Are there well-known classical composers who aren't trained on a particular instrument? An acquaintance is a young singer who's interested in composition (mostly for voice), but in talking to him I get the sense that he feels a little inadequate compared to his fellow students who are accomplished on at least one instrument like piano or violin. Can you give me examples of classical composers whose work is respected but who weren't primarily instrumental players? Modern or otherwise. Thanks!
posted by mediareport on Dec 14, 2009 - 14 answers

Where can I find the original Andrews Sisters vocal trio arrangements by Vic Schoen? [more inside]
posted by stewiethegreat on Sep 3, 2009 - 2 answers

I'd like to learn some more comedy songs to sing at the piano along the lines of Hugh Laurie's Mystery. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by chrismear on Apr 20, 2009 - 18 answers

Who is the female Mike Patton? [more inside]
posted by sleevener on Apr 4, 2009 - 42 answers

Help me find a soprano/mezzo solo for an Episcopal Good Friday service! [more inside]
posted by Madamina on Mar 26, 2009 - 10 answers

I like to gripe about Top 40 radio, but I don't have much of a technical music vocabulary. Are there names for the vocal styles of Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, et al.? [more inside]
posted by Beardman on Mar 9, 2009 - 20 answers

Where to find digital hip-hop EP's? I want the backing tracks and vocals split up, but ripping to Ableton Live from my turntables is a pain (and I am having trouble sourcing the records I want). [more inside]
posted by jstef on May 3, 2008 - 4 answers

I'm looking for a definitive list of Tom Waits's spoken word tracks. [more inside]
posted by TheDonF on Jan 12, 2008 - 14 answers

Is there a name for the type of vocal 'whoop'ing that sometimes happens at some dance parties or raves or somesuch, where the audience will all yell out 'whoop' or 'whoop whoop' in time with the music? Bonus cool points for recommending songs that actually have samples of said whooping in them.
posted by geekhorde on May 15, 2006 - 10 answers

I'm looking for suggestions for a vocal duet for a brother and sister to sing for a high school alumni concert. Piano accompaniment or a cappella. [more inside]
posted by harrigton on Jan 5, 2006 - 6 answers