Performer Blogs@Sequenza21.com

Jay C. Batzner is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida where he teaches theory, composition, and technology courses as well as coordinates the composition program. He holds degrees in composition and/or theory from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, the University of Louisville, and the University of Kansas.

Jay's music is primarily focused around instrumental chamber works as well as electroacoustic composition. His music has been recorded on the Capstone, Vox Novus, and Beauport Classical labels and is published by Unsafe Bull Music.

Jay is a sci-fi geek, an amateur banjoist, a home brewer, and juggler.





9/28/2007
Question

Okay, I sent out a score to ERMMedia to see if it would get picked up for one of their CDs. I know other folks who have done it and figured I had nothing to lose. They chose my string quartet for their next disc. That is pretty cool, since I like the piece a lot and I've convinced that it will get a great recording.

Naturally, this is a "pay to play" project in which I contribute a substantial amount of money towards the finished product. I've done CDs like that before, but the amounts were considerably smaller here. The disc will be carried by Naxos and therefore I think the higher costs might be justified. It may be a case of "getting what you pay for." I don't know.

So, I ask the Learned Internet Folks With Opinions About Such Things. Are these CDs for real? I don't mean, "do they exist" but I'm wondering if they accept almost anything as long as the composer pays for it. I'm skeptical. Or this is simply a manifestation of low self esteem? I assumed I wouldn't be selected for the CD, now I have been, therefore something must be wrong with the CD.

What do you all know about this?