Biography

Glenn Dixon is a composer and multi instrumentalist from Sydney Australia. Born in 1979, Glenn grew up listening to classical and rock music while learning piano, drums and guitar and developing the art of improvisation. Glenn studied piano performance (AMusA, LMusA) with Ross Hamilton, and BArts (Music) / Education at University of NSW, where he was awarded The Marie Robertson Prize for best performance in Music Studies in 2016. 

Glenn recorded a collection of original songs throughout 2012-14. The album, titled Portraits & Paintings, displays blues/jazz and classical piano influences with a hint of musical songwriting within a rock form. This blend of music is a key component of Glenn’s style; be it classical into rock, or rock into classical. In both forms, Glenn’s music has distinct melodies, rock or jazz rhythms, and quasi improvisatory solos. As a drummer, grooves and ostinatos form a natural part of Glenn’s composition style. The first movement of Vitreous Shades of Rock, a 7 piece chamber work based on rock and popular motifs, will be first performed at the 2023 ISCM World New Music Day in South Africa.

Glenn has explored Serialism in three of his works, the most significant being his Piano Sonata which combines a twelve-tone row with repeating modules to create a rhythmic and accessible style of Serialism. The third movement is a suitable standalone performance work for HSC or Eisteddfod. Other piano works are short form and infused with jazz, blues, romanticism or impressionism.

News & Awards

2023 ISCM World New Music Days - Vitreous Shades of Rock (Mvt 1) for Medium Chamber Ensemble is one of 11 individual submissions programmed for the festival

2022 Piano Sonata awarded 3rd Prize in Vienna International Music Competition

2020 Glenn is proud to be published by Wirripang. Formatting is underway to publish his back catalogue of compositions

2016 The Marie Robertson Prize for best performance in Music Studies awarded by University of New South Wales

2010 Fist Full of Films Festival - Best Original Soundtrack awarded to Glenn & Ian Dixon for the short independent film The Door Knockers