SMU Mini-Institute for Piano Teachers
SMU Institute for Piano Teachers (formerly National Piano Teachers Institute) is a joint project of the SMU Division of Music, Pender’s Music Co., and regional outreach of the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy. This summer we are pleased to announce a “MINI” version of the Institute featuring Dennis Alexander. It promises to be an inspiring and interactive program including topics of practical interest for the professional independent piano teacher. Dennis Alexander will present a lecture recital, master class, and pedagogy sessions.
Dates: July 18-19
Noncredit Cost: $99.00 (on or before June 1); $129.00 (after June 1)
SMU Institute for Piano Teachers Faculty: Dennis Alexander
Dennis Alexander Since his affiliation with Alfred Publishing Company in 1986 as a composer and clinician, Dennis Alexander has earned an international reputation as one of North America's most prolific and popular composers of educational piano music for students at all levels. Professor Alexander retired from his position at the University of Montana in May 1996 where he taught piano and piano pedagogy for 24 years. Upon moving to California, he has taught privately in addition to serving on the faculties of Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. He currently lives in Albuquerque, NM where he maintains an active composing and touring schedule for Alfred Publishing Company.
Professor Alexander is a native Kansan, having graduated from the University of Kansas where he was a student of Richard Reber. In 1972, he was invited to join the faculty at the University of Montana and served as piano department chair in addition to his teaching duties in applied piano, class piano and piano pedagogy. In 1987, he made his New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall with violinist Walter Olivares and continues to be active as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. He has served as a collaborative artist for numerous internationally recognized soloists, instrumentalists, and chamber groups. A former president of the Montana State Music Teachers Association, he is a popular clinician at state and national music teachers conventions. In 2009, he was invited by MTNA to conduct the intermediate level master class at their national convention in Atlanta. Professor Alexander recently returned from a tour of South Korea and has toured twice to the far East where he performed recitals and workshops in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Over the years, numerous organizations and state associations have commissioned him to write compositions. His "Concertante in G Major" was commissioned by the Montana Music Teachers organization for their state convention, and his 2-piano work, "Fanfare Toccata Rondo" was commissioned by Goshen College. Many of his compositions are included in the National Federation of Music Study Clubs Festival required list and his music is being performed by students throughout the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe. One of Mr. Alexander's most significant contributions to the repertoire is "24 Character Preludes" in all major and minor keys which includes a CD with Dennis Alexander as soloist. He is also a co-author of an exciting and innovative new piano method recently released in June of 2005 entitled "Alfred's Premier Piano Course". His latest collections, called "Especially in Jazzy Style" were released in April, 2010 and feature 3 volumes of jazz style piano solos from early intermediate through late intermediate levels. He was recently commissioned by Music Teachers National Association to compose a piano trio for their 2013 national conference. The New Mexico School of Music is sponsoring the 3rd annual “Dennis Alexander Piano Competition” the first weekend of March, 2013. Mr. Alexander’s personal website (www.dennisalexander.com) has become a favorite with piano teachers and features recordings, videos, teaching tips, and more!
To register for SMU Mini-Istitute for Piano Teachers and pay by credit card (MC and Visa only), go to:
https://nckp.francesclarkcenter.org/nckp/Register/ConferenceSelect
For further information about the SMU Institute for Piano Teachers, contact Sam Holland at sholland@smu.edu; or Richard Rejino at rrejino@penders.com; or call the SMU Music Office at 214-768-1951.