Although trained in the classical idiom, Speach is equally rooted in jazz, and in the latter vein includes room for aleatory elements in her compositions, ranging from solo and chamber to orchestral and vocal/choral works.
Notable performers of her work include the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra under Lukas Foss, the Absolute Chamber Orchestra under Kristjan Järvi, pianist Ursula Oppens, saxophonist Oliver Lake, Duo Avanzando, pianist Anthony de Mare, the Soldier String Quartet, soprano Joan LaBarbara, Arditti String Quartet, and cellist Frances-Marie Uitti.
She is also a seasoned improviser—sharing performances with her husband, guitarist/composer Jeffrey Schanzer and poet Thulani Davis, among others—and as pianist is regarded for her interpretations of the keyboard repertoire of John Cage, including In a landscape and his pieces for toy piano.
She continues to vitalize the northeastern United States music scene through her multiple roles as fundraiser, presenter, and educator, seeking new relationships between sounds and their interpreters.
Pillars (2017) altrove/elsewhere (2012) after sunrise (2011) In and Out of Love (2010) TreeSing (2007) A Set of Three (2005) Only/Solimente (2003/04) Embrace the Universe (2001) Viola (1999) Anne (1998) Parallel Windows – Unframed (1996) When It Rains, Llueve (1995) Angels in the Snow (1993) Avanzando (1993) Chosen Voices (1991) 9/8/89 (1990) Within (1990) les ondes pour quatre (1988) Shattered Glass (1986) Meditations: Abandon All Hope of Fruition (2004) Meditations: Kundun and The Womb of Buddha (2002) Meditations: Upriver Sea Islands from The Translator and Womb of Buddha (2001) Passages and Outtakes (2000) Woman Without Adornment (1995) Baobab 4 (1994) Telepathy Suite (1986–87) Debabelized Brook (2004) Hell’s Gate (2004) Toy Rings (2002) Glove Quartet (2002) Lago (1999) Outside In (1996) at the same time (1993) Sound Crowds (1990) It’s Your Turn (1990) 3-1/2 (1990) Blue (1989) Phill’s Phault (1988) Two in the Morning (1986) Liaisons: Re-imagining Sondheim from the Piano (ECM 2470-72, 2015) Reflections Archived 2019-09-19 at the Wayback Machine (Mode 105, 2002) Dualities (Mode/Avant 02, 1992) Without Borders Archived 2019-08-30 at the Wayback Machine (Mode 16, 1989)