DEVIN FARNEY - COMPOSER/PIANIST

Bachelors of Music, Composition (2006)
University of the Pacific
Primary Instructors: Francois Rose (composition), Robert Coburn (composition), Frank Wiens (piano)

Masters of Music, Composition (2009)
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Primary Instructor: Dan Becker

Devin Farney (b. 1983) is a composer/pianist based out of California. He primarily focuses on composition and has had works commissioned and premiered in the United States, France, and Japan, but is additionally a pianist versed in various styles. He is also a music arranger and editor who has worked with composers such as Terry Riley, Glen Roven, Arthur Kampela, and many others.

Devin's works have received several notable recognizations and awards, including a performance at the 2008 Fresno New Music Festival and honorable mentions at the Minnesota Orchestra's Composer Institute (2007 and 2008), the ZMF New Music For Marimba Competition (2008), and the ANALOG Iron Composer Competition (2009). His music has also been featured by the American Viola Society. Devin is a member of the academic honors society Phi Kappa Phi and of the music honors society Pi Kappa Lambda. He is a Presser Scholar (2005) and was recognized by Who's Who in American Universities (2006).

Devin has attended several international music festivals, including the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, France and the biannual international new music festival held in Darmstadt, Germany, where he attended lectures and seminars given by composers including Helmut Lachenmann and Toshio Hosokawa. During this time Devin had the opportunity to have private lessons with European composers Francois Paris, Allain Gaussin, and Louis Andriessen.

Devin's piano studies have included a wide scope of classical composers. He is also a skilled jazz and rock/pop pianist who has vast experience playing group and solo performances.