Composer of the Month:
Eric Whitacre

This month at Chambers Music Studio, our Composer of the Month scavenger hunt continues!

Each month, students will have the chance to search for a hidden photo of our featured composer somewhere around the studio. If a student finds the hidden composer photo, they can tell the front desk and receive a piece of candy.

Students may receive one prize per month. If a parent prefers no candy, students may choose a sticker instead.

This month’s featured composer is Eric Whitacre, a modern composer, conductor, and creator known for his beautiful choral music and his inspiring Virtual Choir projects.

Who Is Eric Whitacre?

Eric Whitacre is an American composer and conductor who is especially known for writing choral music. Choral music is music written for singers, often with several different voice parts working together at the same time.

He was born in Reno, Nevada, and later studied music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and The Juilliard School.

Whitacre’s music is often described as dreamy, emotional, and full of rich harmonies. Instead of always writing music that feels fast or flashy, he often creates music that feels peaceful, glowing, and deeply expressive.

Some of his well-known pieces include:

Lux Aurumque
Sleep
Cloudburst
Water Night
The Seal Lullaby
October

What Makes His Music Special?

Eric Whitacre’s music is known for its beautiful harmonies.

Harmony happens when different notes sound together. In Whitacre’s music, those harmonies often feel like they are slowly changing color. One chord gently moves into another, creating a sound that can feel calm, mysterious, emotional, or even magical.

For students, his music is a great reminder that music does not always have to be loud or fast to be powerful.

Sometimes music can be powerful because it is still, patient, and full of feeling.

What Is the Virtual Choir?

One of Eric Whitacre’s most famous projects is the Virtual Choir.

Instead of having singers gather in one room, singers from all over the world recorded themselves singing their parts from home. Those videos were then combined into one large online choir performance.

This project helped show that music can connect people even when they are far apart.

It also reminds us that every individual part matters. One singer alone may sound small, but when many voices come together, they can create something beautiful.

That is a wonderful lesson for young musicians at Chambers: your part matters.

Whether you are singing, playing piano, violin, guitar, drums, or another instrument, music becomes stronger when people listen and work together.

What Can Students Learn from Eric Whitacre?

Eric Whitacre’s music teaches students that:

Music can create emotion without words.
Listening is just as important as performing.
Harmony can make music feel colorful and expressive.
Every musician’s part matters.
Music can connect people across the world.
Creativity can happen in both traditional and modern ways.

At Chambers, we love helping students understand that music is not just about playing notes correctly. It is about expression, connection, imagination, and communication.

Eric Whitacre’s music is a beautiful example of that.

Find Eric Whitacre at the Studio!

This month, keep your eyes open around Chambers Music Studio.

Somewhere in the studio, there is a hidden photo of Eric Whitacre. If your student finds it, they can tell the front desk and receive a piece of candy or sticker.

We hope this monthly scavenger hunt helps students learn about important composers, musicians, and musical traditions in a fun and memorable way.

Happy searching!