has been on the composition faculty at New York University Steinhardt
School of Music. She also opens her studio to private students. Drawing
on her experience as a producer and composer, she initiates students to
multiple methods of composition and production, as well as creative techniques
to unlock their own special musical talents. Students grow from one composition
to the next in a natural and sensitive process where the know-how is acquired
from practice, while working on new material. Creative avenues are opened
by exploring music selections from the past and the present that are relevant
to a particular project or mindset. Techniques introduced or reinforced
are computer-aided scoring with Finale, electronic music production and
orchestration. Beyond imparting the necessary knowledge, Lauten's goal
is to guide young composers in finding their own voices and creative expression,
and to communicate an enthusiasm for music in all its aspects.
Before teaching at NYU, Lauten had completed composer residencies at Bucknell University (PA), Hope College (MI) and Franklin Pierce College (NH) where she coached student performances of her work, and lectured on her own musical ideas and those of her peers.
Skirting the Post-Classic Stretch
As a producer,
Elodie Lauten started as early as 1977 when in residence at Sound Ideas
Studio, and by 1980 she was producing and releasing her own recordings.
She has acquired a solid experience in all aspects of production, from
artistic direction to material selection, arrangements, as well as executive
production, including permission issues and the practical aspects of manufacturing
and packaging. In the past few years, she worked with guitarist Jonathan
Hirschman, developing keyboard arrangements around his improvisations
for the release of his first solo album. She worked with songwriter Steven
Hall (friend and collaborator of Arthur Russell), a seasoned producer
himself, peering patiently through hundreds of takes to help him finalize
and publish a solid album. She also helped mezzo-soprano Charlotte Surkin
through the process of rehearsing and recording a debut CD including songs
by grammy-award-winning William Bolcom.