Alan Menken

Legendary American composer Alan Menken has created some of the most beloved songs and musical scores of our time, with his unique voice as a composer capturing the imagination of audiences for over 35 years. He was born on July 22, 1949, in Manhattan. Menken developed an interest in music at an early age, taking piano and violin lessons. He began to compose very early. At age nine, at the New York Federation of Music Clubs Junior Composers Contest, his original composition "Bouree" was rated Superior and Excellent by the judges. He attended New Rochelle High School in New Rochelle, New York, and graduated in 1967. He then enrolled at New York University and graduated with a degree in musicology in 1971 from the university's Steinhardt School. After college, he attended the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Known for his music on stage and screen, he is noted for his multiple works with the Walt Disney company (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), as well as Broadway stage musicals Sister Act and Little Shop of Horrors. With eight Academy Awards, Alan has received more Oscars than any living person, and is the recipient of numerous other awards including Golden Globes, Grammys, Drama Desk Awards, and a Tony Award. Menken has collaborated with such lyricists as Lynn Ahrens, Howard Ashman, Jack Feldman, Tim Rice etc.