John Bickerton

John Bickerton is a composer and pianist with a diverse musical background spanning both classical composition and jazz improvisation.23 Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 1959, he began his musical journey at the age of six, studying piano under the guidance of nuns at St. Mary's Academy.1

Education and Early Career

Bickerton pursued his musical education at prestigious institutions:

• Carnegie-Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA), where he earned a BFA in 1982, studying music composition with Leonardo Balada1
• Boston University, where he obtained an MFA in 1984, studying under David Del Tredici, Charles Fussell, and Theodore Antoniou1

After completing his formal education, Bickerton moved to New York City in 1984 to work as a freelance composer and jazz pianist.1

Musical Career

Bickerton's career has been characterized by a blend of jazz performance and composition:

• He gained valuable experience as a featured pianist at Caliban, a small bar in Manhattan, where he played with various jazz ensembles and notable musicians1
• As a composer, he wrote music for off-Broadway productions during his early years in New York1
• He has recorded several albums, including "Drinking from the Golden Cup" (1997), "Shadow Boxes" (1999), and "Open Music" (2000)1

Musical Style and Influences

Bickerton's music is described as "melody alive in abstract sound worlds," combining the tonality of folk music with atonality.1 His influences include:

• Eastern-influenced, tonal composers like Alan Hovhaness and Lou Harrison
• Avant-garde composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and the New York School composers
• Jazz improvisers like Ornette Coleman, Geri Allen, Andrew Hill, and Thelonious Monk14

Current Work

Currently, John Bickerton is self-employed as a music composer and pianist.2 He continues to create music that reflects his diverse background and influences, blending classical composition techniques with jazz improvisation.56