Maplewood, New Jersey, United States
Richard Alston, concert pianist received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School of Music, in New York City, He returned to Juilliard for his Master’s degree. Alston has brought to light the great contributions to classical music by composers of African descent. Alston not only performs but lectures “Classically Black: Composers of African Descent.” He has given this lecture/recital at colleges and universities throughout the country. He is Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Performing Arts at Essex County College in Newark, NJ. Alston has also served as a faculty member of Rutgers University, Newark Campus, on the Board of Music Advisors for Westminster Choir College’s Education Opportunity Program and, formerly, as a member of the Juilliard School of Music’s "Music Advancement Program" faculty. In the Metropolitan Opera’s revival of Porgy and Bess, Alston brought an unforgettable sense of well-researched authenticity to the role of Jasbo Brown; He repeated his portrayal of Jasbo Brown in the historic production presented by The New Jersey State Opera. Alston is the recipient of several awards: “Award for Excellence” from the New Jersey Education Association; “Community Leaders Fostering Change in Education Award” from the New Jersey Unit of the National Association of Negro Business and Women’s Clubs, Inc.; “Achievement Award” from the National Association of Negro Women; “Musician of the Year” from the National Association of Negro Musicians Inc. , Newark, NJ Chapter; special proclamation from the office of the mayor of the city of East Orange; and honored by the Historical Society of East Orange, NJ Inc. Alston is Minister of Music at St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Plainfield, NJ. Richard Alston's video of "Troubled Water" by Margaret Bonds was selected as the Alumni Video of the month of January 2015.
Prof. Richard Alston is the host and producer of "Performing Arts Showcase At Essex County College". This new cable TV show features singers, instrumentalists and actors from the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. It is broadcasted over the Cablevision Network. You can view the show also on Prof. Alston's Youtube channel. www.youtube.com/user/rcapno.
Coordinator of Music, Dance and Drama. I select and over see the faculty and curriculum. I mentor and advise all music majors and non-music majors.
Richard Alston, pianist performs in concerts, recitals, soloist with orchestras and the Lecture/Recital "Classically Black: Piano Compositions by Composers of African Descent" Alston has performed this Lecture/Recital at Universities and Colleges throughout the United States.
I direct and oversee the entire music ministry. I also conduct the Senior Choir and coach all vocal and instrumental soloists.
Here are photos from my lecture/recital "Classically Black" which I was invited to present at the African American Music in World Culture conference held at Boston University. I met so many FANTASTIC musicians and music historians from all over the world! It was an honor to be included!!!!
I gave a Master Class with piano students of Westminster Choir College performing repertoire by composers of African descent on October 24, 2012, 3:30pm-4:30pm. I also performed the concert/lecture "Classically Black: Piano Compositions by Composers of African Descent" on October 24, 2012 7:30pm