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College of Graduate Studies
forgrad@plymouth.edu
Tel: (800) FOR-GRAD or
(603) 535-2636
Fax: (603) 535-2572
Plymouth State University
MSC 11
17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
forgrad@plymouth.edu
Tel: (800) FOR-GRAD or
(603) 535-2636
Fax: (603) 535-2572
Plymouth State University
MSC 11
17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
Faculty
Dr. Rik C. Pfenninger
Professor of MusicDepartment of Music, Theatre and Dance
Contact phone number: (603)535-2311
e-mail: rikp@plymouth.edu
Administrative contact: Janice Johnson
Administrative contact phone number: (603)535-2621
Profile
Dr. Rik Pfenninger is a music professor and director of jazz studies and music technology at Plymouth State University. He teaches courses in jazz improvisation, woodwind methods, studio saxophone, jazz ensemble, jazz history, business of music, jazz combos and jazz arranging. As music technology director, Dr. Pfenninger also oversees the Sound Synthesis Studio, where students can work with MIDI applications, multi-track recording, sound synthesis, DAT recording, multimedia and film scoring. Dr. Pfenninger directs the annual All New England Jazz Festival at PSU, which features two days of concerts, lectures and clinics devoted to jazz performance. He is also program director for the Silver Center concert series.
Degrees and Education
- D.M.A. in music education and jazz studies, Temple University
- M.M. in woodwinds, University of Michigan
- B.M.E. in music education and jazz studies, Eastman School of Music
Research Interests
- Jazz studies and music technology.
Recent Publications
- Finale Basics: A Sequential Method for Learning the Music Notation Program Finale. (2003) New York: ERP Publications
- A Sequential Method for the Development of Basic Jazz Improvisation Skills. (2000) New York: ERP Publications
Recent Arrangements and Recordings
- The Old Castle. Modest Mussorgsky. Saxophone Quartet. New Jersey: Roncorp Publications, 1998.
- VOCALISE op. 34 No. 14 . Sergei Rachmaninoff. Saxophone Quartet. New Jersey: Roncorp Publications, 1995.
- Christmas in Jazz. Sandstorm Jazz Recordings, RCP0034334, 2005
- A Child Is Born. Sandstorm Jazz Recordings, RCP0034334, 2004
- Christmas Days. MusicMine Records Korea, MM 09345, 2004
- Simple Gifts: Jazz for Kids. Sandstorm Recordings, RCP00344, 2003
- A Simple Christmas 2. Sandstorm Recordings, RCP00344, 2002
Recent Presentations
- “MIDI in Music Education.” Moultonboro (N.H.) Teacher Conference, April 2004
- “Teaching Woodwinds for Music Educators.” New Hampshire All State Conference, April 2003
- “Music and Computers: Using MIDI Technology.” Moultonboro (N.H.) School District, January 2004
- “Teaching Jazz Improvisation.” Presenter and director of Honors Jazz Ensemble, The University of Wisconsin Summer Music Clinic. June 2003.
- Director of All State Jazz Ensemble, New Hampshire All State Jazz Festival. January 2002.
- “A Sequential Method for Teaching Basic Jazz Improvisation Skills Using Performer and Finale.” New Hampshire All State Jazz Festival. January 2002.
Associations, Boards and Committees
- ASCAP
- International Association of Jazz Educators
- College Music Society
- Music Teachers National Association
- New Hampshire Music Teachers Association
