Composer Daniel J. Kennedy is an Adjunct Lecturer in Theory and Composition at Westfield (MA) State College. A commissioned composer, graduate of Oberlin Conservatory (B.Mus.) and New England Conservatory (M.M. with Hon.), his musical compositions have been performed by the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, the Essex Chamber Music Players, the Florence Camerata, and at the Aspen Music Festival, among others. His Woodwind Quintet is published by Dorn Publications. He conducts "How to Compose" seminars for ages 7 and up.
Daniel's chamber music is designed to be rhythmically and melodically direct, though often harmonically twisted in unexpected and delightful ways. His teachers have included Michael Gandolfi and Michael Daugherty. His teachers' teachers include Arnold Schoenberg (via Richard Hoffmann), Aaron Copland (via Malcolm Peyton), and Nadia Boulanger (via Gil Miranda and Randolph E. Coleman). In his own teaching of music composition, Kennedy stresses music history, particularly 20th century compositional techniques, and demands that each student write from her or his individual voice.