AND NOW: A WORD FROM OUR FRIENDS

Lecture Series

After an impressive series of three lectures in the fall of 2022 by visiting professor Jeremy Jordan – mixing Wagnerian transcriptions, piano technique and improvisational practice techniques – we are launching a new annual lecture series, aiming to shine a light on regional artists and their artistic vision.

Ron Thomas (b. 1942) Composer and Jazz Pianist

Ron is recognized for the scope and breadth of his influences and interests. Ron entered the Manhattan School of Music in 1959 where he studied composition with Vittorio Gianinni, Nicolas Flagello, and Ludmila Ulehla. He studied with Karlheinz Stockhausen in the Spring of 1964 at the University of Pennsylvania. He studied (Jazz) with Art Murphy and Roland Hanna. Ron is grateful for the friendship and influence of John Cage and Herbie Hancock. He studied composition with Stefan Wolpe and Raoul Pleskow at C. W. Post College where he received his Master’s degree in 1970. In 1972 Ron recorded with Pat Martino (Pat Martino Live!) and Eric Kloss (One, Two, Free). He has an extensive catalog of his own projects found in the Vectordisc and Art of Life Records catalog.

All lectures will take place in the Ware Family Recital Hall, Swope Music Building. Please RSVP to musicinfo@wcupa.edu to obtain a parking pass via email.

October 13, 12:00 PM

ABSOLUTE MUSIC THEORY (CRAFTSMANSHIP)

December 1, 12:00 PM

MUSIC HISTORY IS AN ILLUSION (PERSPECTIVE)

February 23, 12:00 PM

THE IDEA OF MUSIC* (PERCEPTION)

*AT THE PIANO (MAKING MUSIC IN REAL TIME)