Biography

Marshall Bessières is composer and music educator based in New York City. His works have been performed all over the country from San Francisco to New York City. His recent composition, R Stop Seven, for voice, contrabass flute, alto recorder, trumpet, and piano was premiered by the Netherlands-based group Hexnut in July. His works have been commissioned and performed by Wet Ink Ensemble, Clogs, Aeros Wind Quintet, and the Santa Clara Chamber Singers, among others. His music explores the relationship between composer and performer, often exploiting the creative talents of performers through graphic notation, structured improvisation, open forms, and sound descriptions.

Before moving to New York in 2009, Marshall taught composition and music technology at Santa Clara University. Since 2003 he has also been on the faculty of The Walden School’s Young Musicians Program, a 5-week summer school, camp, and festival for young musicians ages 10-18. He has also served on the faculty of Walden's Teacher Training Institute, working with music educators from around the world to share Walden's unique approach to music education. In Spring 2011 he will be the Artist in Residence at Dublin School in New Hampshire followed by joining the faculty of The Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat in June at Smith Colloege in Northampton, Massachusetts.

With an extensive history in the software industry, Marshall has started businesses in web-based community support, iPhone application development, and education resources for teachers. He is an avid supporter of creative education and is working to encourage student-centric teaching.

Marshall has a degree in composition and piano performance from Santa Clara University, where he studied with Pamela Layman Quist, Patricia Plude, and Teresa McCollough. When not singing, composing, or teaching, one might find him exploring Central Park with his collection of photography gear.