SCOTT CARRELL, pianist

SCOTT CARRELL, pianist, has captivated audiences in the U.S. and Europe with his virtuosic flair, expressive playing and informative comments, by presenting innovative programs of both classical and jazz works, including discussion of the works and the composers.

A native of Texas, Dr. Carrell has performed numerous recitals as soloist and as collaborator, including concerto appearances with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra, the Southwestern University Orchestra, the Plainview Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra, the Little Rock Wind Symphony, and twice with the Harding University/Community Orchestra. An active chamber musician, he co-founded the Searcy Chamber Music Series and has performed on many of its concerts.

Receiving degrees from Southwestern University, the University of Illinois, and the D.M.A. from the University of North Texas, he studied with internationally-known artists Drusilla Huffmaster, Ian Hobson, and Vladimir Viardo and participated in masterclasses with Abbey Simon, Gail Delente, and Dominique Merlet. The French Piano Institute awarded him a prize for the best performance of a work by Henri Dutilleux at the 1996 FPI Festival in Paris, France. He was also honored with the Distinguished Teacher Award from Harding University for the 2003-2004 academic year.

In October, 2007, he released a new compact disc, RAGTIME MEMORIES, which consists of pieces in various ragtime styles -- classic, novelty and player-piano styles. Composers represented include Joplin, Scott, Lamb, Confrey, Berlin and others, plus two original rags. His previous disc CROSSINGS was released in 2005, including works by Chopin, Debussy, Haydn, Schulz-Evler and Carrell. It features the world premiere recording of the title work, an original composition based on a painting by an Arkansas artist.

An active member of the Arkansas State Music Teachers, he has presented sessions at both regional and state conferences and served as the state coordinator for the student composition competition; he began serving as the MTNA South Central Division coordinator in 2004. His judging activities include students at all levels, from local festivals to national competitions. Other professional affiliations include the honorary music fraternity Delta Omicron and Pi Kappa Lambda. Currently teaching piano, music theory and composition at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, Carrell is in demand as a soloist, collaborative artist, teacher and adjudicator.