Celebrating Morten Lauridsen – Advice to Young Musicians


As a musician, composer and professor, Morten Lauridsen has gained a vast wealth of knowledge over his career. In the second-to-last video of our series, Lauridsen shares some of the advice that he believes is critical to the success of young musicians – and young composers, in particular. Lauridsen discusses the ways in which a composer can find inspiration, make creative allies, and “stay the course” while developing as an artist.


In this revealing series, Lauridsen will discuss his student days at USC, the inspiration he draws from the quiet of his simple retreat on Washington’s Waldron Island, the influence of poetry in his music, and his relationship with USC Thornton, both as a faculty member and three-time alumnus. Lauridsen also offers an intimate glimpse into the creation of some of his most beloved pieces, including “O Magnum Mysterium” and “Sure on this Shining Night.”

To view the full archive of videos, click here.