Feb 8th 2025 Gala - Artist Performers
Alfred Mouledous
Todd Van Kekerix
Warren Kim
Eva Polgar
Andrey Ponochevny
Julie Bees
Aaron Boyd
Beatriz Helguera-Snow
Distinguished Pianist
Alfred Mouledous has performed in prestigious concert halls worldwide, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and artistry.
Dedicated Teacher
With years of experience, Alfred Mouledous has mentored and inspired countless students, nurturing their musical abilities and shaping their careers.
Influential Figure
Alfred Mouledous has been an influential figure in the world of piano, leaving a profound impact on the musical community through his performances and teachings.
Biography of Alfred Mouledous
Alfred Mouledous is professor emeritus of music at the Meadows School of the Arts, retiring in 2021 after a prolific 66-year career at SMU. He joined the University in 1955 after earning a B.M. and M.M. from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. A protege of the Swiss-American pianist and pedagogue, Cécile Staub Genhart, Mouledous won a Fulbright Award to study in Paris with renowned French musician, Alfred Cortot; Mouledous was also a scholarship student of acclaimed German pianist, Walter Gieseking.
Early in his career, he performed radio concerts and introduced the 1950s Recital Hall series with broadcaster Arthur Godfrey on NBC. Later, Professor Mouledous served as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's pianist for nearly four decades and also performed as a guest soloist and chamber recitalist with other major orchestras and notable conductors throughout the U.S. He has recorded for the Mercury, Envoy and VOX music labels, judged piano competitions worldwide and given masterclasses in the U.S. and abroad.
Over the decades, Alfred Mouledous has drawn exceptional piano students to SMU from around the globe and is revered not only for his knowledge and talent, but for his trademark ability to encourage, equip and empower generations of pianists to be successful artists at the piano. Few piano teachers today have had as much influence or as unique an impact as Professor Mouledous; his former students span the range from concert artists and piano educators to lifelong professional hobbyists. To all of them, he demonstrated through example the incredible power of a piano teacher in a student’s life.
Discover the journey and achievements of Alfred Mouledous, from his early beginnings to his current status as a revered pianist and educator.
Early Beginnings
Alfred Mouledous showed exceptional musical talent from a young age, leading him to pursue a career in piano performance and education.
Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Alfred Mouledous has received numerous accolades and honors, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished figure in the world of classical music.
Teaching Philosophy
Alfred Mouledous is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and passion for music with his students, fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment.Student Testimonials
Dr. Rick Andrews (1977-1981)
“Thank you, Mr. Mouledous for all that you taught, modeled and shared. You inspired so many of us to reach new heights in music and life. I am so blessed to have been among the many who have benefitted from your extraordinary gifts.”
Otis Gray (1990-1992)
“Perfect practice makes perfect,” one of the many lifelong lessons from Professor Alfred Mouledous, to whom I am forever grateful for teaching me the art of piano playing. Thank you Mr. Mouledous!
Hector Guzman (1981-1983)
“Much of who and what I am as a conductor, I owe to maestro Mouledous. Many of his thoughtful, precise and musical principles continue to influence my score learning and interpretation…I will forever be grateful for his teaching, friendship and love!”
Dr. Linda Christensen (1994-1996)
“I was an older student who had not been playing classical music or anything other than musical theatre for a number of years, so my technique and knowledge of piano literature was very lacking. Mr. M. took me to a very high level within a very short time. I will always be grateful for his patience and support. We love you and your legacy will live on in ways you could never have imagined!"
Beatriz Helguera Snow (1983-1985)
"I had the great fortune of studying with Mr. Alfred Mouledous at SMU for my masters from 1983-1985, after I graduated from the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City.
Mr. Mouledous taught his students how to be fast learners, reliable pianists and accomplished musicians. As the Dallas Symphony pianist for many years, he had to prepare music as fast as possible, which gave him unique experience.
I learned enormously from him. He taught me how to be an efficient pianist, a good sight reader, and suggested sometimes the most unusual and ingenious fingerings I have ever seen! I particularly remember the ones he gave me for Chopin Etude no. 1, Op. 10. This Etude is challenging, specially since it is written for the white keys only. I still have his own written fingerings on my music, which are the most unorthodox, yet they work every time. With his characteristic sense of humor, he once instructed regarding a difficult passage:“If you need to use your nose, go ahead!”
It was also fascinating to learn from him the use of the left pedal- I hadn’t explored that much the use of “una corda” before I met him. I always thought using left pedal would automatically change the color or timbre of the sounds, so I used it only on Ravel and Debussy. He encouraged me to use it even on Mozart and Beethoven, and Bach. He showed me it was worth it to explore different sonorities when we are using a modern piano performing the works of these great masters.
He followed the teachings of the legendary German pianist Walter Gieseking, and I feel so fortunate to be part of this artistic genealogy.
His ideas helped my career as a collaborative pianist tremendously.
I will never forget Mr. Mouledous, his kindness and musical insight. "
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