About
At the age of six, Ken Corday taught himself how to play the piano by creating and
practicing his own music. It wasn’t long until Ken’s parents received a call from Professor Tanamichi Sogito who, impressed by Ken’s music, offered to take Ken on as a student at the age of 8 at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City. As a teenager, Ken also developed a love for the drums and went on to play drums in many rock groups, culminating in touring with the band Lucky Mud throughout the Southwest, Bay Area, and Hawaii. In 1973, Ken enrolled at UCSC, and studied Jazz improvisation and ethnomusicology. His mentor, Professor Randy Masters, introduced Ken to modern Jazz, especially Brazilian new beat (Bossa Nova) music, and Afro-Cuban rhythms and cadences. Graduating in 1975 with a B.A. in music, Ken continued to Post-Graduate Studies at San Jose State University where his piano playing flourished under the tutelage of Lou Harrison and Higo Hirada. In 1977 Ken earned a master’s degree in music, and later that same year, Ken launched his composing career in television, specifically for Days of our Lives where he continues to compose the show’s music. He’s earned six Emmy Awards for music composition. His musical influences include American contemporary, and everything from classical to gospel and even country music. He enjoys music that we participate with rather than just listen to, and believes the simplest of music is often the most memorable. After a sold out concert series last year, Ken will be returning to the stage to perform a new collection of his own original music to benefit SAG/AFTRA’s foundation once again.
About SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Assistance Program:
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Assistance Program provides a lifeline to SAG-AFTRA artists facing extreme financial hardship. Emergency aid helps our performers keep roofs over their heads, pay medical expenses, buy groceries, and keep the lights on, providing them with safety, courage, and hope.
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