Richard J. Chandler Composer Biography
With a focus on woodwinds and chamber music, Richard J. Chandler writes lines and rhythms that fascinate and captivate musicians. He is a composer who knows musicians’ joys and challenges through performances on saxophones, bassoon, contrabassoon, recorders, and piano.
His studies include formal education at the McPhail Center for Music, St. John’s University, receiving a BA in Music from St. Cloud State University, and graduate studies in music composition at the University of Minnesota. His composition teachers include Jerome Collier, Edward Turley, Alex Lubet, and Edie Hill.
He enjoys collaborating with the musicians who perform his works to co-create a rich, rewarding experience. Designed to engage musicians and audiences, Chandler’s work is accessible, challenging, and rewarding to perform.
Expanded Biography
With a focus on woodwinds and chamber music, Richard J. Chandler writes lines and rhythms that fascinate and captivate musicians. He is a composer who knows musicians’ joys and challenges through performances on saxophones, bassoon, contrabassoon, recorders, and piano.
He began playing alto saxophone at age 11 and played in concert bands, wind ensembles, and R&B bands after learning bassoon and contrabassoon and regional chamber and symphony orchestras. Chandler began composing while in high school.
His studies include formal education at the McPhail Center for Music, St. John’s University, receiving a BA in Music from St. Cloud State University, and graduate studies in music composition at the University of Minnesota. His composition teachers include Jerome Collier, Edward Turley, Alex Lubet, and Edie Hill.
He enjoys collaborating with the musicians who perform his works to co-create a rich, rewarding experience. Designed to engage musicians and audiences, Chandler’s work is accessible, challenging, and rewarding to perform.
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 hang out 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 lossing his hand, became a trumpet player, His love for music, teaching and 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 classical repertoire. These experiences not only deepened my love for classical music but also 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. It was at St. John’s where 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 it was during this time that I truly began to see myself as a composer.
Later in life I finished my BA in Music at St. Cloud State Univeristy and did a year of graduate studies in Music composition with Alex Lubet. I have also studied with Composter 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 not only pleasing to the ear but also engaging for the musicians performing it. When musicians are excited about their parts, they play with more enthusiasm, making the music come alive for the audience. This philosophy drives me to create compositions where every part has something interesting to say.
I tend to 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 overall design of the structure informed the brassy, metallic sounds of the piece. Similarly, I’ve used poetry as a source of inspiration, letting the rhythm and sound of the words guide the musical phrases.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from and collaborate with many talented musicians and composers. Ed Turley, a PhD music performance piano player, became a close friend and mentor. We had a unique arrangement where I would pretend to take piano lessons from him, but in reality, we used our time together to exchange musical ideas and critique each other’s work. His belief in my potential as a composer was incredibly encouraging and played a significant role in my development.
One of my ongoing goals is to write music that is both accessible and challenging. I want to create pieces that intermediate players can tackle, helping them grow as musicians while still being enjoyable to play. My recent projects include a series of piano inventions that can also be adapted for woodwind duets. I am excited about the prospect of writing for choral groups in the future.
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 that are both technically and musically demanding and also practical and enjoyable to play. Music, for me, is a journey of continuous discovery and expression, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my creations with the world.