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Composer  

 

Skip La Plante is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born in 1944 in New York City, La Plante grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a composer and his mother was a painter, and they encouraged him to pursue his passion for music from a young age. La Plante began his musical journey by learning to play the piano, but he soon became interested in other instruments as well. He taught himself to play the accordion, the guitar, and the banjo, and he also began experimenting with unconventional instruments like the saw, the bicycle wheel, and the waterphone. In the 1960s, La Plante became involved in the avant-garde music scene in New York City. He joined the group Musica Elettronica Viva, which was known for its experimental approach to music-making. La Plante also became interested in the concept of "found sound," which involves using everyday objects and sounds as musical instruments. In 1970, La Plante co-founded the group Music for Homemade Instruments, which was dedicated to creating music using instruments made from found objects. The group performed at venues around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Berlin Jazz Festival. La Plante's work with Music for Homemade Instruments led to collaborations with other musicians and artists. He worked with choreographer Merce Cunningham on several dance productions, including "RainForest" and "Sounddance." He also collaborated with composer John Cage on a number of projects, including the piece "Branches." Throughout his career, La Plante has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1982, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for his work in music composition. He has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. La Plante's music has been featured in a number of films and television shows, including "The Sopranos" and "The Simpsons." He has also released several albums of his own music, including "Music for Homemade Instruments" and "New Music for Old Instruments." Today, La Plante continues to be an active musician and composer. He teaches music at the New School in New York City and performs regularly with his group, Music for Homemade Instruments. His innovative approach to music-making has inspired countless musicians and artists around the world, and his contributions to the world of classical music will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

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