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Glenn E. Williams

When you listen to Glenn play the piano, artists such as the pioneering George Winston and David Lanz come to mind. Glenn E. Williams plays the piano with emotion and precision that gives life to each melody and breath to the color of harmony. Glenn’s music offers up a sanctuary of sounds and styling for each ear to explore. Interestingly, Glenn began his study of piano at the age of 17. Without the assistance of a teacher or the acquisition of a piano, Glenn began to explore the piano and instruct himself. He would do chores for a widowed neighbor in exchange for practice time on her piano. After cutting the grass or cleaning out some boxes from the basement, Glenn would play the piano for hours while Mrs. Williams, (no relation) would listen relaxed in her pink Victorian chair.

Glenn has always been attracted to the Classics, Romantics and Impressionists even at the young age of twelve. He bought his first LP (record/ vinyl), Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor with Sir Clifford Curzon at the Piano.

Like most adolescence, Glenn was into rock music. The prog-rock groups Yes, Marillion and Genesis, as well as, jazz greats as Chick Corea and Pat Metheny, inspired him. In high school, Glenn played in many rock bands either as a pianist, singer or drummer. Once graduation arrived, Glenn decided to audition for music school. Without any formal training he was accepted to Mansfield University.

Because of his love for music and thirst for knowledge, Glenn continued study with Kathleen Schneider in Philadelphia, and Dr. Carol Aicher of the Manhattan School of Music. These two teachers guided him through a more extensive library of Chopin, Debussy, Haydn, Schoenberg and Copland. They helped him hone his performance skills as a solo artist and instilled a more confident performer.

During his study for a master’s degree in piano, Glenn began recording his original compositions. Some of these compositions range from pop songs to new age and even full-length musicals. After success of his first release in 1994 ‘Picture This’, Glenn began to focus more on piano and ensemble music.

The 1998 release of ‘Another View’ got fantastic reviews. One great review reads, “Dramatic instrumental new age/pop music - piano based, describes Glenn E. William's independent release, "Another View". Here you will find 14 tunes that have such a pronounced melody line that they sound as if they were songs, with lyrics, and these are the instrumental versions - and that is very good. William's piano playing is pure adult contemporary - with tones and phrasing that range from the Love Story Theme, to Elton and Barry chordings - up to the intensity of John Tesh and Yanni - but Williams has a subtlety in his compositions that perhaps is incomparable - using quiet moody pedaling and sometimes XFiles-ish patches that add originality to his instrumental pieces as in the 7th track, "Away". Relaxing and sometimes dark music - sometimes uplifting as in "Real", the mp3'd entire tune here that starts with it's soothing piano intro and moves into a lyrical upper keyboard story that becomes supported by pulsing strings before an entire keyboard orchestra joins the tasteful piano melody. Contemporary instrumental compositions for lovers of unobtrusive evenings.”(Earbuzz.com, 1998) Most of the music is based on the New Jersey coastline, from Stone Harbor to Cape May. The title came from looking at life from another view and appreciating the time we have, and the memories we collect.

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Tags

Primary Instrument

Piano

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Professor of Piano and History at Delaware County Community College. Private Studio $35. half hour or $65 and hour

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Now Where

Self Produced
2009

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