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Scott Pender is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1961 in the United States. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Pender began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1983. After completing his undergraduate studies, Pender continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Music degree in 1985 and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1990. During his time at the University of Michigan, Pender studied composition with William Bolcom and Leslie Bassett, two prominent American composers. Pender's early works were heavily influenced by the music of his parents, with jazz and classical elements often blending together in his compositions. However, as he continued to develop as a composer, Pender began to explore a wider range of musical styles and techniques. His music became more experimental and avant-garde, incorporating elements of electronic music and soundscapes. One of Pender's most notable works is his 1995 composition "The Book of Imaginary Beings," which was commissioned by the Fromm Music Foundation at Harvard University. The piece is a collection of short movements, each inspired by a different mythical creature from Jorge Luis Borges' book of the same name. The music is highly imaginative and evocative, with Pender using a variety of techniques to create a sense of otherworldliness. Another significant work by Pender is his 2001 composition "The Persistence of Memory," which was commissioned by the American Composers Forum. The piece is a tribute to the surrealist painter Salvador Dali, and the music is inspired by Dali's famous painting of the same name. Pender uses a variety of musical techniques to create a dreamlike atmosphere, with the music shifting between different moods and textures. In addition to his work as a composer, Pender is also a respected music educator. He has taught at a number of universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Florida. Pender is known for his innovative teaching methods, which often incorporate technology and multimedia into the classroom. Overall, Scott Pender is a highly respected composer and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. His music is characterized by its imaginative and experimental nature, and his work continues to inspire and challenge musicians and audiences alike.

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