Denise sits down with concert pianist Richard Alston who was, perhaps, the most extraordinary pianist that Denise knew at Juilliard because he hung out with the actors.  A deep connection to the black church was a conversation, thread and a thru line for the interdisciplinary connection of the black students at Juilliard.  Connecting the dots and the lineage, this interview is fun, revealing and extremely intimate. Richard Alston is a masterful pianist, having appeared as a soloist and in recitals with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. After earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Juilliard School of Music, Richard was poised for a career in both classical piano performance as well as performing arts education. His performance credits range from recitals, guest soloist with orchestras, live opera to radio and television broadcasts as well as CD recordings.What You Will HearDorothy Early and Daisy Johnson, Richard’s first teachersWhat motivated and confirmed Richard’s pursuit of a career in musicThe Juilliard audition processExtraordinary experiences, relationships and loveRichard’s motherThe church and Richards music ministryClassically BlackFamily tree and musical lineage