about his love of the stars above and the seas below. Featured on this episode: "The Dead Praying for Me," "Hall of Mirrors," "On the Cooler," and "Consolation." For more information about Dan Bradshaw and his compositions, visit http://danbradshawmusic.com/. 

On this episode, composer Dan Carter talks about his work in and out of the LDS church, his journey to find his identity, and how that has influenced his compositions. Featured in this episode: "Little Sonata in C," "Dance of Our Living," "By the River, I Lay Down," and a special performance of "Come Unto Him." For more information about Dan Carter, visit https://www.danielcartermusic.com.

Best known as the co-creator and composer behind the hit series Animusic, Wayne Lytle joins Moveable Do this week to talk about the journey through music and his love of computers that resulted in the combination of animation and music. We discuss some of the challenges of starting a new company and creating new software as well as some of our favorite Animusic moments. This podcast is best appreciated with the videos as well that will be posted on the Moveable Do Listeners group on Facebook. Featured on this episode: "Pipe Dream," "Resonant Chamber," "Polyannagon," and "Pogo Sticks." For more information, visit https://animusic.com.

Steve talks this week with Dr. Andrea Ramsey. She talks with Moveable Do about her most influential teachers on her musical journey, what keeps drawing her back to composing choral music, and what it is that inspires her to be her best self. Featured on this episode: "TwainSong," "Each Slow Dusk," "A Hive of Frightened Bees," and her recent major work, "Suffrage Cantata." For more information about Andrea Ramsey, visit https://andrearamsey.com.

For the first episode of Season 3 of Moveable Do, Steve chats with Kurt Heinecke, best known for his work with VeggieTales, 3-2-1 Penguins, and other projects with Big Idea Entertainment. Kurt talks about his influences from his musical family, his multi-faceted instrument playing history, and, of course, his work on VeggieTales. And did you know he's also a professional photographer? Featured on this episode: "Bellybutton," "Walking Rocks" from the movie, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, "The Hill" from the series, Superbook, and "My Love Has Gone Across the Sea" from the upcoming series Wingfeather Saga. For more information about Kurt Heinecke, visit https://khstudios.biz.

Season Two

Dr. Paul Aitken wraps up Season 2 of Moveable Do with a discussion of the differences between Ontario, Canada and Norman, Oklahoma, his compositional process, and what sort of music he would write if he had unlimited time and resources. And what's it like being known as the "Flanders Fields" guy? Featured on this episode: "Flanders Fields," "And None Shall Be Afraid: A Plea for Peace in 5 Movements," "How Can I Keep From Singing," and "Au Claire de la Lune." To learn more about Paul, visit https://www.paulaitkenmusic.com/.

Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth delights Moveable Do this week with a discussion about the sheet music publishing world, her influential music teachers, and her own work as an educator. Featured on this episode: "Today I Will," "Across the Empty Square," and two new pieces, "Above Gravity," and "I Had No Time to Hate." For more information about Ellen, please visit https://www.ellengilsonvoth.net/.

This week Moveable Do welcomes Dr. Eric William Barnum. We discuss the podcast that he co-hosts called The Choral Contrarians, story telling through choral music, and finding relaxation in the weird and the odd. And what does it mean to be contrarian in the choral world, anyway? Featured on this episode: "She Walks in Beauty," "Adoramus Te, Christe," "The Sounding Sea," and "The Stars Stand Up in the Air." For more information about Eric Barnum, visit his website: http://www.ericwilliambarnum.com/

Dr. Libby Larsen shares her time, talent, and expertise with us this week as we discuss growing up in a Catholic school before Vatican II, her compositional process, her love of water and lakes and her long-distance running...on purpose! Featured on this episode: "Sorrow Song and Jubilee," "Wolf Song in Los Angeles," "Holy Roller," and "Deep Summer Music." To learn more about Libby, visit https://libbylarsen.com/

This week, Russ Howard takes Moveable Do to the movies. Russ talks about working with film, TV, and video game music and how to develop musical ideas for characters. He also talks about the connection between Hallmark movies and horror slashers. Featured on this episode: "Finding a Friend," "Best Friends," "Meet the Girls," and "Body Parts." For more information about Russ, check out his IMDB page, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2035423/.

