”Prof. Stan Breckenridge, a musicologist and a composer from California State University, Fullerton participated in the conference:  “Negotiating Identity: What Does It Mean to be America” organized for Polish college teachers of American Studies which was held in Torun April 16-18, 2004. The conference discussed various aspects of determining, defining, and mapping American Identity and his lecture about the relation between African-American music and dance and American identity illustrated by music as well as his mini recital for participants were extremely well received and added a special flavor to the conference topic. In the words of Embassy Cultural Attache Patrick Lahey  “There is a profound interest in Poland in direct contact with American culture and the people who are creating it. Prof. Breckenridge simultaneously fulfilled that wish and left them hungry for more.”

Anna Wilbik-Świtaj
Public Affairs Office
U.S. Embassy Warsaw, Poland

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 “. . . Professor Breckenridge was one of the guest speakers at the meeting, where he gave a talk on American music. Professor Breckenridge’s lecture on NEGOTIATING IDENTITY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AMERICAN that was organized by the Teacher Training College in Torun, Poland and held in Torun in April 2004, was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the conference, as Professor Breckenridge offered an informative and entertaining account of the most significant trends in black American music. His presentation, as well as comments and inquiries following other lectures, proved Professor Breckenridge to be a remarkably knowledgeable and approachable speaker, able to address the fuzzy topic of music in an orderly, clear and revealing way. His personal skills, which he used to illustrate various styles of music, confirm that Professor Breckenridge is not only an academician but also a talented musician. I am convinced that Professor Breckenridge’s professionalism will enable him to meet even the most sophisticated requirements of future employers.”    

Wojtek Kallas, Vice Principal,
Teacher Training College, Torun, Poland

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“What an honor it was to have you as a part of our Faculty/Staff Author’s Series on yesterday. I told VP Lori Gentles what a tremendous presentation you offered and how you incorporated the entire audience into the learning experience. This was truly an experience that I will cherish for a longtime. I must say, I’ve never had an audience to applaud a speaker as they departed from the classroom. This truly speaks to your captivating approach to classroom pedagogy. Thank you again for sharing your time and talents with us. I hope to see you again in the near future.”

Victoria W. Morris, Ph.D.
Director of Professional and Organizational Development
Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion
California State University, Fullerton, USA

“Stan Breckenridge is an artist, scholar and entertainer. He gives his audience joy and enlightenment. . .makes them understand and appreciate America through music. He’d be a treasure have as a guest speaker.”

Prof. Jerzy Durczak, Chair
Department of American Literature and Culture
University of Marie Currie Sklodowska, Lublin, Poland

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“I have seen Stan Breckenridge give a number of finely crafted, uniquely powerful lecture-performances in Hungary, Poland, and California over the past decade.  In addition to being a truly electrifying and inspiring composer and performer, Professor Breckenridge is a deeply knowledgeable lecturer with a profound understanding of how African American culture lies at the heart of our national character and identity.”

Dr. Michael Steiner
Department of American Studies
California State University, Fullerton, USA

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“Dr. Stan Breckenridge’s great command of African American music history and his impeccable piano skills will convince and captivate audiences wherever he goes.”

Dr. Robert Springer
Professeur de civilisation américaine
Département d’anglais
University of Metz, France

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“Thank you for a lecture performance that was so engaging and entertaining. I always loved listening o music and you have shown me how to not only listen to enjoy more but how to present better using modulation.”

Marian Sherman, MBA
Professional Development Analyst
Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion
California State University, Fullerton, USA

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”Dr. Breckenridge is an intellectual, an excellent teacher, and he is knowledgeable of and sensitive to the complex levels of diversity found in our modern societies. As an intellectual, I have knowledge of his outstanding contribution as a consultation for developing the Recording Technology & Entertainment Certificate Program for the South Orange County Community College District. As a teacher he has a reputation of being particularly sensitive to students of diverse ethnicities, educational backgrounds, economic stations in life, disabilities, and of gender and age.”

Dr. Stephen Rochford
Music Department
Irvine Valley College, USA