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Romantic

 

 

Modern

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Leigh Howard Stevens is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of percussion. Born on August 5, 1953, in Johnson City, Tennessee, Stevens grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a singer. From a young age, Stevens showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. However, it was not until he was in high school that he discovered his passion for percussion. Stevens attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied percussion under the tutelage of John Beck. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1975 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the University of Miami. During his time at the University of Miami, Stevens studied with Ney Rosauro, a renowned Brazilian percussionist, and developed a deep appreciation for the music of Brazil. After completing his studies, Stevens began his career as a percussionist, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. In 1980, he joined the faculty of the University of Oklahoma, where he taught percussion for 18 years. During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Stevens became known for his innovative approach to percussion pedagogy, which emphasized the use of four-mallet technique on the marimba. Stevens' contributions to the world of percussion were recognized in 1993 when he was awarded the prestigious Percussive Arts Society Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of percussion over the course of their careers. Stevens was the youngest person ever to receive this award, and it cemented his reputation as one of the most influential percussionists of his generation. Throughout his career, Stevens has performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with many of the world's leading composers, including John Cage, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. One of the highlights of Stevens' career was his performance of Steve Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1998. This performance was widely acclaimed and helped to cement Stevens' reputation as one of the world's leading percussionists. In addition to his work as a performer, Stevens has also made significant contributions to percussion pedagogy. He has written several books on percussion technique, including "Method of Movement for Marimba" and "Fundamental Solos for Mallets." These books have become standard texts in percussion education and have helped to shape the way that percussion is taught around the world. Stevens' innovative approach to percussion pedagogy has also led to the development of several new instruments. In 1989, he collaborated with the instrument maker Malletech to develop the Stevens marimba, which is designed specifically for four-mallet technique. This instrument has become widely used in percussion education and has helped to revolutionize the way that the marimba is played. In addition to his work as a performer and educator, Stevens has also been involved in the development of new music.

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