Why I Give to The Frances Clark Center: A Testimonial from Dennis Alexander

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

---

We would like to thank Dennis Alexander for sharing why he gives to The Frances Clark Center. Although #GivingTuesday has concluded, the opportunity to contribute remains open. This special day is just one part of our broader Annual Fund initiative, where every gift helps sustain our vital work. Please consider an additional gift today to help us reach even greater heights: https://pianoinspires.com/donate/.

Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity and honor to teach piano to students of all ages and abilities for over 54 years. When I think back on those days in 1969-70, there were very few resources available to young, aspiring piano performance majors who possessed a desire to teach as well as perform. That’s one reason why I’m so grateful that this void has been filled with the extraordinary work being done by The Frances Clark Center, in addition to the multitude of offerings from the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy—invaluable resources for training our “teachers of tomorrow”!  As a composer of pedagogical materials at all levels, I’m deeply grateful for the recognition that The Frances Clark Center has given me over these many years. I was thrilled to receive the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2015 from The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, and even more honored when my two books of Nocturnes for Piano were selected as the recipient of the 2020 MTNA/Frances Clark Pedagogy Award. Even though I’m no longer composing, I continue my love of teaching all levels of adult students. The Frances Clark Center recognizes young, new composers as well as composers who have been neglected over the years! I am proud to be a supporter of this important organization, and I hope that teachers everywhere will continue to support the expanding mission of The Frances Clark Center in the years to come. — Dennis Alexander 

---

• 
• 
• 
•