102: Music to a Dancer’s Ears — Damien Simon

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Damien Simon,</span> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">a renowned musical composer, author, and guest lecturer who has written dozens of scores for multiple genres and sizes of groups around the world. Damien is a graduate of the Purchase Conservatory in New York and the University College of Dublin in Ireland. Damien guest lectures at dance conservatories, consulting his audiences on how to best collaborate when creating art. Damien consolidated these lectures into his published book —</span> <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Collaboration-Damien-Simon-ebook/dp/B082ZSPNKY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+collaboration+damien+simon&qid=1614141874&sr=8-1"> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Collaboration</span></em></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">— which seeks to help others create well together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Damien began composing scores for dance and ballet, his music passion found new life. He found himself swept up in the magic of seeing others reacting to his music in a fresh way. However, Damien quickly became aware of the natural friction that occurs between the artists that make the music and the artists that choreograph the dance. On the podcast, Damien shares his experiences producing scores for the stage and shares some key tips on making the most out of every collaboration. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Moving Quotes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"There's a lot of fear with choreographers and artistic directors about working with composers. They're scared it will be a mess. It's the same with composers. It's so easy to overcome that. It's all about communication between the two of you. The more you communicate, the more you get the job done well. And quickly. And leave wanting to do more."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I enjoy using my music as a medium. I see my music. Not only do I hear it. I also see what others get out of it... That's