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I took the front off my lovely piano and put a picnic blanket in there between hammers and strings.

This is some improvisation on a felted sound. #feltpiano #composer

My entry for the @spitfireaudio #colossusrescore competition

“A formidable mid career composer, Claire’s creative imagination and flair shine through every project she takes on, whether for stage or screen.” – Laureate Selection Panel

Congratulations to Claire Cowan, composer and multi-instrumentalist – one of eight 2024 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates.

Comment ‘CLAIRE’ to get a link to the full video in your DMs, or head to the link in our bio to learn more about these remarkable artists.
#AFLaureates #NZArtsLaureates #backingthearts

My brand new band! Nightflock!

We have our first gig coming up on July 18, 7pm at the cute little Pitt St Theatre.
Expect the unexpected.

Earlybird tickets via iTicket. Get in quick as this will sell out!

#newmusic #nzmusic #newband #nightflock @nightflocknz

Big news today! Very excited to learn all about opera this year and begin to develop a project of my own also.

So thankful to Nz Opera and the Friedlander Foundation! Let the journey begin…

#opera #nzcomposer #newmusic

Big news today! Very excited to learn all about opera this year and begin to develop a project of my own also.

So thankful to Nz Opera and the Friedlander Foundation! Let the journey begin…

#opera #nzcomposer #newmusic

Big news today! Very excited to learn all about opera this year and begin to develop a project of my own also.

So thankful to Nz Opera and the Friedlander Foundation! Let the journey begin…

#opera #nzcomposer #newmusic

Big news today! Very excited to learn all about opera this year and begin to develop a project of my own also.

So thankful to Nz Opera and the Friedlander Foundation! Let the journey begin…

#opera #nzcomposer #newmusic

Whenever I go quiet for a while it’s because I’m actually writing a whole lot of music! Here’s some very short excerpts of things I’ve written lately. Which is your fav snippet?
1,2,3,4,5?

#filmcomposer #womencomposers #newmusic

Whenever I go quiet for a while it’s because I’m actually writing a whole lot of music! Here’s some very short excerpts of things I’ve written lately. Which is your fav snippet?
1,2,3,4,5?

#filmcomposer #womencomposers #newmusic

Whenever I go quiet for a while it’s because I’m actually writing a whole lot of music! Here’s some very short excerpts of things I’ve written lately. Which is your fav snippet?
1,2,3,4,5?

#filmcomposer #womencomposers #newmusic

Whenever I go quiet for a while it’s because I’m actually writing a whole lot of music! Here’s some very short excerpts of things I’ve written lately. Which is your fav snippet?
1,2,3,4,5?

#filmcomposer #womencomposers #newmusic

Whenever I go quiet for a while it’s because I’m actually writing a whole lot of music! Here’s some very short excerpts of things I’ve written lately. Which is your fav snippet?
1,2,3,4,5?

#filmcomposer #womencomposers #newmusic

Whenever I go quiet for a while it’s because I’m actually writing a whole lot of music! Here’s some very short excerpts of things I’ve written lately. Which is your fav snippet?
1,2,3,4,5?

#filmcomposer #womencomposers #newmusic

Made some music for a demo pitch and thought I’d share a bit of it here as I quite liked it.

#filmscore #femalecomposer #filmcomposer #nzcomposer #nzmusic

Training up my new assistant. Will work for cheese and pats. Any type of cheese. Has a very delicate grinchy touch.

And yes my piano has eyes.

When asked what defines my music - or what is my 'sound' I've always not known how to answer. But in conversations with those who've heard a lot of it, a common referring theme is a sense of wonder or magic.. which I think reflects my own personality and sense of curiosity in the world.

Another element that is present in my music (especially the stuff I record and perform myself) is a sense of the hand-made, the human and the imperfect. Because the most important thing I feel I can do, is connect to other people through my craft. And what is more connecting than exposing my own humanity?

Despite the constant evolution of technology, and the hugely popular and morally questionable AI tools that can write music for you, I do think it comes at an ultimate cost. It is a shortcut to a 'finished product', but, without the struggle, without the proper creative process, would the end result give the same satisfaction to it's creator as it's listener? To use a food analogy, what is the sweet without the salt? Will a store-bought version ever be better than a home-made? Having made home-made marshmallow this week I can answer - nope!!

I'm always wanting to make things with my hands, and this year I'm learning to throw clay on a wheel, upgrading my woodworking skills, and trying to be better at playing the bass. I'm also always experimenting in the kitchen (with my new prized possession, a pink kitchenaid!) The moment I lose my thirst for knowledge, new skills and experiences is the moment you should check to see if I'm ok.

Photo 1 is from a magic trick me and my brother Evan performed at primary school, involving a large painted cardboard refrigerator box, many dowel 'swords' which he shoves right through the box with me in it. This trick was somewhat legendary (I was about 7 or 8 when it happened) and I got asked how it was done my entire primary school years.

Photo 2 is me aged about 6 pretending to play a keyboard whilst on holiday somewhere. Fake it till you make it baby claire.

#composer #handmade #humanmade #analog #magic

When asked what defines my music - or what is my 'sound' I've always not known how to answer. But in conversations with those who've heard a lot of it, a common referring theme is a sense of wonder or magic.. which I think reflects my own personality and sense of curiosity in the world.

Another element that is present in my music (especially the stuff I record and perform myself) is a sense of the hand-made, the human and the imperfect. Because the most important thing I feel I can do, is connect to other people through my craft. And what is more connecting than exposing my own humanity?

Despite the constant evolution of technology, and the hugely popular and morally questionable AI tools that can write music for you, I do think it comes at an ultimate cost. It is a shortcut to a 'finished product', but, without the struggle, without the proper creative process, would the end result give the same satisfaction to it's creator as it's listener? To use a food analogy, what is the sweet without the salt? Will a store-bought version ever be better than a home-made? Having made home-made marshmallow this week I can answer - nope!!

I'm always wanting to make things with my hands, and this year I'm learning to throw clay on a wheel, upgrading my woodworking skills, and trying to be better at playing the bass. I'm also always experimenting in the kitchen (with my new prized possession, a pink kitchenaid!) The moment I lose my thirst for knowledge, new skills and experiences is the moment you should check to see if I'm ok.

Photo 1 is from a magic trick me and my brother Evan performed at primary school, involving a large painted cardboard refrigerator box, many dowel 'swords' which he shoves right through the box with me in it. This trick was somewhat legendary (I was about 7 or 8 when it happened) and I got asked how it was done my entire primary school years.

Photo 2 is me aged about 6 pretending to play a keyboard whilst on holiday somewhere. Fake it till you make it baby claire.

#composer #handmade #humanmade #analog #magic

Digby loves film directors. Especially Alex. @alex_plumbHe could not get enough of his attention while we were trying to work on his latest film - INSULA. 🥰🥰🥰

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

42 and defying gravity.

Had a lovely trip to Rotorua to celebrate. Ended up hanging 30m up over a waterfall which was pretty choice.

Something about tackling my fear of heights head on that gives me a buzz.

Keen for many more adventures this year!

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat

Ten years together ♥️

Three of those married.

I love my life with you A xx @amy_nz

To celebrate we recreated one of our first dates. It ended with fish and chips up a mountain. Also included a bit of op shopping and a movie. All our favourite things!

#gay #love #soulmate #dog #cat