Born: November 11, 1930, Warren, Ohio.
Died: June 25, 1987, Columbus, Ohio, of cancer.
Beck graduated from Warren G. Harding High School (1948) and Ohio State University (BA, BS 1952).
After working for a year in Student Union activities at the State College of Washington, he spent two years in the U.S. Army. During this time, he became increasingly involved in arranging for various musical groups.
After discharge from the military, he returned to Ohio State and completed Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees with composition as his major.
He then served as a faculty member of the Ohio State University School of Music for seven years, teaching harmony and theory.
Beck left the university to become owner and manager of the University Music House, a retail sheet music store in Columbus.
In this capacity, he was able to observe the business side of the music industry, gaining insight into the complexities of music publishing and merchandising.
As his compositions found their way into print and popularity, he joined forces in 1972 with John Tatgenhorst in the creation of Beckenhorst Press.
His reputation as a composer and his experience as a choral director soon led to an increasing demand for appearances as guest conductor and lecturer at various musical clinics and festivals throughout America.
He was also music director of the University Baptist Church in Columbus, and was active in the music field until his death.