BENJAMIN DEAN TAYLOR, composer

Benjamin Dean Taylor is a composer of contemporary concert music. His energetic, adventurous music provides a uniquely refreshing sonic experience for performers and audiences alike. Trained as a trumpet player and pianist, he performs with and writes music for chamber ensembles, jazz combos and big bands, wind bands, orchestras, choirs, and experimental ensembles. As a sought-after composer for wind band, Taylor has been commissioned by over 100 band directors of players at all educational levels. Much of his music includes electronic elements - from prerecorded sounds to live, interactive electronics and video.

Passionate about inspiring the rising generation of composers, he is the founder and executive director of Music Creators Academy, a yearly summer program that teaches musical creativity in a virtual setting. He also serves as the Program Director for the Indiana University Jacobs Composition Academy and is a member of the Blue Dot Collective.

Presentation for Ultimate Music Business Summit 1/6/2023

How did I go from full-time student to full-time freelance composer? I graduated in 2014 with a doctorate degree in music composition from Indiana University. You would think that I’d be a university professor of composition somewhere. Wrong. I have chosen not to pursue a full-time academic job and I did not inherit wealth. So how in the world do I provide a living for my family (wife and six kids) only doing music? I am happy to share my experience with you of what has worked for me and what has not worked for me. My story includes busting a few common myths about starting a musical career, how I make my living writing music, performing, and teaching, and the steps I took to create a stable career doing what I love! Interested? I will show you how you can take the leap, too!
Click here to see my notes

NEW works for wind band!

The Excitement of Fear (grade 3.5) band and flexible audio track, inspired by the adrenaline rush we get from activities that scare us like cliff jumping, rollercoasters, and horror movies.
And May We Always Cherish (grade 3) Reflective, lyrical work with solos in alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone (or euphonium), tuba, flute, oboe (or clarinet), horn (or saxophone)
Party Potatoes - tuba concerto (professional level) with band (grade 3). Designed for small band programs with a visiting professional soloist. SUPER fun, groovy piece!
Mile a Minute (grade 4) energetic, moto perpetuo, driving piece.

Flex/Adaptable works for ensemble (Band or Orchestra)

Each of these works is written or arranged specifically for our unprecedented times surrounding the COVID19 pandemic. It is my hope that we can empower the rising generation to make meaningful and engaging music together, whether that be virtually or in small groups in-person. My work with Music Creators Academy has shown me that this is not only possible but offers many benefits and advantages not previously available. All of these works are for flexible instrumentation with electronic audio track. They are ideal for students to put together using a platform like bandlab.com or soundtrap.com. I sincerely hope you and your students enjoy them!

Intermountain Underground NEW VIDEO

Techno Blade featured in Scotland

Techno Blade (for concert band and audio track) was featured at the Scottish Learning Festival at the Scottish Exhibition Centre. An incredibly talented young dancer named Ellie Fergusson choreographed a solo to go along with the music! Ellie recently won The Greatest Dancer which is a popular televised dance program in the U.K. Thank you Ellie, and all the students in the West Calder High School Senior Wind Band and their director, Camille Mason. So fun! Video of the performance is here:
https://youtu.be/aCcke5s2Kw4