Dennis Alexander has spent more than four decades establishing himself as a leading voice in educational piano composition. Since joining Alfred Music in 1986, he has created over 400 publications and recordings that span every level of student development, earning international recognition for his ability to craft pieces that are both musically engaging and pedagogically sound.
Alexander's teaching career shaped his compositional philosophy profoundly. He taught piano pedagogy at the University of Montana for 24 years before moving to California, where he served on faculties at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge while maintaining a private studio. A native Kansan trained at the University of Kansas, he remains active as a performer, clinician, and commissioned composer, having traveled throughout Asia and presented master classes at national music teachers conventions. He currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Why we love this
Alexander's gift for writing educational music lies in his refusal to condescend. Even at intermediate levels, his pieces respect the student's growing musicianship while introducing fresh harmonic and rhythmic ideas that expand their creative thinking. Juxtaposition exemplifies this balance: it challenges without overwhelming, and it rewards careful practice with genuine musical satisfaction.
What to expect
The music balances opposing musical ideas, each with its own character and logic. You'll experience moments of tension and resolution as distinct musical materials interact, creating a sense of discovery as the piece unfolds.
Who it's for
Intermediate pianists ready to explore structural sophistication and harmonic variety. This piece works well for students who have mastered fundamental technique and are beginning to understand how composers create musical coherence through contrast and juxtaposition.
How to get the most out of it
Identify the contrasting sections before diving into technical work. Understanding how the piece moves between its distinct musical ideas will inform phrasing and dynamic choices later.
Listen for opportunities to shape the transitions between sections. These moments often determine whether the juxtaposition feels dramatic or seamless.
Pay attention to voice leading in passages where multiple ideas overlap or interact. This awareness prevents muddiness and clarifies the composer's intent.
Record yourself regularly as you prepare. Hearing your own playing reveals rhythmic inconsistencies and balance issues that sight reading alone cannot expose.
How to use it
Program this as a recital solo that demonstrates a student's growing maturity and understanding of form. It also fits naturally into a studio recital series showcasing contemporary educational works, or as a teaching piece that opens conversations about compositional technique and musical contrast.
Skills your students will build
Recognizing and executing contrasting musical sections with distinct character
Voice leading and harmonic awareness in intermediate progressions
Phrasing and shaping across longer formal structures
Rhythmic independence between hands
Interpretive decision-making based on structural understanding
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