Noted for his ability to play “with clarity and ease,” pianist Dr. Perry Mears performs regularly across the country as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician. His recent performances include a program of music by living American women at Carnegie Hall, numerous college and university appearances, and collaborations with the Iowa Composers Forum, Luna Nova Music, Vocal Ensemble QC, and members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. In demand as a teacher, clinician, and adjudicator, Perry makes his home in Springfield, MO, where is an Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano at Missouri State University.

Dr. Mears has previously worked on music faculties and creative teams around the world, from the mountains of East Tennessee to Zwickau, Germany to small-town Iowa. Known for his commitment to new music, he has premiered and given early performances of many new works by contemporary composers, including Lisa Neher, Robert Patterson, Susan LaBarr, Armando Bayolo, Dan Lazarescou, and Kirke Mechem.

Dr. Mears has had the privilege of working with many outstanding teachers and coaches, including faculty members from the University of Memphis, where he received his DMA, and the University of Maryland, where he earned his MM under the tutelage of Rita Sloan. He is also an alumnus of the Aspen Music Festival and School where he was part of the prestigious Collaborative Artist Program and subsequently worked as the assistant to professor Sloan. His other musical mentors include Michael Wittenburg, David and Virginia Horton, Andrea Dismukes, and Phillip Thomas.

Dr. Mears’ Curriculum Vitae.