Laurence Morton

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Laurence Hamilton Morton (October 16, 1924 – February 24, 2002) was a pianist and teacher, and chair of the Bob Jones University (Greenville, South Carolina) piano department for over 40 years. Among his former students some are notable conductors, concert pianists, composers, recording artists, deans, professors, ministers, church musicians and missionaries.

Morton remained an active performer well into his later years. Morton was known for his expertise in performing the piano music of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, often performing The Baby's Family. He also promoted the American publication of piano music by Polish composer, Andrzej Dutkiewicz.

While a student at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, Morton studied briefly with Alberto Guerrero,[1] who also taught Glenn Gould. Morton taught briefly at Texas Christian University before coming to Bob Jones University where spent the rest of his life.

Morton also taught summer sessions at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

Morton was married to Anne McKenzie, and they had a daughter, Barbara; all three became professional musicians.

A "Laurence Hamilton Morton Memorial Piano Scholarship" was established by the Greenville Music Teachers Association in his memory.[2]

Notable students[edit]

  • Bradlee Hedrick, concert pianist.[3]
  • Jonathan William Moyer, organist/director of music at The Church of the Covenant, Cleveland, Ohio.[4][5][6]
  • Joy Puckett Schreier, concert pianist.[7]
  • LaShannon Hyder, concert pianist.[8]
  • Sigrid Luther [9]Music Teachers National Association, Board of Directors.
  • Matthew Edwards, concert pianist; Director of Keyboard Studies, Missouri Western State University.[10]

Publications[edit]

  • "Villa-Lobos: Brazilian Pioneer," Clavier 16, January 1977

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Newsletter, Vol.3 no.1 – January 2005" (PDF). Institute for Canadian Music. p. 15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 March 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  2. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-04-30. Retrieved 2009-07-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ "Bradlee Hedrick". Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  4. ^ "Peabody Institute - Eileen Cornett: Studio Alumni News". www.peabody.jhu.edu. Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Peabody Institute - Donald Sutherland: Sutherland's Graduate Students". www.peabody.jhu.edu. Archived from the original on 12 January 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Church of the Covenant - Meet Our Staff". Archived from the original on 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
  7. ^ "LOTTE LEHMANN FOUNDATION : Home". Lottelehmann.org. 1999-02-07. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
  8. ^ "Christian Piano Music - LaShannon Hyder - About". LaShannon Hyder. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
  9. ^ "Board of Directors - Bios". Archived from the original on 2009-06-18. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
  10. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2009-07-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

External links[edit]