Young composers, like their mature counterparts, bring a variety of influences to the scores they produce. These influences often range from pop culture to video game music to film soundtracks to the literature of their school ensembles. While all of these sources have the potential to be effective, few aspiring students seem to have had the opportunity to experience the strongest influences of all—the works of major twentieth and twenty-first century composers. A guided listening list can easily remedy this situation while simultaneously introducing a young person to a previously undiscovered world of sound.

The works below are drawn from a sample list that is by no means comprehensive, but is designed as a starting point. It is recommended that the order be followed with individual compositions excerpted as needed depending upon the age, background and interest of the student(s).

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These compositions can serve as an introduction (again, with individual movements or sections excerpted) for students with little exposure to contemporary classic music.

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These works introduce the major trends in tonal music of the early twentieth century.

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This section may represent the most difficult one for students to get their ears around. Again, carefully excerpted movements and passages can assist in the process.

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These works explore how a seemingly simple approach can lead to music evidencing enormous creativity.

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The use of tonal music filtered through twentieth century techniques serves to illustrate the seemingly boundless imagination of the modern composer.

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Composers exploring contemporary techniques within traditional forms are the focus of this section.

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These works (among many others not listed) serve to demonstrate the wide variety of approaches the contemporary composer has explored and continues to explore.

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Any listing of contemporary works would be incomplete with those influenced by the uniquely American idiom of jazz. While the last two works on the list are not typically found under the "classical" label, their synthesis of modern compositional techniques merits their inclusion.

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As might be ascertained, young composers, again like their mature counterparts, hold strong opinions on their likes and dislikes (!). To that end, it is suggested that the following guide be used when listening to any of the above works for the first time. Again, this can be modified (particularly the terminology) to fit the age and experience of the student.

1. Describe the overall style of the composition in a few words or a brief statement (e.g. lyric, rhythmic, legato, marcato, maestoso, tranquillo, mixtures of _________, etc.):
2. Describe to best of your ability the harmonic vocabulary employed (tonal, non- tonal, modal, etc.):
3. Describe the rhythmic gestures used (traditional, non-traditional, regular, irregular, pulse-oriented or pulse-obscured):
4. Describe the use of sound (colors, clarity, big sounds vs. quiet sounds, etc.)

In formulating their answers, students will be guided towards describing what they hear rather than reacting to their like or dislike of the composition. This will allow them to experience a greater variety of works in an objective way.

Guided listening to the great works of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries can be one of the most effective and exciting ways to introduce young composers to the best of influences. Good luck in opening this fascinating world to them!