SIMON V. ANDERSON, PH.D.
Simon Anderson brings a wealth of experience and insight to the task of explaining music to the college students of the nation. As a weekend jazz pianist and Sunday morning church choir director, he creates music every week. As a composer of several anthems, a Christmas cantata, two Easter cantatas, and a full-length musical comedy, Dr. Anderson knows how and why styles convey different moods.
Dr. Anderson taught at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music for 41 years, retiring in 2005. While there, his Music Appreciation and Jazz-Pop Music History classes were always crowded to capacity. Dr. Anderson began Clifton Hills Press in 1982 as a way to publish textbooks for these popular classes. His books, The Musical Imperative and Pop Music USA have been used in over 20 universities and colleges nationwide.
He was a frequent convention speaker and offered Opera Previews each summer for the Cincinnati Opera Association. He also presented Classical Conversations before several concerts each year of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
GERARD ALOISIO, DMA
Dr. Aloisio is a musical "jack of all trades." From orchestral, jazz, and studio trombonist and salsa band leader, to creator and presenter of programs for senior citizens, he has long specialized in making music come alive for people of all types, backgrounds, and age groups.
Dr. Aloisio is a professor of Music in General Studies at the Minnesota State University, Mankato. Dr. Aloisio teaches courses such as Introduction to Music, Pop Music U.S.A., and Music of the World; general education music classes remain his first love and primary area of expertise. In addition, Dr. Aloisio is a well respected and "in demand" professional trombonist having performed with numerous orchestras and artists ranging from Sarah Vaughan, Marvin Hamlisch and Johnny Mathis to The Four Tops and Frankie Valli. Dr. Aloisio received a Ph.D. in Musical Arts Trombone Performance from The College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.
WARREN J. ANDERSON, DWS
A musician, writer, and scholar, Dr. Anderson serves as chair of the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. A professor in both the Worship Arts and Music departments, Dr. Anderson's areas of expertise include contemporary worship, rock, pop, jazz, and choral music. In addition to scholarly endeavors, he directs the Judson University Choir and the Elgin Evangelical Free Church Choir. He's composed cantatas, anthems, choral arrangements, and pop/rock songs. A lifelong entertainer, Dr. Anderson has performed as a vocalist, bass (guitar) player, and keyboardist in various projects for over 40 years.
Dr. Anderson sits on the editorial board of Worship Leader magazine, for which he writes a monthly column and occasional features. Dr. Anderson contributed to his father's revisions of The Musical Imperative.
Keep up with Dr. Anderson by following his blog: Emmaus Road Worshipers.
JOSHUA JONES, DM
Dr. Joshua Jones holds degrees from Northwestern, Boston, and Butler universities. He teaches voice, composition, and general education courses at Judson University. He is active adjudicator and clinician in masterclasses and competitions in the Chicago area. Dr. Jones has performed as a guest soloist and professional chorister with organizations such as The Grant Park Music Festival, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Elmhurst Choral Union. He also serves the Director of Worship at Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Algonquin, Illinois.