J. R. Spencer

J R. Spencer received a double emphasis Master and Bachelor of Music in piano and vocal performance from California State University, Fullerton (1995, 1992), a performance degree in Harpsichord from Royal Academy of Music, University of Victoria, B. C. (1989) and is a fellowship London College of Music Exams coach in piano, voice, strings and musicology/theory.

As a pianist/vocalist Mr. Spencer has entertained for jazz clubs, resorts, and cruise lines throughout the US, Canada, and Caribbean. His favorite genres of performance in jazz include: Cool Jazz, Brazilian, Exotica, Stride and Classical Ragtime. His last album "Blue Gardenia" contained original cool jazz piano arrangements of songs from film noir classics. His upcoming album "Ragtime Elegance" contains rags of Scott Joplin and rare rags from the years 1900- 1912.

J. R. Spencer is the author of the first book on Julie London entitled: LADY LIBERTY: THE DEFINITIVE JULIE LONDON HANDBOOK. He is also the author of: AN HISTORICAL STUDY OF KURT WEILL'S DER SILBERSEE. Both book s are available for sale through Amazon.com

Awards

CSUF keyboard areas highest honors: (95) Piano Master Classes: Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Andrej Dutkiewicz, Vladimir Ashkenazy First Place: Chapman University Piano Concerto (92) MTAC Young Artist Series Newport Jazz Festival Performer

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