One Drop Contains Oceans is a commissioning project designed to promote new and accessible repertoire composed by early to middle career American-identifying composers. Each composer was asked to write a piece reflecting their own background, life experience, or musical voice. The music did not need to follow an overarching project theme, but it did need to be playable by an undergraduate piano student.

The result is a collection of ten unique pieces from a diverse range of composers. Seven are composed for solo piano, while three are include previously recorded electronics, inviting pianists to explore the world of electroacoustic music. The styles, themes, and content vary widely, but the music is unified in its individuality, its sense of time and place. All ten pieces are approachable for both pianist and audience and are available as of May 2nd, 2025, for purchase.

This project is made possible by the generous support of South Dakota State University’s Division of Research and Economic Development, the South Dakota Arts Council with support from the National Endowment of the Arts, the Griffith Foundation, the Music Teachers National Association, and the South Dakota Music Teachers Association.

Experience the premiere Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at South Dakota State University’s Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, or streaming online.