BIOGRAPHY

Tanner Walterman (b. 2002) has a deep passion for composing music, viewing it as a powerful medium to express all the nuances of human emotion. He is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition. 

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Tanner's musical journey began with playing piano, where his teacher, Margaret Perry planned each lesson around his interest in composing, or rather, memorized improvisation. When these improvisations started to become promising ideas, he took composition lessons under Keith Allegretti, throughout high school. In college, Tanner continued to hone his skills under the guidance of some of the most respected names in the industry, including Omar Thomas, Sam Lipman, Donald Grantham, Russel Podgorsek and Yevgeniy Sharlat. 

 

Since graduation, Tanner continues to focus on large-ensemble works at varying levels of difficulty and instrumentation. A key feature of his music is its connection with narrative. Drawing inspiration from film scores, Tanner strives to create vivid imagery with deep emotions through his music. He also enjoys writing in complete juxtaposition, employing comedy or irony into a negative emotion.

 

Tanner has achieved a number of milestones, most notably three orchestral premieres with the Austin Symphony Orchestra while still in high school, three premieres with the band program at Vista Ridge High School, two performances with Tarleton State University and a full-length recital of some of his works for band and wind ensemble. Tanner remains deeply grateful for the encouragement and unwavering support of his teachers, family and friends, without whom his achievements would not have been possible.