Crossroads School will present Richard Grayson’s annual piano improvisation recital on Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m. at its Roth Hall, the school announced today.
Grayson joined the music faculty of Crossroads School in 2001 after retiring from Occidental College where he taught for 32 years.
He has made a specialty of classical improvisation, taking themes on the spot and creating
pieces in styles ranging from the Baroque period through the 20th century.
In recent years, Grayson has invited people to bring their cell phones to submit ring tone themes. The concert is free and open to the public.
Richard Grayson received his Ph.D. in composition from UCLA, and taught on the music faculty of Occidental College from 1969 until he retired in 2001.
Since 1980 Richard has given concerts and seminars for the Yamaha Music Education Foundation, and has been invited to Japan many times to perform and teach. Recent trips also included performances in Taiwan and the Shanghai and Xinghai Conservatories in China.
Richard has also been featured at National Piano Pedagogy and MTAC conferences. Excerpts from concerts performed In the US and Asia, including several at Crossroads.
Crossroads School is located at 1714 21st Street, Santa Monica.