PAUL M. HELFRICH is an educator and eclectic postmodern composer experienced in a wide variety of styles. He has written for chamber groups, symphonic wind ensemble, full orchestra, show musicals, science museum exhibits, educational shows/videos, short films, and modern dance groups. His main instruments are piano, flute, and synthesizers.

Paul studied classical and electronic music in the 1970s at Penn State University with Burt Fenner and in the 1980s at Temple University with Clifford Taylor, Harvey Solberger, and Maurice Wright. His main influences are the six B’s – Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Bartok, Bernstein, and the Beatles.

Additional sources include Wagner, Debussy, Ravel, Stravinsky, Hindemith, Copland, Cage, Partch, Karel Husa, Yes, Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Kansas, Genesis, Styx, King Crimson, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Frank Zappa, Wendy Carlos, Isao Tomita, Richard Burmer.

His most recent work includes music composition, arrangement, and production for the educational and entertaining musical dramedies Hildegard! (2018), Magnifico! (2019), and American Creed (2020). Helfrich lives in Topanga Canyon with his longtime partner and collaborator, Joanne K. Helfrich.

American Creed (2020)

A Middle School musical based on the “treasured principles” that founded the USA. Book and Lyrics by Joanne Helfrich, Music by Paul Helfrich.

Magnifico! The Musical (2019)

A Middle School musical based on Lorenzo de’ Medici & the Birth of the Renaissance. Book and Lyrics by Joanne Helfrich, Music by Paul Helfrich.

Hildegard! The Musical (2018)

A Middle School musical based on the life of Hildegard von Bingen, 12th Century nun, feminist, visionary, social activist, author, composer, philosopher, scientist, healer, saint, founder of monasteries, and Doctor of the Church. Book and Lyrics by Joanne Helfrich, Music by Paul Helfrich.
 

Mindscapes (2003)

From the sublime to the ridiculous, the sacred to the profane, Mindscapes are a collection of electronic, techno, ambient instrumentals that mirror the boundless world of dreams and the soul.
 

Download Free MP3s (1978-2020)

Various neoclassically infused pieces from the early days scored for various acoustic instruments, including synth-based pieces.