American Maverick Musicians
The stories in this month's feature are of particular interest to teachers and students of music, history, and social studies.
Many of America's maverick composers have become inventors. The cultured music we inherited from Europe, and even the musics that have been brought here from Asia and Africa, have not always been sufficient for the needs of democratic, commercial, noisy, fast-paced America. Musicians such as Harry Partch, Ben Johnston, and John Cage were pioneers of invention. The effect of American musical innovation has rendered composers self-sufficient and free from institutions, establishing the maverick image.
