Dexter, Benning W.

Dexter, Benning W.
Ann Arbor, MI
Died September 23, 1996 at his home. Professor Emeritus of the University of Michigan, he joined the faculty of the School of Music in 1949 and was chairman of the Piano Department from 1961 to 1973. He was born in California in 1915 where he began music study and performance at an early age. He attended the University of California/Berkeley for two years when he was awarded a fellowship at the Juilliard School, where he continued for five years. Prior to his tenure at the University of Michigan, he taught at San Jose State University. He performed extensively as a soloist, in chamber music, and on TV and radio. As a scholar, he lectured, published a number of journals, edited music and wrote program notes. As a teacher he inspired several generations of outstanding students. He married cellist Betty Barbour in 1938; she died in 1969. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his daughter and son-in-law, Drucilla and William Marseilles, granddaughters, Sheryl Marseilles and Stacey (Mark) Dawkins, grandson