Meet Our Faculty
Dan Sonenberg
- Title
- Assistant professor of music, resident composer
- Department
- School of Music
- Areas of interest
- Classical opera and popular music
Web presence: www.myspace.com/danielsonenberg
On youtube.com, search for Daniel Sonenberg
What are the strengths of the School of Music?
The School of Music has an excellent faculty who are active in both performance and scholarship. One of our greatest strengths is the size of the school. We’re big enough that we can run all major ensembles, orchestras, concert band, jazz, big band, and chorus, but we’re not so big that students don’t have the benefit of individual attention. There’s a strong sense of community within the School of Music. Students spend a lot of time together, and faculty are present in the life of the School. You’re always going to find faculty around.
What are some of the advantages to studying music here?
Portland is a great culturally sophisticated, small city. You can combine that with the opportunity for quiet, so you can focus on your music, practice, and do what you have to do.
What notable professional experience has influenced your teaching?
I think all of my composition-related experience, having my music performed in various settings, and the act of being involved in music performances influence how I teach. I take that experience with me, into the classroom, and into private lessons. What we’re doing is not just an academic exercise, but also something with a real-world component. And, of course, there’s the influence of the great teachers I’ve had, including Joan Tower and David Del Tredici. I model my own teaching after the way they interact with students.
Do you see yourself in your students? If so, how does that affect your approach?
I do see some aspect of myself in my students. The important thing I try to remember as a teacher is that the choices I made that were right for me might not be the right choices for them.
What is your role in students’ lives? What’s your job?
I wear many hats. I get a chance to interact with almost every student who goes through the program. That’s a tremendous opportunity to get to know them, but it’s also a tremendous responsibility–teaching them the most basic tool that will serve them the rest of their musical lives. Outside the classroom with composition students, I have more of a mentoring role. I feel a sense of responsibility to be there to support them, attend performances of their work, encourage their education, and what they’re going to do when they leave.
What does teaching add to your professional life?
Well, just being around that tremendous amount of creative energy that students have generates a lot of spark. Being around that energy recharges me, and it inspires me when I do my own thing.
You’re a New York guy. What’s the appeal of living and teaching here?
The Portland area holds tremendous appeal. It’s a beautiful place to live. It’s close enough to New York and close to Boston, so a trip from Maine is very manageable. It’s a quieter existence, and summer is amenable to creative activity.
Where do you live and why?
I’m on Munjoy Hill. It’s a very artistic, vibrant community. You’re near the water, and it’s a 10-minute walk from downtown. It’s a very liveable place.
What’s Portland’s best-kept secret?
The food scene is really great. Also, there’s Portland Trails. They provide a lot of opportunity to get around on foot.
