Richard C. Alston, Pianist

Richard Alston is an American Classical Pianist who leads an illustrious career in both classical and performing arts education. A native of East Orange, New Jersey, Alston is known for his technical mastery and his charismatic personality. Richard Alston received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Julliard School of Music and since completing his education, has given solo recitals, played with prominent orchestras, given live opera performances, and released commercial music.

When he was 15 years old, Alston became the first African American to win the Young Artist Competition for three consecutive years at the Brevard Music Festival in North Carolina. Most recently, Richard Alston has introduced audiences to his “Classically Black” lecture series highlighting the work of composers of African descent. Passionate about his connection with other musicians of color, Alston has said, “When you play a part of music, you are becoming part of something that was created by somebody, and there is… a spiritual connection.” For Richard Alston, “…the nature of music transcends the boundaries of the physical world and touches something deeper.”

Professor Alston in a U.S. adjunct professor of The University of West London: London College of Music.