Austin Keck discussing his innovative approach to music composition, particularly in the realm of contemporary percussion. He emphasizes the importance of texture and soundscapes over traditional melodies, aiming to make music more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Keck outlines five key principles guiding his composition process: rhythm, timing/offset, vertical layering, timbre, and harmony. He believes that by focusing on these elements, composers can create music that resonates emotionally and intuitively, bridging the gap between musicians and listeners. Keck’s work reflects a broader shift in the musical landscape, particularly in film composition, where emotional impact is prioritized over identifiable themes.

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For decades, the musical landscape has been dominated by melody and thematic writing, with composers like John Williams and Sergei Rachmaninoff crafting sweeping themes that have become iconic. However, there is a shift happening in the world of film composition, one that prioritizes the emotional and subconscious impact of music over direct thematic expression. This shift is not just confined to film scores but is beginning to influence other musical genres, including concert percussion. 

As a composer who has ventured into the realm of film music, I have observed this transformation firsthand. Directors increasingly seek music that evokes a feeling rather than a specific, identifiable melody. They are looking for compositions that affect the audience on a deeper, almost subliminal level. This approach opens up exciting possibilities for percussion, an area that is uniquely equipped to explore a wide range of textures and sounds. 

In my PASIC session, I will explore how these principles can be applied to concert percussion to create something truly original. My aim is not to reinvent the wheel; our field’s incredible educators and leaders have laid a solid foundation over the past century. Instead, I seek to innovate on existing ideas, infusing my compositions with my own voice and personality to offer a fresh experience to audiences. 

The core of my presentation will focus on how I utilize texture, particularly in mallet percussion instruments, to build soundscapes that are not reliant on traditional themes or melodies. These instruments, in my view, are often underutilized in this regard. We have fallen into the habit of recycling familiar styles and sounds, with only minor variations in harmony and instrumentation. My approach challenges this by focusing on how these instruments are used, rather than merely on what instruments are chosen. 

In the session, I will delve into five key principles that guide my composition process: 

1. Rhythm: The foundation of any composition, rhythm can create structure, drive momentum, or evoke a specific emotion. 
2. Timing/Offset: Subtle shifts in timing can significantly alter the feel of a piece, creating tension or surprise while also creating unique overlapping textures.
3. Vertical Layering: By stacking different sounds and textures, I can build complex soundscapes that envelop the listener.
4. Timbre: The unique color of each instrument, as well as the implement you choose, is essential in crafting a distinctive sonic palette. 
5. Harmony: While less central in my approach, harmony still plays a role in supporting the overall texture and mood. It is also the core “DNA” of my writing style. 

These components allow me to stay true to my identity as a composer while also pushing the boundaries of what percussion music can be. Through my studies and experiences, I’ve learned that innovation in music often stems from building on the ideas of past composers. For me, this means drawing inspiration from film music by such composers as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, and Ludwig Göransson, and finding ways to translate these influences into the world of percussion. 

I believe that the future of music composition lies in contemporary, atmospheric, and textural writing. My journey also focuses on making music more accessible and inspiring the next generation. Music should be enjoyable and approachable for everyone, yet much of our current repertoire is rooted in exclusivity and complexity. This can make it difficult for non-musician audiences to fully appreciate contemporary music, creating a divide between musicians and listeners, particularly in the U.S. By programming more diverse and inclusive pieces, we can help ensure that classical music remains vibrant and relevant for years to come. 

In conclusion, my PASIC session will offer a glimpse into this new approach to percussion composition. By embracing texture and the unique qualities of our instruments, we can create music that resonates on a deeper, more intuitive level. I look forward to sharing these ideas and exploring texture with you in November!