Author

In addition to music, Steven Rosenhaus writes both non-fiction books, articles, and liner notes for recordings, as well as speculative fiction short stories.
 


NON-FICTION

The Concert Composer's Business Handbook

by Steven L. Rosenhaus; published by Rowman & Littlefield

The Concert Composer's Business Handbook is written for composers of original music—mostly or completely within the world of concert or classical music—as a one-stop resource of information on earning income from the music they write. Drawing on a breadth of experience in the professional field, Steven L. Rosenhaus addresses a variety of important topics, including: Copyright, income streams, performing rights organizations, promoting and presenting your music, music publishing, contracts, basics of finances, and more.

“So, you're a composer who knows how to create beautiful music. But do you know what it takes to succeed in the business realm? This book covers all of that and more. Steven L. Rosenhas has done a remarkable job compiling the essential knowledge every composer needs. It's the ultimate resource that should be on every composer's bookshelf!”
— Larry Clark, former vice president, Carl Fischer Music; composer, founder and president, Excelcia Music Publishing

The Concert Composer's Business Handbook fills an important gap in music literature. While countless books explore compositional craft, few address the practical realities of sustaining a career. Rosenhaus's guide is that missing resource, equally valuable to aspiring composers and experienced professionals ... A clear, practical, and encouraging guide, this book is more than a one-time read.
— SBO+ magazine

Writing Musical Theater

by Allen Cohen and Steven L. Rosenhaus; published by Palgrave Macmillan

Writing Musical Theater is a comprehensive guide and reference work by two experienced writers and teachers intended for both beginners and veterans. Part One analyzes the principles and techniques behind the creation of libretto, lyrics, and music, with numerous examples. Part Two is a tutorial that takes you step by step from the initial idea through the early stages of writing the libretto and the score of an adaptation and an original show. Four appendices provide additional information.

5.0 out of 5 stars; Worth Every Penny
"When I bought this book, I didn't understand why it was so expensive. But, having received it and read through it, it is worth the cost. The amount of information contained within this book, as well as the examples of their own process of writing musicals exceeds expectations by a large amount. The book seems small, but the knowledge inside is crazy good.…It is very readable and is explained in a clear and organized manner. If you are an experienced or novice writer of musical theater, there is much to be gained from studying this book."
—Michael Holley on Amazon

About midway through their appealing new book Writing Musical Theater, authors Allen Cohen and Steven L. Rosenhaus set down three principles for writing an effective theater lyric. It must be concise, comprehensible and specific. That struck me as the perfect way to describe this practical guide for beginning and journeymen writers.”
— William Squier on musicalwriters.com

The Concertgoer's Guide to the Symphony Orchestra

by Steven L. Rosenhaus; published by The Music Gifts Company

Whether you’re attending an orchestra concert for the first time or the hundred and first, The Concertgoer's Guide to the Symphony Orchestra will help improve the experience. Everyone is a first-timer at some point, and no matter how many times you go to a concert, you will experience something new every time. You could hear a brand new work or an old favorite done in a fresh way. Some of the musicians, like the conductor or a soloist, may be new to you. No matter what, there is always something to surprise, enlighten, amuse, or just plain have an effect on you at an orchestra concert. Topics include: what you should expect and what is expected of you; programs and how to read them; musical forms; and more!

NOTE: Unfortunately this book is currently out of print. We hope to have it available again in the near future.


Selected Articles by or about Steven L. Rosenhaus

“Thoroughly Modern Mozart & Beyond,” by Patrick Sullivan. Strings magazine, February 2015. An interview with Steven L. Rosenhaus.

“An Introduction to George Perle" by Steven L. Rosenhaus, and "Q & A: Violin Concerto by Steven L. Rosenhaus; Interview by Dave Headlam.” Theory and Practice (MTSNYS), Volume 33.

“The Maze of Editions,” on the variety of music publications. The Instrumentalist magazine, February 2009.

“Tone Poem and Storytelling,” for The Encyclopedia of Storytelling (M.E. Sharpe, publishers), edited by Josepha Sherman.

“Songwriting,” Women and Music in America since 1900: An Encyclopedia (Oryx Press, publishers), edited by Kristine H. Burns.

 


SPECULATIVE FICTION

THE FANS ARE BURIED TALES

Edited by Peter David & Kathleen David; published by Crazy 8 Press

Peter David was known by science fiction and fantasy fans and by fellow writers alike as a "writer's writer." This is the last collection of stories he edited (and contributed to). There are some 38 stories in all, including "The Nitty Gritty" (aka "The Parallel Lives Fan Tale") by Steven L. Rosenhaus. At a science-fiction/fantasy convention a first-time attendee can't seem to get to her room from the hotel bar. She is, ahem, beside herself several times over.

4.0 out of 5 stars: More Fun Than Chaucer!
I loved the concept of this book (fans attending a convention trapped in a hotel due to a snowstorm and telling stories to pass the time) and bought it on that basis alone. As I hoped for, it was a lot of fun!….[O]verall this is an enjoyable read….I had a better time reading this book than I did reading Chaucer!
— “Wred Fright” on Amazon