Title: Lettie Beckon Alston scores and other material, 1974-2007
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in one series.
Abstract
Lettie Beckon Alston is the first African-American composer to obtain a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1983. The collection includes scores, dated 1974-2007 and undated, with one CD of the composer’s work, and a promotional brochure. Collection also includes published and unpublished music.
Administrative/Biographical History
Lettie Beckon Alston is the first African-American composer to obtain a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1983. Her principle teachers were Dr. Leslie Bassett and Dr. William Bolcom. She received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in composition and piano from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Her composition instructor was Dr. James Hartway and her piano instructors were Mischa Kottler and Frank Murch. Dr. Alston is Associate Professor of Music at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She was the artistic director of Lettie Alston and Friends Professional Artists Concerts from 1995-2008 featuring music by living composers. Dr. Alston is presently the artistic director of the Composers at Oakland concert programs, featuring faculty, alumni and student works.
