James Carl Tenney (1934–2006) was an influential American composer, music theorist, and educator known for his work in experimental music and avant-garde composition. His genre spans contemporary classical, electronic, and microtonal music. Tenney studied under notable composers such as Lukas Foss and Darius Milhaud and was associated with the New York School of composers, which included figures like John Cage. Among his notable works are "Cascando" (1970), a piece that plays with the concept of time in music, and "For Ann (rising)" (1973), which is well-regarded for its exploration of sound and silence. His piece "Having Never Written a Note" (1971) reflects his interest in the relationship between sound and language. Tenney's impact on music extends beyond his compositions; he was a significant figure in the development of microtonality and was influential in the use of computer-generated music. He contributed to music theory through his writings and teachings, inspiring a generation of musicians and composers. His innovative approaches and explorations in sound have left a lasting legacy in contemporary music.