JAN-PIET KNIJFF, DMA – PRESIDENT

Dr. Jan-Piet Knijff is a musician and language teacher who has performed world-wide and has taught in schools and universities on three continents. He trained as an allround keyboard player in Amsterdam, where early engagements included performing and recording with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. At the same time, he gained valuable experience as a music writer. While teaching music and classical languages in Australia, he presented almost 100 times Jan-Piet’s Choice and organized four community music festivals. He currently lives in the heart of the Black Forest, where he plays a prominent role in the musical community and continues to teach five languages.

PETER MUIR, Ph.D. – SECRETARY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Peter Muir is a world-class musician whose work is guided by a passionate belief in the power of music to transform people’s lives.An internationally renowned pianist, singer, and musicologist, equally at home in classical, jazz, and blues styles, his work has been described by the New York Times as “potent.” As an educator with thirty years experience, he has taught everybody from beginners to professionals, and has developed a unique approach to teaching people with disabilities.  Read more about Peter>>

ANNE ALLWOOD, M.A. – TREASURER

Anne Allwood was born in the UK and moved to the US in 1997.  Educated at Oxford and London Universities, she has been a high school teacher for over forty years.  Mrs. Allwood has participated in numerous outreach programs that engage with residents through music in a variety of care and educational settings, the locations of these programs ranging from Europe and America to Australia. She founded and led a school-based initiative that brought high school students to a local nursing home where they incorporated the repertoire of the Great American Songbook into a program of uplifting weekly visits.