Richard J. Chandler Composer Biography
Short Bio
Richard J. Chandler Composer Biography
Richard J. Chandler writes lines and rhythms that help musicians grow their craft. He is a composer who knows musicians’ joys and challenges through years of performing on saxophone, bassoon, contrabassoon, recorder, and piano.
His formal studies include the McPhail Center for Music, The College of St. Benedict, and St. John’s University, with graduate studies in music composition at the University of Minnesota. He earned a BA in Music from St. Cloud State University.
Composition teachers include Jerome Collier, OSB, Edward Turley, DMA, Alex Lubet, Ph.D, and Edie Hill, Ph.D. He enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians and poets to co-create rich and satisfying musical experiences. Chandler’s works engage musicians and audiences. They are accessible and rewarding to perform.
Expanded Bio
Richard J. Chandler writes lines and rhythms that fascinate and captivate musicians. He is a composer who knows musicians’ joys and challenges through years of performing on saxophones, the bassoon, contrabassoon, recorders, and piano.
He began music studies on alto saxophone at age 11 and began composing in high school. He learned recorders, bassoon, contrabassoon, and piano as an adult. He has performed in wind ensembles, concert bands, and regional chamber and symphony orchestras. He also formed a woodwind trio that actively performed his own compositions.
His formal studies include the McPhail Center for Music, The College of St. Benedict, and St. John’s University, with graduate studies in music composition at the University of Minnesota. He earned a BA in Music from St. Cloud State University.
Composition teachers include Jerome Collier, OSB, Edward Turley, DMA, Alex Lubet, Ph.D, and Edie Hill, Ph.D. He enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians and poets to co-create rich and satisfying musical experiences. Chandler’s works engage musicians and audiences. They are accessible and rewarding to perform.
Chandler received a 2017 Individual Artist Grant from the Central Minnesota Regional Arts Board, funded by The McKnight Foundation. He is also a 2017 recipient of a granting award by The McKnight Foundation in cooperation with the Minnesota Sinfonia for his Sacred Geometry for Chamber Orchestra, which premiered on January 12th and 13th, 2018 by the Minnesota Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to composing and performing, Richard Chandler, MA, is a psychotherapist and executive coach. He loves to ride his bicycle in natural settings, practice yoga, and enjoy time with his wife, psychotherapist, Bonnett Chandler, MA.
Richard's Perspective
I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dance of musical lines and how they interact, much like characters in a well-crafted story. My journey in music began with the saxophone, which I picked up at a young age. Early on, I had the privilege of learning from various mentors who profoundly shaped my musical outlook.
One of my earliest teachers was an 82-year-old one-handed World War I veteran who lost a hand in that war. He was a professional saxophonist, but due to losing his hand, he became a trumpet player. His love for teaching music and his resilience left a lasting impression on me.
As I grew older, I studied with several other talented musicians, including saxophone and bassoon teachers who guided me into the classical repertoire. These experiences deepened my love for classical music and instilled in me the importance of perseverance and dedication.
My formal education in music took me to the McPhail School of Music in Minneapolis and St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. At St. John’s, I met Father Jerome Collier, a remarkable composition teacher who opened my eyes to the possibilities of creating my own music. His guidance was invaluable, and during this time, I truly began to see myself as a composer.
Later in life, I finished my BA in music at St. Cloud State University and completed a year of graduate studies in music composition with Alex Lubet. I have also studied with Composer Edie Hill, a gifted and innovative composer and composition teacher.
As a performer, I’ve played in various ensembles and orchestras, and these experiences have greatly influenced my approach to composition. I understand the importance of writing music that is pleasing to the ear and engaging for the musicians performing it.
When musicians are excited about their parts, they play more enthusiastically, making the music come alive for the audience. This philosophy drives me to create compositions where every part has something interesting to say.
I focus more on the interplay of individual musical lines rather than solely relying on harmonic structures. This approach likely stems from my background as a woodwind player, where the emphasis is often on melody and counterpoint. I enjoy creating separate lines that weave together in unexpected ways, much like characters in a novel whose interactions can surprise even the author.
External themes often inspire my compositions. For instance, when I wrote a fanfare for the dedication of the Saint Cloud Public Library, I drew inspiration from the building’s architecture. The copper roof and the structure’s overall design informed the piece’s brassy, metallic sounds. Similarly, I’ve used poetry as a source of inspiration, letting the rhythm and sound of the words guide the musical phrases.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from and collaborate with many talented musicians and composers throughout my career.
Pianist Ed Turley became a close friend and mentor. We had a unique arrangement where I pretended to study piano but instead exchanged musical ideas. His belief in my potential as a composer was incredibly encouraging and significantly influenced my development.
I endeavor to write music that is sophisticated and accessible. In addition to works that college and professional musicians typically perform, I create pieces that intermediate players can tackle, helping them grow as musicians while still being enjoyable to play. My most recent project is a collection of nine piano inventions, with many adapted as duets for various woodwind instruments.
In collaboration with the poet, Lawrence Schug, I wrote a series of songs.
In essence, my work as a composer is driven by a deep love for music and a desire to create pieces that resonate with both performers and listeners. I strive to craft compositions whose sophistication includes some technically and musically demanding elements while remaining enjoyable to learn and perform.
Music is a journey of continuous discovery and expression, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my creations with my fellow musicians and their audiences.