Pianist and composer Patrick Beckman turned the eclectic experiences of his student years into a way of life. At the University of Illinois, Urbana, he served as music director for the Station Theatre, where he composed music for avant-garde theatre, dance, and musical groups. He also composed musicals for performance at the university, played gigs around Chicago with various R&B bands, and worked as a studio musician.
Since that time, his choral music has been recorded and performed widely, as has his work for piano solo. He still writes music for the theater, including productions at the University of Illinois' Krannert Center and Highland College. As a pianist, he has maintained an active schedule of recitals and performed as a soloist with the University of Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in piano performance under the tutelage of Claire Richards, Dean Sanders, Soulima Stravinsky, and Kenneth Drake, he joined the faculty of Highland College, serving initially as artist-in-residence. He has also held positions at his alma mater and at Rockford College.
Beckman lives in Freeport, Ill., with his wife Linda and their two sons, Patrick and Michael.
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