Ihrke, Walter R., -1992

Walter R. Ihrke received bachelor of music degrees in organ, composition and piano from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, master of music degrees in composition and piano from the University of Michigan and a doctorate in composition from the Eastman School of Music ( Rochester, NY ).

Throughout his career, Ihrke was active as a composer, organist and pianist, writing extensively for modern dance, piano, orchestra, band, voice and chorus. Prior to his appointment at UConn, Ihrke was the head of the music department at Mission House College ( WI ) and taught at Stephens COllege ( MO and Peabody College ( TN ).

In 1949, Dr. Ihrke was appointed head of the music department at the University of Connecticut, a position he held until 1965. He continued to teach until his retirement in 1974.

Dr. Ihrke died on 8 August 1992 at the age of 84.

From the guide to the Walter R. Ihrke Papers, undated, 1925-1988, (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries)