Will Duchon - Piano Teacher, Concert Performer, Writer, and Spiritual Counselor

Intro:


	Born in White Plains, NY, Will now resides in Milford, Connecticut. At the age of seven he began taking piano lessons from Mr. Robert Canfield, a graduate of the famed Julliard school.
	He has since earned a BFA and an MFA in performing arts from SUNY Purchase (1992) and has been teaching private piano lessons since 1980. Will has also taught undergraduate classes in Music Theory and Solfege at SUNY. Ordained interfaith minister; Graduate of The New Seminary, NYC in June 2003.
	His concert performances have seen him travel nationally and internationally and he recently recorded a CD entitled Tableaux, on which he performs pieces by Rachmaninoff and Scriabin.
	Will Duchon served the Memorial Community Church of West Harrison, NY from 1981-1998. However, he resigned his position in order to pursue his passion for music. He currently serves as Organist at Pleasantville Presbyterian Church in Pleasantville, NY. He has also been the organist for The Osborn at Rye, NY since 1998 and the pianist for Misión Bautista Hispana de Westchester, White Plains, NY since 1997.
	Will is a father of two: Matt 18; and Lauren 21.
	He is available for Private Piano Instruction and is also taking bookings for Performances: (soloist, accompanist, soloist with orchestra).
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	Private Piano Instructor since 1985.
	I encourage my students to enjoy all kinds of music and I try to let them know that I genuinely care about them as individuals.
	I currently teach music appreciation/history classes at Community Colleges (such as W.C.C.'s Mainstream program) and Assisted Living Homes. The courses offered are: - "For The Love of Music" - "Romantic Piano Tour" - "Circle of Friends" - "Elements of Music"
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Since 1975, performances as soloist and with orchestra in Merida, Mexico; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and the New York Metropolitan area.

Has performed quite extensively in the NY area, and other places including:

- The Artists of Westchester Series.
- Beethoven Festival in Long Island.
- New Rochelle Wine and Cheese Series.
- White Plains Library, and others.

In 1990 was a winner of the Artists International Young Musicians Auditions, and was awarded a debut at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall.

Has since played solo recitals at Weill Hall in 1991, 1994, and 1999.

Recently recorded some Rachmaninoff, and would enjoy doing much more recording. I feel most comfortable playing music of Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Albeniz, Granados, and other 19th century composers, although I would like to explore recent repertoire. The music has to speak to me first, and I need to feel that there is some element of the music that I can convey truthfully, without alienating my audience.

Founded the Memorial Community Concert Series, in West Harrison, NY in 1996.

Recorded a CD , Tableaux, featuring music by Rachmaninoff and Scriabin.

Semifinalist in the Concert Artists Guild New York Competition, 1995 and 1996.

Scheduled Performances:

- Scheduled appearance as soloist in Baden, Germany during the 2003-2004 season

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Musical History:


	Began studying piano at age 7 with Robert Canfield in White Plains, NY.
	"I'll never forget one time when I asked Mr. Canfield to play the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 for me. He had graduated from Julliard, and was a fine pianist, organist, and harpsichordist. He went to his music cabinet and took out an old torn copy of the score. It looked impossible to me, but he sat down, and began the first movement, playing those crashing Db major chords like thunder. It was the first time that the idea of playing piano thrilled me, and I knew right then that someday I would play that piece with an orchestra."
	Performed the Tchaikovsky Concerto at age 17 in Merida, Mexico, and again in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
	Studied with Mr. Gerald Snyder of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
	"It was through studying with Mr. Snyder that I learned what a musician is, and also, what a great teacher is. Mr. Snyder was able to not only improve my technique and musicianship, but he made me feel that I had a unique gift. He made me work very hard, and I did not get away with being lazy or sloppy. He instilled the idea that I had something special to say through my playing, and for that I'm very grateful."
	Studied with *Mr. German Diez* as a music performance major at SUNY Purchase, Purchase, NY.
	"It was a difficult transition, as Mr. Diez' technical approach was very different from that of Mr. Snyder's. Gradually it made sense and I was able to combine elements of both approaches in my playing. I appreciate his kindness and expertise as a teacher and coach.There have been other influences on my musical life. Namely, my late grandfather, Francis Mattutat and my mother, Carol who is also a very fine pianist and music lover."
	Served as Organist-Choir Director, then Minister of Music for Memorial Community Church of West Harrison, NY from 1981-1998.
	"I discovered that music can make a difference in practical ways. In 1996 I started a concert series at the church, which partially benefited S.H.O.R.E. 'Sheltering the Homeless Is Our Responsibility'. I've always believed that to be a lover of 'the arts' implies a resonsibility towards social action. As I see it, these are interdependent realms."
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Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
	Prelude in D major, Op. 23, 1. No. 4 Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 39, 2. No. 1, in C minor 3. No. 2, in A minor 4. No. 5, in Eb minor 5. No. 9, in D Major Sonata No. 2 in Bb Minor, Op. 36, (Original Version) 6. I. Allegro agitato 7. II. Non allegro; Lento 8. III. Allegro molto
	Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915)
	Prelude in C# minor, Op. 2, 9. No. 1 Etude in D# minor, Op. 8, 10. No. 12
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	Will Duchon
	90 Ocean Avenue Milford, CT 06460
	Tel: (203) 301-0778
	[email protected]
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