Recorder Composing/Arranging Masterclasses to be held in 2026

Have you ever been interested in composing or arranging recorder music for your local chapter or other groups to play? This spring, the ARS is providing a special opportunity to gain some first-hand knowledge about the process from our 2026 Play-the-Recorder-Month commissioned composer, David Hurd!

In the first of a series of two hybrid masterclasses, Maestro Hurd (pictured at right) will provide important information and tools for those interested in starting to write music for the recorder, including key technical and artistic considerations, as well as exposure to some of the finest examples of the genre. Participants will then be encouraged to try their own hand at it. Works for recorder and harpsichord will be accepted as well.

In the second, Maestro will take drafts of new works by aspiring recorder composers, and provide helpful and encouraging feedback. Selected works will also be considered for inclusion in the ARS Digital Music Library.

As these classes are in-person as well as remote, the opportunity exists for both live performances of new works, as well as the sharing of digital recordings. Both classes will be held in the beautiful and acoustically perfect Actors Chapel of St. Malachy’s church in Manhattan, immediately following the popular Gotham Early Music Scene’s Midtown Concerts. Recorder players in the New York area are highly encouraged to attend these free events!

What: Recorder Composing & Arranging Masterclasses with David Hurd
When: February 5 & April 9 (both Thursdays) @ 2:30pm
Where: The Actors’ Chapel in St. Malachy’s Church, 239 W. 49th Street, New York, NY 10019. Also online (ARS will provide Zoom link upon registration).

Questions? Please contact Jamie Allen at jamieamericanrecorder@gmail.com

Registration will be available shortly.