Composer Biographies -
Glenda Austin is a recognized composer, arranger, pianist and teacher who writes piano music popular at all levels.
Glenda graduated from the University of Missouri (Columbia) with a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in piano performance. As an elementary and high school music teacher, Glenda holds memberships in the Music Teachers National Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Association, Missouri Music Teachers Association and the Joplin Piano Teachers Association.
Glenda is a frequent adjudicator and clinician, having presented workshops for teachers and students throughout the United States as well as Canada and Japan. In addition, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at Missouri Southern State University, accompanying jazz and choral groups as well as individual vocal students.
Published by Willis Music Company, many of her compositions appear on state repertoire lists. “Jazz Suite No. 2” and “Sea Nocturne” are perennial favorites on the National Federation list. She has also been commissioned by Clavier magazine and continues to be regularly commissioned by teachers’ organizations across the United States.
Because of her association and friendship with William Gillock, renowned composer, she was chosen by Willis to simplify the ever popular New Orleans Jazz Styles as well as arrange it for four-hand duets.
Married to high-school sweetheart, David Austin, they are the parents of two grown children, Susan and Scott, and grandparents of Isaac, Eden and Levi.