Classically Speaking

Professor John Beall is the composer-in-residence and teaches music composition at West Virginia University, and his music has been performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles all over the country. 

You can read his bio, including major compositions, performances, and awards on WVU’s Web site. 

As informative as that is, I think it's so much nicer to hear him tell his own story and offer a more personal perspective. 

Listen to Dr. Beall describe his musical background, what inspired him, and the path he followed to becoming a composer:

We’ve featured several of Dr. Beall’s recordings on WV Public Radio, including his Vandalia Suite for piano, the Double Concerto for Violin and Contrabass, and Variations on Wondrous Love for viola and piano. Listen to the rest of the interview below, where Beall discusses several of his pieces and his approach to the music:

Previously, we’ve featured interviews with two composers that studied with Dr. Beall. Check them out: 

* Meet the Composer: David Williams
* Meet the Composer: Timothy Cooper