"It's a composer's job to master every element of musical storytelling, from harmony, to rhythm, to orchestration, to pacing, to the development of the material," he says. "I want the audience to be with me. I don't aspire to confusion."

Puts' impact extends beyond his compositions; he is also recognized for his dedication to education and mentorship.

Since 2006, he has been a member of the composition faculty at the Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Institute, and will serve as Distinguished Visiting Composer at the Juilliard School this academic year. He will also return to his role as director of the Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute next year.

"My interest in teaching has always been to lightly guide every talented young composer on their journey. I want them to feel confident in their voice, to own it, to not be ashamed of their musical interests no matter what they are," Puts says. "I am interested in craft above all, no matter what the style is."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn