Dedication

I dedicate this book first and foremost to my students—past, present, and future. It is through their insights and questions that I gain perspective and continually interrogate with the most pressing and important aspect of myself and my art.

I also dedicate this book to the loving memory of my father, composer William Thomas McKinley (1938-2015). His unwavering support and his passion for music was a constant in my upbringing and profoundly influenced my own musical ideas. Many of his thoughts and teachings are reflected, both directly and indirectly, throughout this book.

This book also represents a broad cross-section of my experiences as a composer and musician, and I am deeply grateful to the many teachers and mentors who have guided me along this journey. Their wisdom and support have been invaluable to my growth both musically and personally.

I am also grateful to my musical peers and friends whose encouragement and support have been instrumental in this endeavor.

And lastly, but most certainly not least, I wish to acknowledge my wife, Helen. Her enduring love and support make everything possible, even in light of my own less endearing habits as a composer and musician.