The Lowdown

Composer/guitarist Jay Derderian’s body of work has developed into a diverse and eclectic sound world, and to date has compiled a catalog of compositions that includes film music, incidental music, chamber, electronic, electro-acoustic, solo, and symphonic pieces. Jay strives to remove the stigma of elitism of the classical concert hall and make “post-classical” music accessible and relevant to modern culture and society. Jay cites his influences as John Corigliano, Witold Lutoslawski, Tan Dun, Brian Carrol, and Mark Z. Danielewski, among others.

Jay completed his undergraduate work in composition at Portland State University where he studied with Dr. Brad Hansen and Dr. Bonnie Miksch. Jay recently completed his Masters of Science in Music at PSU, during which he studied composition with Bryan Johanson.

Jay’s music has been performed all over Oregon. He has received commissions from The Portland Art Institute, Bus Stop Opera, and collaborated with New York-based artist Scott Wayne Indiana on the “album in a day” project, where a full length CD of 12 tracks was written, rehearsed and recorded in 8 hours, all using musicians who have never met or played with each other before.

Jay’s music has been performed by the Portland State New Music Ensemble, Cascadia Composers, Portland New Music Society, Bus Stop Opera, Portland Classical Revolution and has had his music featured in the Monmouth New Music festival,Portland International Piano Festival, the College Music Society, Portland Classical Revolution and the Think Lincoln Concert Series. He is actively involved in a number of new music groups in Portland including Portland New Music Society, Portland Classical Revolution, and Cascadia Composers. All of these organizations are devoted to the performance and promotion of new music in the community and abroad.