Barry Seroff/Improvised Music Podcast

Barry Seroff was born in Flushing, Queens on July 4th 1978. He earned his Bachelors at the Aaron Copland School of Music where he studied with some of the great minds of the twentieth century; theory with Joe Strauss, composition with Paul Alan Levi, Jeff Nichols, and Bruce Saylor, and musicology with Henry Burnett. At the same time outside of school, he studied classical flute with Michael Laderman and Petina Cole, as well as modern and traditional jazz guitar with Joe Giglio and Bern Nix.
Improvised music developed into one of his deepest musical passions through regular performances at the legendary Knitting Factory with a wide variety of musicians. It was in this setting that his musical voice became clear, especially through performances with guitarist Joe Mapplebeck and drummer Gerry Tuohy. These two players would become his closest musical allies in the form of the improvising ensemble “Little Ricky’s House of Chankletas”. More info on the group can be found at their website; www.myspace.com/littlerickyimprov.
Aside from being an accomplished musician, Barry Seroff has also earned high accolades as a composer. His compositions range from traditional chamber ensembles and orchestras to more modern settings featuring electric guitar and drumset. His collaborations with poet Merry Fortune were performed at St. Marks Church, and eventually led to recordings with legendary guitarist Marc Ribot. He is also the winner of the Hubert Sukoff Award for Composition in 2006, and is currently persuing a Masters in composition at Queens College, as well as performing improvised music in and around NY. Further information can be found at his website; www.barryseroff.com.