This week on Moveable Do, Joan Szymko takes us on an adventure of topics including accessibility and universality, African drumming, selecting texts, and an in-depth discussion of Alzheimer's. Featured on this episode: "Nada te Turbe," "Hodie," "River," and highlights from her major work, "Shadow and Light." If you listen carefully, you might even hear a bit of "It Takes a Village." For more information about Joan and her music, visit https://joanszymko.com.

Dr. Rosephanye Powell delights Moveable Do this week with her discussion of music education, Imposter Syndrome, and performance practice for Spirituals. Truly, an enlightening conversation! Featured on this week's episode: "I Dream a World," "The Word was With God," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," and "With What Shall I Come," a gift for Dr. Anton Armstrong. For more music from Rosephanye Powell, visit http://rosephanyepowell.com.

This week on Moveable Do, Jen Wagner talks about her work as a music educator in Hershey, writing piano music at midnight, and her database of composers. Featured on this episode: "In the Bleak Midwinter," "In Flander's Fields," "Lacrimosa," and "We are the Children." Plus, special appearances from "Mommy's Memories," and "Moriah." To hear more of Jen's music, visit http://jenwagnermusic.com/.

Steve talks this week with Mari Esabel Valverde about issues of being and teaching transgender students, a shared love of language learning, and inspiration drawn from the nature around us all. If Mari could be around one type of nature, what would it be? Featured on this week's episode: "Cantares," "Crossing," "Border Lines," and "Oracle of Spring." To learn more about Mari, visit https://marivalverde.com/.

Seattle-based composer John Muehleisen talks to Moveable Do this week about Northwest Choral Publishers, his major influences as a composer, and the connection between sacred and secular music. Featured on this episode: "Eat Your Vegetables! - Set One," "The Stars Still Shine," "When All is Done," and "But Who Shall Return Us Our Children: A Kipling Passion." To learn more about John Muehleisen, visit his website at https://johnmuehleisen.com/.

Dr. Sarah Riskind talks to Moveable Do this week about her work with Sephardic music, improvisation, and her love for early music, though not necessarily in that order. Featured on this week's episode: "Psalm of the Sky," "Weep, O Mine Eyes," "Oseh Shalom," and highlights from her "Oz Cantata. Find more music by Sarah Riskind by visiting https://sarahriskind.com/

This week, Dr. J.D. Frizzell, teacher at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN, talks about the struggle of writing with new baby in the house, helping students learn to compose, and how the work of Estonian composer Veljo Tormis influenced his writing style. Featured on this episode: "And I Can Sing," "The Lamb," "This is Life to Come," and highlights from his "Magnificat." To learn more about J.D., visit his website: https://jdfrizzell.com/.

This week, Moira Smiley, in her fun, authentic manner, talks about folk songs, singing, and body percussion as well as issues of isolation and technology. Featured on this episode: "I Have a Voice," "Time in Our Voices," "Wire You Here," and "Bellow" (with special appearance of "Bring Me Little Water Silvy"). To hear more of Moira's music, visit her website at https://moirasmiley.com.

To kick off Season 2 of Moveable Do, Steve sits down with Jake Runestad to talk about how he got into composing, issues of social justice, and of course, Nyon Nyon. Pieces featured on this episode, "Come to the Woods," "Let My Love Be Heard," "The Secret of the Sea," and "Spirited Light." Visit Jake's website at https://jakerunestad.com. ​

Season One

As Steve wraps up Season One of Moveable Do, he gives a big thanks to his guests and tells you about the piece that has been the theme music for this season. Featured on this episode: "Take Me Back (A New American Folk Song)."

This week, Dr. Rollo Dilworth talks about his influences from a very young age up to the present. He also talks about his work with young, developing voices and takes a couple questions from some younger listeners. Featured on this episode, "I Sing Because I'm Happy," "Joshua," "I Dream a World," "Gift to be Free," and "Why a Caged Bird Sings." And from the 150 works he has published, what was the first?

