Ben Tibbetts Studio Home Services Archive Students About Contact Now Store Subscribe
Interview with Ofer Ben-Amots
September 10, 2006
Ofer Ben-Amots is a composer. For information about his work, visit www.oferbenamots.com.
Tibbetts: How long have you composed, and what made you decide to become a composer?
Ben-Amots: I started composing when I was 14. However, serious composition started only at the age of 24. There were several reasons for me to become a composer: When I was 13 or 14 I noticed that I always carry in my head melodies and rhythms that are somewhat my own. I also noticed that these musical ideas do not rest until I write them down on paper. This was a strong sign for me that I may become a composer later in my life. I grew up in Israel and I first wanted to become a pianist and a composer. In 1973 when I was just about to start my studies in the music academy the Yom Kippur War broke out and every young man over 18 was recruited to defend the country. Thus, I spent the three next years in the military service and my dreams to become a concert pianist had to change. During this time of reflection it became clear to me that there is nothing else I want to do with my life other than being a composer.
Tibbetts: What inspires you?
Ben-Amots: Every aspect of life can be inspiring to me: a landscape, a great poetic or literary text, a great musical performance or a handbook of orchestration.
Tibbetts: Of all you have done, what do you consider your best work, and why?
Ben-Amots: It is always my most recent work which I consider my best. Once I am done with a composition (including all corrections and revisions that may take several years) I de-touch myself from the work and leave it to its own fate.
Tibbetts: What is your 'typical day' like?
Ben-Amots: I am a college professor and in the months that I teach I do not compose. I spend time mostly corresponding or editing and publishing my music. In the months in which I do not have to teach I try to focus solely on composition and I give it my entire energy. When I compose I have my own routine: usually I spend 10-15 minutes in great concentration followed by 20-30 minutes of recovering by taking a walk, having a cup of coffee or just relaxing. Then I am ready for the next 10-15 minutes of concentrated work, and so on for as many hours as I can go.
Tibbetts: Do you have any words of wisdom to offer to aspiring composers and musicians?
Ben-Amots: It is always better to work with friends who appreciate your music. That's why you should befriend great rather than mediocre performers. Never send unsolicited scores to orchestras or performers who do not know you. Instead send your works to competitions where a call for scores is announced. Finally, be patient: Mozart started studying serious counterpoint when he was 4 y.o. and at 14 he wrote his first serious symphony. If it took Mozart 10 years for mortals like us it might take 12-15 to find our own musical voice.
Ben Tibbetts Studio Home Services Archive Students About Contact Now Store Subscribe
   |
Copyright © 2006-2023 Ben Tibbetts
change log