John Newell was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1949. His earliest musical training was in piano. He attended Duke University, pursuing studies in composition (with Iain Hamilton), piano (with Loren Withers) and conducting (with Allan Bone); he graduated summa cum laude in 1971.

John attended California Institute of the Arts (1971-1973), earning an M.F.A. in composition and performance. His primary teacher at CalArts was composer Mel Powell. John completed his formal training at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he studied with Morton Feldman. While in Buffalo he held the first Edgard Varese Fellowship in composition, and completed his Ph.D. in composition in 1979. He also studied with pianist Yvar Mikhashoff and completed another M.F.A. during those years. For a more in depth discussion on John’s training see a recent post at his blog. 

John is what you might term a contemporary classical composer. Like many composers today he draws from a variety of musical traditions. His objective is to create works that reflect his personal sensibility, that arise from his spiritual journey and response to the world. He finds inspiration in the beauty and wonder of nature, in poetic and visual imagery, and in what he learns from the world's sacred traditions. 

John is equally at home composing for vocal ensembles, chamber groups and orchestra. His recent works include a set of chants and mantras for vocal solo, a choral work for the Advent season, three preludes for flute and a string quartet. As an experienced performer he very much enjoys the process of working with musicians who have an interest in presenting new works, and welcomes inquiries about opportunities for collaboration.

Organizations that have commissioned works include the Atlantic Sinfonietta and The Bowery Ensemble (New York), the Enid Symphony Orchestra (Oklahoma), Monday Evening Concerts (Los Angeles), as well as amateur groups such as the Gateway Regional High School Choir (Huntington, Massachusetts). His work has received support from the American Music Center, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Meet the Composer. His works are self-published through Abierto Music.

As a pianist and conductor John’s particular interest has been in the modern repertoire, and he has participated in a number of premiere performances.

After completing graduate school he moved to Western Massachusetts. For three years John directed the choral program at Mt. Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown. He has also taught piano, composition and music theory privately, at the Berkshire Music School and as adjunct faculty at Berkshire Community College. For over 20 years John was organist and music director for the Congregational Church of Worthington, Massachusetts. He currently is music director for St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Machias, Maine.

In 2003 John performed the solo part in the premiere of his Concerto for Piano & Orchestra with the Enid Symphony Orchestra, conducted by his brother, Douglas Newell. In 2009 he presented a concert of his works in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The program highlighted a number of his vocal, choral and solo instrumental works, composed from 1981 - 2009.

John’s former day job was Manager of Training and Professional Development for Berkshire Life Insurance Company. He developed and directed a host of training programs in insurance products, sales and management skills. He also recently served as Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Berkshire Music School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

John and his wife Linda Courtney live in Lubec, Maine. They are very thankful to be living in such a beautiful part of this world.