Sonata No.84 Op.9

Thanks for visiting. 
What's new:  Work on my violin sonata is proceeding well.  My new symphony, "Symphony for Chamber Orchestra," is posted and waiting for you.  rjb

Scores and parts for many of my works are available from my publisher Creative Spirit Music Publications. Go to  https://www.creativespiritonline.com and select "Robert John Brooks." There, you can also follow the score while listening to a recording.

My music is fully notated and is intended for live performance by live musicians.

After completing my doctorate in composition in 1979 from UNT, I took 30 years off from composing to join the computer software revolution as a software engineer.  In 2010 I began composing again and have not stopped. So, I find myself beginning (restarting?) a composition career rather late in life...but that's OK.  Most of the works posted here were written since 2010. 

Thanks for visiting.

Eric Schultheiss stands at the vanguard of contemporary composition, forging a unique path that bridges the rhythmic drive of global percussion with the infinite possibilities of digital sound. As a composer, percussionist, and educator, Schultheiss is acclaimed for his hybrid electro-acoustic works—pieces that fuse the organic pulse of drums with orchestral richness and the sonic innovation of modern electronics.

Rooted in a Southern California upbringing steeped in progressive rock, classical discipline, and the improvisational freedom of jazz, Schultheiss draws on a vast tapestry of influences. His music channels the off-kilter accents of Stewart Copeland, the lyrical intensity of Neil Peart, the storytelling depth of Peter Gabriel and Sting, and the progressive artistry of Genesis, Dream Theater, and Spock’s Beard. This synthesis results in compositions that are as intellectually rigorous as they are emotionally evocative.

Currently, as Head of Percussion Studies and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Middle Tennessee Conservatory of Music, Schultheiss is an outspoken advocate for the DAW as a true instrument. In his hands, digital workstations become canvases for sonic experimentation, allowing for real-time orchestration, microscopic precision, and the layering of polyrhythms and timbres that would be impossible with traditional notation alone. He champions technology not as a shortcut, but as an authentic extension of the composer’s voice.

Signature works such as Lights Twinkle—a Christmas percussion-ensemble piece blending Japanese Taiko, harp, and haiku-inspired vocal textures—showcase his ability to unite tradition with innovation. Airidea’s Journal explores the dialogue between structure and freedom through dance-driven percussion and atmospheric synths, while As You Sleep and Terminal Memory reveal Schultheiss’ penchant for ambient soundscapes, introspective melodies, and cross-media collaborations. His compositions have been commissioned for film, dance, and multimedia productions, performed by leading ensembles, and praised for their intricate interplay of rhythm and resonance.

As an educator, Schultheiss is dedicated to shaping musicians who are not only technically skilled but also creatively fluent in both acoustic and digital modalities. At the Middle Tennessee Conservatory, he mentors young composers in hybrid techniques, polyrhythmic structures, and DAW-based workflows, encouraging them to embrace technology as a creative partner. His influence extends beyond the classroom, as he helps students gain visibility in the digital era and equips them to thrive in an evolving musical landscape.

Through his relentless curiosity, innovative spirit, and commitment to artistic growth, Eric Schultheiss is redefining what it means to be a composer in the 21st century. His work is a testament to the power of bridging tradition and technology, and to the limitless frontiers that await those willing to explore them.

I started my musical journey at the age of five, initially composing music with tablature taught by my father. Beginning with the penny whistle and violin, I played in our family band, busking on the streets of Bath.

Our travels across the country inspired compositions like "Road to Wareham." Music became my sanctuary, especially after being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. In college, under mentors such as Dr. Rick Birley, Dr. Richard Hall, and Dr. Julie Trevett, I honed my skills in composition, theory, and piano, transitioning to formal music notation using Sibelius.

Today, I compose for film, video games, and theatre. My music, influenced by my diverse experiences, aims to evoke emotion and tell stories.

Thank you to my followers and listeners for your support. I hope you continue to enjoy and share in my musical journey.

Welcome to my SoundCloud page.  It serves as a jar of sorts, to catch the musical ideas flying around in my head!  My hope is that you find something to listen to that offers encouragement and refreshes your soul.

All music is original with a few exceptions (such as new arrangements of old Christmas songs, etc.).  All music has been composed and performed with absolutely no AI-assistance.  I primarily perform and record on the Yamaha MODX8, with an occasional recording on my older Yamaha Clavinova.  You will also find collaborative works on my page, featuring some other amazing musicians on SoundCloud.

It is a joy to share my music with you, and I hope you enjoy listening!

Sonata No.84 Op.9

Paul Maurice Roche | Composer