“I know of no other anthology that has captured such a wide slice of contemporary American composition. Having the first four volumes tailored to the abilities of high-school and early undergraduate singers demonstrates an unprecedented vision for the needs of young musicians as well as for the future of the genre. These volumes will prove a tremendous resource for teachers, students, and music historians, and they should have a prominent place in music libraries, both institutional and personal, throughout the country and indeed the world.”— Tom Cipullo

Why I Started North Star

I have worn many hats throughout my life……student, singer, percussionist, teacher, adjudicator, author, director, editor…..This has led me to wanting help promote the art of song that has meant so much to me during every phase of my personal and professional life. Having judged auditions, competitions, and Solo & Ensemble festivals across the country, I am acutely aware of the lack of accessible modern art song for young singers. Teachers often find it a daunting and time-consuming task to search out “new music” for their students. Too often, currently available music labeled as “contemporary” is now decades old.

Why Sing New Music?

Our Modern Music for New Singers anthologies supports the tenet that music is a living, breathing, ever-changing entity. Art songs have always provided a snapshot, or catalogue, of our days. Every century’s music is defined by its historical events, its political or apolitical fervor, and reflects the heart of its people. Through contemporary composition, today’s singers are able to confront the shifting cultural climates and attitudes of society in their music making. Modern Music for New Singers gives today’s musician a mirror of their world, and future centuries’ singers a window to our lives, when our now becomes their past.

Individual art songs by the following composers