American composer John M Kennedy produces an eclectic group of work,
ranging from mixed ensemble and solo pieces to multi-media works (which he refers to as his “things and gadgets”
series) and a group of “Songbooks” inspired by Whitman. His work has been performed throughout the US, Canada,
Europe and Korea, and broadcasts in Austria, Canada and Argentina. In addition to his work as a composer, he is the founding
music director of the Chamber Players of Los Angeles and professor of music at California State University, Los Angeles.
Background
John began his interest in music at age 15 as a self-taught Rock bassist, moving on to Jazz and the double
bass by the time he entered the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He left Berklee to return to Cleveland, Ohio where he
performed regularly with Jazz groups, including the octet “Jones Bones”. At the same time he entered the Baldwin-Wallace
Conservatory, studying composition and double bass. After completing the B.Mus. in double bass performance he received a commission
by the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra (1985) and was awarded First Prize in the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Young Composer
Contest. This turning point led to a fellowship in composition at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he studied
with Leslie Bassett, William Albright, Fred Lerdahl and Eugene Kurtz.
Awards ASCAP Standard Panel Awards, 2009, annual since 1991.
American
Composers Forum-Los Angeles Chapter, Subito Grant, 2004.
Meet the Composer
Inc. Grant, 2000.
Charles E. Ives Scholarship, American Academy and Institute
of Arts and Letters, 1990.
ASCAP Foundation Grant to Young Composers, 1989.
John W. Work III Memorial Foundation Grant, 1989.
First Prize, Young Composer Awards, The Ohio Federation of Music Clubs, 1985.
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