George Theophilus Walker came to the Eastman School of Music as a doctoral candidate, with a B.M. degree in Piano from Oberlin College, an Artist Diploma from the Curtis Institute, and a Diploma from the American Academy at Fontainebleu. An accomplished pianist and composer, he had studied with Rudolf Serkin, Clifford Curzon, and Robert Casadesus, as well as with Rosario Scalero and Nadia Boulanger. In 1957 he received his D.M.A. degree and the Artist’s Diploma in Piano from the Eastman School of Music, after which he held several international grants for further study. He also toured Europe under the auspices of the United States Government.
Now a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Delaware and Department Chairman at Rutgers University, he has had awards, commissions, and major performances far too numerous to recount. A prolific composer, his works have been played by dozens of symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. As pianist, lecturer, teacher, author, creator, and member of many important Boards of Directors (including the American Music Center, the Scott Joplin Foundation, and the Coleridge-Taylor Foundation), Dr. Walker personifies the active American artist.
In recognition of his many-faceted success as a creative musician, he is honored with an Alumni Achievement Award.
Rochester, New York
October 4, 1975