JOSHUA Mcghee
composer AND educator
Joshua McGhee (b.1986) grew up in Fairfield, California and developed an interest in composition in childhood. He graduated from Fairfield High School, where he was an active participant in the music program. He pursued musical studies at Solano Community College, San Jose State University, and California State University East Bay, from which he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Composition. He studied composition with Dr. Pablo Furman and Raphael Hernandez and was mentored by conductor Dr. Wesley Broadnax. Shortly after college graduation, he received his first commission to compose for the African American Composer Initiative and has since composed multiple works for that organization. His compositions include works for piano, chamber ensemble, choir, and symphony. His diverse interests include music for film and commercial purposes, as well as popular music.
McGhee has played a number of instruments including piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet, baritone, trombone, percussion, piano, guitar, mandolin, violin and viola. As a performer, McGhee is most proficient in piano, flute, piccolo, clarinet, trumpet and voice. A dedicated teacher, he has worked with at-risk youth, using music as a means of coping with everyday life struggles, has directed middle school bands and choirs, and has taught privately.
Works by Joshua McGhee(ASCAP) Available Through Jaygayle Music:
Where Freedom Rings (2010) for soprano, violin, violoncello, and piano
Variations on an African American Spiritual (2011) for violin, violoncello, and piano
Elegy for a Child , a tribute to Trayvon Martin (2013) for violin, two celli, and piano
The Color of Love -- in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (2014) for violin, two violoncelli, and piano
Let God Bring Tomorrow (2016) for violin, cello, flute, bassoon, and piano
An American Anthem: A Tribute to African American Heroes (2018) for piano trio and percussion.
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Other pieces by Joshua McGhee, not available through Jaygayle Music, are available through his publishing company, Treble Bass Music Publishing, 8809 La Riviera Dr. Apt. 73, Sacramento, CA 95826.