John McGuire

Full biography John McGuire

John McGuire was an American composer known for his unique style of minimalist music. He was born on July 27, 1942, in Los Angeles, California and started his music career when he was young. McGuire began composing while he was still in college, and his principal composition teachers were Robert Gross at Occidental College and Ingolf Dahl at the University of Southern California.

McGuire's music is characterized by its sparse textures , repetitive patterns, and subtle changes in dynamics and timbre. He is best known for his Pulse Music series, which was composed between 1975 and 1979. The series blurred the lines between popular and experimental music, drawing influences from rock, jazz, and classical music.

In addition to being a composer, McGuire was also a musician and teacher. He taught music at various institutions, including the California Institute of the Arts and Mills College in Oakland, California. He also worked as a freelance musician, performing with various ensembles and musicians.

McGuire's work has been performed by numerous musicians and ensembles, including the Bang on a Can All-Stars, the Arditti Quartet, and the San Francisco Symphony. His music has been featured on several recordings, including the Edition RZ release of his Pulse Music series.

McGuire passed away on December 26, 2019, at the age of 77. However, his music continues to inspire and influence a new generation of composers and performers.