We recently connected with Lauren Bernofsky and have shared our conversation below.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a composer of classical concert music. I write for both professional musicians as well as children and amateurs.
I began music as a violinist, enrolling in the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) in high school. There I was introduced to composition, and I went on from that point as both a composer and violinist, ending up with a doctorate in composition under the esteemed composer/conductor/pianist Lukas Foss. I have played violin professionally in classical music settings ranging from solo to orchestral and also alternative styles such as Klezmer, American folk music, jazz, and music from various other cultures (Turkish, Korean, etc.) This background has been invaluable for my development as a composer, offering a wide range of inspirations and a complete understanding of the psyche of performers — I am therefore able to write music that that is not only well-crafted to the technical considerations for their instrument but also music they enjoy playing. As a result, my music is played the world over, with more than 100 performances yearly, and I am often contacted with inquiries regarding commissions.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Classical music in the U.S.A. is shockingly underfunded, starting with school music programs. Music is an incredibly important force in the development of minds and characters of children — countless articles have been written about the benefits: improving concentration, developing empathy, fostering the ability to compromise and work with others, working regularly toward long-term goals, developing self esteem, and the list goes on and on. Music helps develop people in so many important ways that are not measured by standardized tests.
Introducing children to classical music at an early age, besides all of the above benefits, fosters and appreciation for classical music as adults, who are the ones to purchase concert tickets, draft legislation regarding arts funding, vote for candidates that support the arts, and generally participate in the creative ecosystem.
Currently, many highly accomplished musicians in this country choose other careers because they don’t want to be a “starving artist.” It doesn’t have to be this way — countries such as Germany fund the arts at a much higher level, and artists can work as artists.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is knowing that I’ve helped make others happier and more fulfilled through my music. That’s a pretty big brag, and I will give a few examples to back this up. I was once contacted by a 5th grade girl in North Carolina, telling me how much she loves singing in my choral piece The Tiger, and that her school choir sounds great doing it. A few weeks ago a trumpet player approached me and thanked me for the music I have written for her instrument. Orchestras have programmed my music, and players and audience members have told me how they loved playing and hearing the music. An opera singer from Vienna told me how he loves singing my music, because it is so well written for his voice.
I know that I was born with a talent for writing music, and I feel a responsibility to make use of that talent so I can give music to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenbernofsky.com
- Instagram: laurenbernofsky
- Facebook: Lauren Bernofsky – Composer/Conductor
- Linkedin: Lauren Bernofsky
- Twitter: @LBernofsky
- Youtube: Lauren Bernofsky
Image Credits
Professional publicity portrait – Sandee Milhouse Photography