Gwendolyn Dease

Gwendolyn Dease is a renowned percussionist and educator, currently serving as an associate professor of percussion at Michigan State University's College of Music. She is passionate about educating the next generation of musicians and regularly gives masterclasses at universities across the U.S. and abroad. Dease has had a distinguished career as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician, performing with notable ensembles like the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra. Her discography includes several solo albums, such as "Marimba Suites," "Boomslang: New Works for Marimba," "Idle Fancies," and "Beguiled." She has also been involved in collaborative projects, including works by Paul Lansky.

Dease's educational background includes degrees from prestigious institutions like the Interlochen Arts Academy, Eastman School of Music, Peabody Conservatory, and the Yale School of Music. She has studied with renowned professors such as Robert van Sice and Keiko Abe. Dease is known for her involvement in commissioning new works from composers like Alejandro Vinao and Martin Bresnick, showcasing her commitment to contemporary music. Her awards include the Michigan State University Teacher Scholar Award and the Keiko Abe Prize at the World Marimba Competition in Japan.

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