Scott Sandvik’s guitar playing is influenced by his experiences composing classical music. He composed sixteen works for various instruments from 1977-1995, many of which have been performed throughout the Greater Boston area by groups such as the Boston Microtonal Society. From 1979-1986, Sandvik learned the craft of composing atonal and polytonal polyphony in his private studies with Dr. Avram David. Sandvik then went on to apply the polyphonic approach to the 72-note microtonal scale that he learned from Joe Maneri when Sandvik took his class at New England Conservatory in 1987-88. Most of his compositions from 1988-1995 use the 72-note tuning system. The Akron University Symphony Orchestra performed Sandvik’s Gravity and Weightlessness in 1992. He was a resident at the Millay Colony for the Arts in 1994.

Sandvik treats the guitar as a miniature orchestra and, in his performances, works with melodies in ways that include processes borrowed from composition like thematic variation, counterpoint and harmony.

A list of his concert works from 1977-1995 are available by for download at the top of this page. Recordings are available of those pieces for which live performances are indicated.

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