Current Composition Grant Recipients

Jacob Groff
2007-2008 Grant Recipient

Born 1975 in Hartford, Connecticut, Mr. Groff received his Bachelor of Music degree in music composition from the University of Oregon and his Master's degree in music composition from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. He has studied with composers Robert Kyr, Jack Boss, and Joel Phillips.

Mr. Groff is sought after for his choral, vocal and chamber music. His works have been performed across the country, in both private and public venues. In 2007 he was commissioned to write two pieces for the professional choir Voce based in Hartford, CT. Other commissions include solo works for flutist Lisa Plasse and soprano Annette Stowe.

As a singer, Mr. Groff has performed with the University of Oregon's ACCA award winning On The Rocks, Sing We Enchanted in Westchester NY, and Westminster Williamson Voices conducted by James Jordan. In 2005 he was a backup singer for the Andrea Bocelli Royal Christmas Tour.

Mr. Groff is published by Santa Barbara Music. His new CD "Evolve" is available through CDbaby.com.

Mr Groff currently resides in Mahwah, NJ where he maintains a private teaching studio.

Neal Kirkwood
2007-2008 Grant Recipient

Neal Kirkwood is a composer and pianist, bandleader and arranger for the Neal Kirkwood Octet, the Chromatic Persuaders, and the Discovery Orchestra. Mr. Kirkwood’s works include compositions for jazz orchestra, jazz octet, symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, and voice. He has been awarded numerous commissions, including the New York State Music Fund for “Village Songs” for Children’s Chorus and Jazz Ensemble, a New York State Council on the Arts Commission for “the Future of Futurism” for jazz orchestra, and has composed many scores for theater and dance productions. He holds a master’s degree in composition from Mannes College of Music, where he studied with Charles Jones.

He has performed and recorded with Pony Poindexter, Lindsey Horner, Mike Clark, Bobby Previte, Mark Feldman, and Michel Hermon. In the theater he has worked Jim Neu, Ralph Lee, Joseph Chaikin, Anne Bogart, the Talking Band, Otrabanda Company, and Louise Smith.