Broken

Streams

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.

Welcome in my World. :) 

Tomasz Kowalczyk (March 26, 1990) - composer, pianist, poet. In 2012, Tomasz graduated from the University of J.A Komeński in Leszno in the field of "Artistic education - musical art", and in 2014, the field of "Pedagogy" at the University of Humanities of Stanisław Leszczyński in Leszno. In 2018-2020, he released over 10 music albums in the field of piano, vocal and film music, which are available on streaming portals. Tomasz Kowalczyk composed songs based on  poems by Jan Lechoń and other well known Polish poets. He composes vocal music for the participants and finalists of Voice of Poland or Szansa na Sukces - popular tv music programme. Tomasz made a piano tour of England's historic towns in 2016 and gave concerts in Berlin and in Polish cities, incl. Kraków, Poznań, Leszno, Kościerzyna, Rydzyna. His works have been broadcast, among others in Rmf Classic, Radio Pryzmat, Ciche Radio or Radio Guardian. Tomasz lives in Leszno, where he teaches piano and composes piano, vocal, entertainment and film music. He also accepts composing orders. Tomasz has published 4 books on art and poetry. His works are played by musicians all over the world, incl. by Anna Sutyagina - a world-famous pianist.  Three times a composer of the week on  https://movingclassics.tv one of the biggest sites in the world about contemporary classic piano music. Guest of Teleexpress program in TVP and TVP Katowice. His pieces are played in JAZZ TV.