This week, Steve sits down with Dr. Dan Forrest and talks about some of his greatest influences and the lessons he learned about writing a melody and keeping things simple. Featured in this episode: Shalom; fermata; and et Deus ispiravit, the silent kiss, and Epilogue from the breath of life. Also, advice that Dan would give to himself 20 years ago.

From Jazz to R&B, from concert band to orchestras, Dr. Chad "Sir Wick" Hughes, talks about his diverse musical styles. Hear how his path from Michigan to Kansas to Louisiana and finally to Atlanta shaped his musical ideals. Featured on this episode: "Tale of Two Fools," "Ruth and Boaz," "I Thank You Lord," and "Visions of a Renaissance." And what is a "Novical" anyway?

Composer Dale Trumbore discusses her journey to composition through the lens of self-doubt and self-mastery. Featured on this episode: "Infinitely and Without Apology," "Faster," "Fifteen Ways to Splinter a Sunset," and "How to Go On." Also, hear about how her writing and composing go hand in hand.

​Hawaii-based composer Chris Fraley discusses how his background as a math and science wiz influences his love for counterpoint. Featured in this episode: "Eire's Call," "The Plains," "Hine Ma Tov," and the premiere of the recording of "A Light Exists In Spring." Plus, experimentations with Just Intonation.

​Composers Jocelyn Hagen and Tim Takach discuss what it's like to be married to another composer and how they balance their work and family lives. Hear how they both have unique compositional styles and working methods. Featured on this episode: "Hands" and "Hummingbird" by Jocelyn; "Helios" and "Neither Angels, Nor Demons, Nor Powers" by Tim. Also, learn about the formation of their a cappella duo, Nation.

​This week, composer Brian Tate talks about his music education journey that took him around the world - across three continents! He also talks about his work as a clinician for musicians as well as business leaders. Featured on this episode: "Gate, Gate," "Hold Me, Rock Me," "We Are One," and "Take Down These Walls." What does Brian do in his free time? The answer may surprise you!

This week, Polish-Italian-American composer Ally Czyzewicz talks about her love of choral music and her musical production called "Our Family." Featured on this episode: "Cien," "Diversity," "Aurora," and "Jesenia." You'll also find out about her band, Casimir Effect.

​Join me as I talk with Judy Rose about her journey from West Virginia to Oregon and how she eventually came to write original choral spirituals. Featured on this episode: "Om Shanti Om," "I've Found Me a River," "A Jubilant Day," and "You're Not Alone in This World." Come meet the Native American flute named Quiet Bear.

This week Dr. Fahad Siadat discusses how he is working to combine the worlds of new music composition and advocacy-driven choral music. Featured in this episode: "Epilogue in A-Flat Minor," "The Vast Sea," "The Beacon (Be Sturdy and Full of Hope)," and "The Valley of Wonderment." See if we can answer the question: an epilogue to what?

Dr. Mike Merrill discusses his major influences as a composer including his saxophone playing and years living in Aberdeen, Scotland. Hear him discuss meeting and wooing his wife and what piece he'd like to have on a deserted island. Featured in this episode, "Loch Lomond," "Ecce Sacerdos Magnus," "Hateful is the Dark Blue Sky," and his oratorio, "The Martyrdom of the Saints."

Dr. Giselle Wyers, professor of choral music at the University of  Washington, talks about her path from budding singer to internationally  acclaimed composer and conductor. Featured on this episode: "The  Waking," "The Lonely Land," and the choral cycle "And All Shall Be Well"  as well as the answer to the question, what did Giselle want to be when  she grew up?

This week, Steve interviews Evans Mbinji, composer, arranger, conductor, and teacher from Nairboi Kenya. Evans describes the difference between sacred and non-sacred music performance in Kenya. He also talks about what he learned from choirs in the USA when he was on exchange here in 2018. Music featured on this episode: "Simama imara," "Bwana Nipe Pesa," and "Jambo Bwana."

Steve talks with Filipino composer Saunder Choi about growing up in Manila, his feelings when he moved to Boston and then to LA, and how his viewpoint as an immigrant shapes his compositions. Featuring excerpts from "Brothers of the Sea," "The New Colossus," "Leron, Leron Sinta" and "Ang Tren." Plus the answer to the question, "What is the first song that Saunder remembers singing?"