Well-known to area audiences for his innovative programs that have been critically acclaimed for their passion and poetry, pianist Dr. Scott Beard, professor of music and dean of graduate studies at Shepherd University, will present Intersections, a program highlighting classical piano music with jazz influences, Thursday, March 7 at 8 p.m. The performance is the fifth in the 2012-2013 Salon Series in the W.H. Shipley Recital Hall of Shepherd University’s Frank Arts Center. Admission is free, however, seating is limited.

The concert represents music at a crossroads–music that points the way to a new style or century of composition, incorporating popular song elements, or using elements of jazz such as rhythm, harmony and improvisation. The works represent a diverse group of composers, including Poulenc, Bach, Messiaen, Gershwin, Granados and the world premiere performance of three etudes by Dr. Beard’s colleague and fellow Peabody alumnus, Scott Pender.

Beard is a nationally recognized pianist, teacher, clinician, author and recording artist. He was named 2006 West Virginia Music Teacher of the Year and runner-up for West Virginia Professor of the Year in 2009. His students have won prizes in state, regional, national and international competitions, including the National Symphony, Oberlin, Beethoven Society, Tureck Bach, American Protg and Ithaca international competitions.

Concerts as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral soloist have taken him throughout the United States and to Canada, Croatia, Ecuador, France, Italy and Spain. Recent recital appearances include Weill Recital Hall, theTenri Cultural Institute, the Polish, Danish, Belgian and Russian embassies, and numerous universities throughout the East Coast. Beard has published articles in several national publications and his anthologies of piano ensemble music are published by Alfred.

For more information call 304-876-5555 or go to www.shepherd.edu.