Joan Wilder is a graduate of the Royal Manchester College of Music. There she was awarded the Jeanne Bretey scholarship for composition, and for two successive years the Edward Hecht prize for composition. After college she played as a professional flautist and solo piccolo player in several orchestras, including the private orchestra of Joseph Horowitz, the eminent composer.
In the course of recitals and lectures organized for her by the Arts Council of Great Britain, Joan Wilder performed with the classical guitarist Julian Bream. Later she was appointed Director of Music for Thames Television (formerly ABC Television). After a few years she left to devote her time to her husband and young children but continued to be active in composition and arrangement.
Joan Wilder has always had a deep interest in rhythmic and melodic music, so she was automatically attracted to the vibrant music of India, and especially the devotional music of West Bengal. She is currently engaged in its transcription and arrangement for the piano.
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