A new Arts Council of Princeton faculty member, Mr. Mowitz is the director of Chamber Music for the Strings Music Festival held annually at Bryn Mawr, featuring students ranging from 10 to 29 and members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has been composer in residence at the Special Music School in New York, where he was commissioned to write a new work for the re-opening of Merkin Concert Hall. Local audences know him from his work with the Princeton High School Orchestra and the multi-media piece he wrote for the gala opening of the PHS Performing Arts Center in 2007, "Great Gala Groove."

"Most people are musical and possess a fine sense of rhythm," said Mr. Mowitz. "All too often, though, upon first encountering traditional music education, they become intimidated, or worse, discouraged, and lead the rest of their lives as musical wannabes." In his December 15 program, he offered insights into the creative process through performances by his string quartet and an accompanying discussion of his teaching philosophy.

"I can't guarantee that our workshop participants will end up writing a symphony, string quartet, or Broadway show," added Mr. Mowitz. "But at the very least they should come away from the course with some tangible musical skills and a far better understanding of the creative process."