When I started Kindergarten, I distinctly remember meeting a redheaded boy named Tyler. Little did either of us know, that this initial interaction would grow into a friendship that has continued for almost twenty years. I feel so blessed that I have gotten to see Tyler grow, from previewing and performing his pieces in middle and high school, to hearing his compositions performed at our Alma Mater, The Crane School of Music, it is truly an honor to be able to write about his talent.
Tyler Mazone is a deaf composer from Upstate New York currently working towards his Master’s in Composition at Michigan State University. Tyler states on his website that his “deafness made it a huge challenge” in order to “learn how to play music.” Luckily, he had many teachers along the way who encouraged him to continue performing and composing, which has led him to his mission of making music accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
His primary instrument is the clarinet, which is featured throughout many of his compositions. His pieces, mainly for chamber, solo, and wind band, have been played by ensembles such as the US Air Force Band and The _____Experiment.
The first piece by Tyler I will be sharing is “Autumn Rain” (November 2021) for string septet and piano. This is one of his most recent pieces, and was recorded by the Reverón Trio. The majority of Tyler’s pieces have a story that goes along with them, stemming from his love of video games growing up, but this piece is described by him as an “expression of feelings on a rainy autumn day.” This piece evokes the feelings of looking out the window while being cozy inside, safe from the rain and gloom.
https://soundcloud.com/tylermazone/autumn-rain-piano-trio
The second piece I will discuss is his piece for clarinet and piano “Inopinatium” (2019). This two movement piece was a commission done for a Crane colleague’s recital. The translation of the latin word “Inopinatium” is “unexpected” which encompasses this piece perfectly. The piece starts off a bit shadowy but then transforms to be brighter, before it’s “scherzo-like” movement. The pairing of these two movements together, despite their contrasts, and it working beautifully fits the piece’s title like a glove.
https://soundcloud.com/tylermazone/inopinatium
The final piece I will share is his 2020 piece “Closure” as played by the US Air Force Band in December of 2021. This piece for wind band expresses the feeling of closure, whether that be with ourselves, another person, or a situation. Tyler states that “this piece illustrates that idea of being in peace, maybe with some questions, and just knowing that everything is okay now. It is in a way a meditation on the concept of closure.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KD1mr5Gw48
More information about Tyler and his compositions can be found on his website: https://www.tylermazone.com/
-Abby Ryan (for blog post on March 24th, 2022)
Abby it was so cool to learn about someone who has extreme skill, talent, dedication and credibility as a musician living with a disability we would tend to assume contradicts with music. Beethoven is the most famous deaf composer, but with his extreme impact, why is it that we don't look for the next best deaf composer. I commend Tyler's accomplishments and hope he is able to encourage future composers of any potential limitation.
ReplyDelete- Laura Ruple
I loved learning about Tyler Mazone and hearing his music. I know several blind musicians but not any deaf musicians. I think it's interesting to think about what his "inner ear" hears that a hearing person doesn't. I wonder what prompted him to pursue a study of music. For many it is a lot of wonderful experiences hearing great performances and learning to play themselves. It would be interesting to hear his experience choosing to pursue music.
ReplyDelete-Hyrum Arnesen
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Tyler's works. I am very interested in disability studies in musical studies, so Tyler's works are very useful sources for me, too. Like Hyrum mentioned, I appreciate how Tyler hears sound with his "inner ears" and his unique imagination conveyed in music.
-Lydia Lee
Hi Abby!
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing us to Tyler and his works. I find his story fascinating and I love his melodies and soundscapes. I would love to perform Inopinatium one day. The opening section fits so wonderfully on the clarinet and the scherzo sounds like a blast to play!
-Bryce Newcomer
Hi Abby! Thank you for sharing some of Tyler's works and his story. His story is remarkable and it is so heart warming to hear that he has had music teachers who have encouraged him throughout his schooling and career. I saw on his website that he has a flute/piano piece and some adaptable instrumentation pieces that I'm definitely interested in learning sometime soon!
ReplyDeleteLianna
DeleteSo wild but so awesome to see a deaf person with this kind of success in the music world - and a clarinetist, no less! Really enjoyed Inopinatium. I hope it gains more attention over time.
ReplyDelete- Cameron DeLuca
Hi Abby! I loved that you shared him with us. I have always intersted in learning and growing to be more into the Deaf community for so long. I took ASL all four years in high school and a semester here and absolutely love it so being introduced to a Deaf composer is amazing. I enjoyed listening to the Autumn Rain piece! Thank you for sharing!- Lydia Young
ReplyDeleteHearing about a deaf individual succeeding in music is always soul warming. I had a similar experience during student teaching and it is always awesome. Listening to his works were very enjoyable as well as inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing! -Zack T
ReplyDelete