Dr. Scott Beard has passed away at the age of 56.

Born in 1964, Beard was a recognized pianist, teacher, clinician, author, and recording artist and the Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Shepherd University in West Virginia. At the University, he began in 1998 as the coordinator of keyboard studies and in 2010 was named interim dean of graduate studies. In 2011 he became dean and in 2017 was named provost.

As a soloist, he went on to perform throughout the United States, Canada, and France and gave recitals at Weill Recital Hall, the Tenri Cultural Institute (NYC), the Polish Embassy, and the Russian Cultural Institute. He also toured the Mediterranean as part of the Yale University alumni travel association and performed concerts in Italy, Spain, and Croatia. He also performed with the Weinberg, Frederick Community College, and St. James the Greater Catholic Church.

Beard was also the Artistic Director of the Washington Opera Society, for which he conducted and narrated a number of concerts, including “La Cenerentola,” “Rigoletto,” and a Holiday Grand Gala. He was also Associate Artistic Director of the Opera Camerata of Washington.

Beard also published articles in several national publications and his anthologies.

In a statement from Sheperd University, President Mary Hendrix said, “This is a shock for all of us, and I ask that we work together to carry out the duties that Scott was so diligent in performing. … It is important that we continue Scott’s legacy and plan a beautiful tribute to an extraordinarily talented professional leader.”

He is survived by his partner Alan Gibson and family.