Ted Allison

Ted Allison’s musical path has been shaped by a combination of early exposure, rigorous training, and an unwavering passion for piano. His journey began at the University of Maryland, where he studied from the age of 13 to 17 after his mother, a former professional musician, relinquished him as her student. Under the mentorship of James Pierce, the university's Piano Chair and a Peabody Conservatory graduate, Ted honed his craft and furthered his understanding of music. 

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In the late 1970s, Ted continued his studies at the University of Alaska with Jean-Paul Billaud, a renowned pianist who had studied long-term with the legendary Alfred Cortot and French composer Francis Poulenc. Under Billaud’s guidance from 1977 to 1983, Ted embarked on two concert tours—one in South America and the other in Europe, including France and Germany. Ted’s performances were enriched by Billaud’s extensive network, which included many of the same venues Jean-Paul had performed at. Ted's relationship with the renowned pianist continued to influence his playing and teaching for years to come. 

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In 1998, Ted was invited to Vienna by the CEO of Bösendorfer to see his piano in the building process and to perform a short program at the Bösendorfer factory, further cementing his place in the international performance world. This opportunity allowed him to secure his own rare (1 of 10 produced in the world each year) Bösendorfer Imperial, the only piano in the world that extends to 97 keys beyond the traditional 88 key pianos! 

Ted moved to Arizona in 1983 to study with Steven DeGroote, a Van Cliburn First Prize winner, where he earned both his Master and PhD in Piano Performance. His studies with DeGroote provided him with a deep understanding of technique, musical interpretation, and performance at the highest level. 

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In 1987, Ted moved to Portland, Oregon, where he continued his studies with the renowned teacher Nellie Tholen at Lewis & Clark College until her death in the early 1990s. Her mentorship added another layer of depth to Ted’s already extensive training. 

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In 2016, Ted relocated to Texas due to his wife's professional opportunity as a CPA for Dr. Michael Mann of the Mann Eye Institute in Houston. Since arriving in Texas, Ted has been teaching both independently and at Iron Cross in Richmond, where he continues to inspire and develop the talents of students. He has been committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and fostering a lifelong love of music. 

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Ted is currently working on his book Piano 360, which is set for publication in 2025. The book reflects his unique perspective on the interconnectedness of life and music, offering insight into his decades of experience as a performer, educator, and lifelong student of the piano.