About

The idea to form Random Access Music was the result of a 2005 post-concert conversation between Allen Schulz, Stefan Weisman, and Jonathan Pieslak. During the conversation the three composers each shared a dissatisfaction with the level of involvement we’d had in the rehearsals and performances of our music that evening. While our music had been programmed together before, we had only a passing acquaintence with each other’s works. But our discussion soon revealed a shared impatience and disenchantment with how composers and performers interacted. We each yearned for fuller collaborative experiences, long-term relationships amongst the artists that continued beyond a single performance, and the support and interaction among fellow composers that existed beyond academic institutions or the haphazard coincidences of having our music on the same program.

Random Access Music (RAM) was founded in 2005 to address these needs and to help its member composers to find performance opportunities with like-minded performing ensembles and individuals. Since then, RAM has presented at least 2 concert programs every season, collaborating with groups like the Lost Dog New Music Ensemble, Ursula’s End, Iktus Percussion Ensemble, and the Anubis Saxophone Quartet. We’ve also presented concerts with our older works, too.

While RAM’s member composers each write in their own distinct styles and voices, we are committed to supporting and presenting one another’s music. Our eclectic combination of composers mirrors the rich and varied landscape that is american music in the 21st century. With each new work that we compose, we give our audiences continued access to this diverse tradition.