PULLMAN — Students of WSU’s Piano Pedagogy Lab School (PPLS) will perform a recital of works by guest composer and clinician Dennis Alexander at the Festival of Contemporary Art Music (FoCAM) at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 in Kimbrough Concert Hall.
Alexander is one of North America’s most prolific and popular composers of educational piano music for students of all ages. A native Kansan and University of Kansas graduate, he joined the faculty at the University of Montana in 1972, where he served as piano department chair and taught piano pedagogy for 24 years.
In 1987, Alexander made his New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall with violinist Walter Olivares, and he continues to be active as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician, in addition to his work as a commissioned composer.
Alfred Publishing Company released Alexander’s innovative piano method entitled “Alfred’s Premier Piano Course” in 2005. His latest collection, “Especially for Adults,” was released in 2007.
The PPLS offers private and class piano lessons to community students of all ages and skill levels taught by qualified undergraduate, graduate and faculty piano teachers. Students have the opportunity to participate in master classes, recitals, festivals and adjudicated events throughout the year in addition to receiving weekly instruction from their teachers.
FoCAM is an annual event celebrating contemporary classical music and showcasing new original compositions by students, faculty and guest artists. The 2009 festival will be held Feb. 5-7 on the WSU Pullman campus.
As part of this year’s festival the PPLS will be conducting workshops in area schools on Feb. 6, and Alexander will be conducting a master class and clinic on Feb. 7.
