“Undeniably well-crafted and communicative.”

– Miami Herald

Concert music for wind band, orchestra, chamber groups, voice, and more

Steve Danyew is an award-winning American composer and educator based in Rochester, NY.

Danyew’s music has been described as “startlingly beautiful” by the Miami Herald and possessing “sensitivity, skill and tremendous sophistication” by the Kansas City Independent.

His compositions have been performed throughout the world in venues such as the Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the steps of the US Capitol.

In addition to composing, Danyew is a dedicated educator. He teaches copyright and licensing for musicians at Eastman School of Music’s Institute for Music Leadership and mentors students through his private composition studio.

New Releases

From my writing desk—

Explore new pieces for wind band, orchestra, chamber groups, voice, and more

Store

Quick View

Grade 2

This piece reflects both on the next chapter of our lives after retirement, and the vastness of space beyond our planet. Some scientists believe that there may be another planet in our solar system, far beyond Pluto. This intriguing idea led me to imagine music that is a bit otherworldly, mysterious, and exciting.

Quick View

Grade 4/4.5

This piece is inspired by the stunning photographs of deep space taken by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Quick View

Grade 4

A lyrical exploration of harmonies, motives, and melodies from Robert Schumann’s art song Nachtlied (Op. 96 No. 1).

Quick View

Grade 3

This piece depicts travels along a quiet New England road. A companion piece to Aaron Copland's Down a Country Lane.

Quick View

Grade 5 Wind Band

A 2-minute fanfare written in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Eastman School of Music. Also available for brass ensemble.

And the Cities Rise Like Dreams (Choir + Wind Ensemble)

Quick View

Grade 5

A work for large choir and wind ensemble that uses the metaphor of a sunrise to evoke the rise of the American West. Commissioned by the University of Nevada, Reno in celebration of its 150th anniversary.

Lamentation for Euphonium and Wind Ensemble

Quick View

Grade 5

Lamentation for Euphonium and Wind Ensemble is a reflective lament written in memory of euphoniumist Isaiah Ray.

Quick View

A set of three piano preludes, each based on a beautiful place: Garrett Chapel in the finger lakes of Western New York; Rockingham Meeting House in the green mountains of Vermont; Parrocchia San Martino in Ispra, Italy.

Quick View

A suite of four-movements inspired by scenes from the Veneto region of Italy.

Looking for personalized feedback on your work or a mentor to walk with you through your next piece? Let’s work together.

Schedule a free consult >>

Schedule a Virtual Composition Lesson

Whether it’s a dress rehearsal & concert or a multi-day event, let’s work together to create something meaningful and memorable for your students.

Let’s plan a residency >>

Book a Composition Residency This Year

Explore All Music in the Catalog

LOOKING TO COMMISSION A NEW PIECE?

Commission a new work, written for you and enjoyed by countless generations of musicians and audiences. Explore the process and start the conversation →

Steve Danyew - Etude Composition Project Toolkit

Compose your own original etude.

Give your high school or college students a hands-on introduction to composition. My free Etude Composition Project toolkit guides them through the process, from first idea to finished etude, in just 4 weeks.

FREE RESOURCE

Download your free toolkit

Featured

Centennial Medalist - Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

In April, I had a wonderful visit to my alma mater, the University of Miami. I was incredibly honored to be chosen as one of 100 alumni Centennial Medalists for the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.

Read More →

Wrapping Up Work on "Branches" for fivebyfive

This piece is inspired by the quantum mechanics theory known as "many worlds," which suggests that each choice we make creates two new branches of reality happening simultaneously.

Read More →

Residency Recap: University of Central Arkansas

Just before Thanksgiving, I visited the University of Central Arkansas where my good friend Michael Hancock and the Wind Ensemble were recording Fantasia on a Theme of Robert Schumann.

Read More →