Joan Tower

I just stumbled upon her very recently. She is a contemporary composer that I had not heard anything about, but when I listened to her music it was really really good.

Check out the pieces Wild Purple and No Longer Very Clear

I couldn't find any well recorded youtube videos, maybe someone can help me out.

Here's one but it's really tinny. YouTube - Paul Barnes plays Joan Tower

Also, here's an interesting little diatribe of hers YouTube - The Importance of New Music

Joan Tower is a very interesting personality. I would LOVE to study with her, but she only teaches at Bard College (which doesn't really have a masters program for Comp )

Also listen to her piece, Wings.

"You go girl", lawl

I love her. Shes coming to Baltimore in June and is doing an interview in the Baltimore Symphonies Orchestra's Compoer in Conversation series. Her Concerto for Orchestra is being played with Beethoven's 9th that same week. I'm really excited.

I'd just like to also say how happy these videos make me

I agree, I'm pretty much in love with her Orchestra piece, Made in America.
She has taught me a lot through her videos.