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. The oboe, the piano, the violin cannot always play the music we Americans hear in our heads. And so we improvise. Artistic necessity becomes the mother of musical invention.

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.

The stories in this month's feature are of particular interest to teachers and students of music, history, and social studies.

Click on these links to find instructional ideas and study guides for the material on the American Mavericks Web site.

Reading/Listening Comprehension

Critical Thinking

Research Challenges

Vocabulary

Answer Key