Role

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Composer  

Period

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Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Judith Lynn Stillman is a renowned classical pianist, composer, and educator. She was born on August 20, 1955, in New York City, to a family of musicians. Her father, William Grant Still, was a prominent African American composer, and her mother, Verna Arvey, was a pianist and composer. Growing up in a musical household, Stillman began playing the piano at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Stillman received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School, where she studied with Adele Marcus. She then went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music, where she studied with Claude Frank. She also studied with Maria Curcio in London and with Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Conservatory. Throughout her career, Stillman has performed as a soloist with major orchestras, including the Boston Pops, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and the New York Chamber Symphony. She has also performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. One of Stillman's most notable performances was her debut with the Boston Pops in 1985, where she performed Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" under the baton of John Williams. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and Stillman received rave reviews for her virtuosic playing. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Stillman is also an accomplished chamber musician. She has collaborated with renowned musicians such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Joshua Bell, and clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. Stillman is also a prolific composer, with works ranging from solo piano pieces to orchestral works. Stillman has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1981, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. She was also a finalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1981 and the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition in 1982. In addition to her performing career, Stillman is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island. She is currently a professor of music at Rhode Island College, where she has been on the faculty since 1988. Stillman is also a passionate advocate for music education. She has founded several programs aimed at bringing music education to underserved communities, including the Music for a Great Space program in North Carolina and the Music Bridges program in Rhode Island. In recognition of her contributions to music and education, Stillman has received numerous awards and honors. In 2015, she was awarded the Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts, which recognizes outstanding artists in the state. She was also named a Rhode Island Foundation Fellow in 2016, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the state. In conclusion, Judith Lynn Stillman is a highly accomplished classical pianist, composer, and educator. Her exceptional talent and dedication to music have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She continues to inspire audiences and students alike with her virtuosic playing and commitment to music education.

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