The importance of supporting new music.

How honored would you feel to have been present at the premiere of a Beethoven piano sonata? A Debussy prelude? A Mozart string trio?

Probably no one attending performances or premieres of works by any of these composers knew they were in the presence of greatness any more than we do when we attend the performance or premiere of a work by one of our contemporary composers today. It is rare that a composer who becomes the genius of tomorrow receives proper respect or, particularly, substantial financial reward during his or her lifetime and yet, every civilization is measured by the level of sophistication reached by its art.

It is the duty and responsibility of every musician's organization to support the creation of new music. This includes MTNA. If musicians themselves do not consider it an important endeavor, who should? Fortunately, there are a few people who grasp the value of the ongoing creation of musical art to allow its deserved evolution to continue; the world of music is eternally grateful to these visionary patrons. Each of you, through your membership in MTNA, is one of these insightful few who understand the necessity of the contribution of superb new works every year to the world's body of musical literature.

Because of the promise of profit from sales, we can count on publishers to provide incentive for the continual composition of teaching pieces. Although this genre often is the highest level of performance reached by many musicians, it is extremely important because music education instills a love, appreciation and respect for music, elevating the music student's thoughts to a place from which there is no return. His life is enriched forever; he cannot go back in that state of mind in which he was less aware of one of life's greatest pleasures. Once one has experienced the beauty, emotion and satisfaction of a fine performance, once one has found himself in awe of the composer who created something so intangible, yet so real, his awareness of the beauty in the world becomes much more acute. This is the person who will buy tickets to attend symphony concerts, opera, ballet, chamber music recitals, choral concerts and musical theater. This is the person who will donate generously to the arts and, if financially able, will underwrite events that establish his community's rank among others regarded as the cultural centers of the world. This also is the person who will make sure his child will receive musical training and all its benefits.

Be an example to your students by attending concerts of new music, performing it yourself and teaching some of the less traditional repertoire to stretch students' exposure to new harmonies, eliminating the "stigma" of an unusual sound in their ears. Take your students with you to new music concerts and discuss the works driving home. Avoid the words "right" or "wrong" and "pretty" or "ugly" by asking them to describe their emotional responses or imagery brought to mind. Was it performed well? In what kind of movie scene might this music be appropriate? Above all, create a safe environment for participation in the discussion without reprimand or embarrassment, and guide the discussion, if possible, toward a positive response to at least one work on the program. If such concerts are not available in your area, play recordings in group sessions.

The MTNA-Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year award is given to the composer whose work is selected by a panel of judges who have prestigious reputations as composers themselves. Any state association (following the rules and regulations of the program) may nominate a composer by submitting a work that it has commissioned to represent the association in the MTNA-Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year Competition. The winning work is featured at the MTNA Conference in an exciting premiere that no member should miss. You could very possibly be hearing the 22nd-century's equivalent of a Bartok string quartet!

Support of new music of the highest caliber by MTNA and every other such patron of the arts, is as essential to music as breath is to life. It sets a standard to which our students may aspire. It keeps our members abreast of the stylistic trends in serious composition today. It bridges the gap between living and past composers and performers. It perpetuates creativity among us and follows through with a concert that could become part of musical history. You could be there.

Open your ears, your minds and your hearts to new music. Be brave and embrace the unknown territory into which new music may lead you. You may find it one of your most exciting adventures.

Bonus BYTE For more information about the MTNA Composer Commissioning Program, go to www.mtna.org/commission.htm.

Ann Rivers Witherspoon is an active composer in many genres. She teaches at Houston Baptist University and maintains a pre-collegiate private studio in composition and piano. Witherspoon chairs the MTNA Composer Commissioning program.