While inspiration can strike anywhere, and writing music can often be a spontaneous process, I always find my workspace to be an important part of the equation. Since I’m between undergrad and grad school, my workspace here is temporary, but it’s proven to be quite effective in getting the job done. Most of the orchestration work for my Mass has taken place here.

My Temporary Workspace

The desk itself is not so much a desk as it is a six-foot long table. I chose it primarily because of all the space I have to spread things. Oh, and it was the only think we really had. I use an HP Media Center PC (quad-core 2.2 gHz, 8 gigs of ram) on which I’ve installed Windows 7 RC1. Connected are 4 Seagate hard drives (2 internal, 2 external, used as system/personal files/backup/media). And of course, a 22 inch monitor.

As far as sound goes, I’m using a combination of onboard audio (decent) and the M-Audio Micro audio interface, attached to a set of M-Audio AV30 Professional Reference Speakers. These are used primarily for Sibelius 5, with the Sibelius Essentials virtual instruments. Rounding out most of the technology are my wireless keyboard and mouse, PSP, and a laser printer.

Of course, there’s also a collection of more “analog” technology, like my spiral bound score, a post-it note dispenser (say what you will, but one of my best pieces started as an idea on a post-it note), my orchestration textbook, a cup of Dixon Ticonderoga Black pencils (every composer should have a favorite pencil), and a Cross fountain pen.

So yeah, this is what I’m composing on, at least for this week. Have a workspace you’d like to see featured? Send me a picture and description, and you could see it here.

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