Program Overview

Pianists in the School of Music

Pianists in the School of Music may choose to pursue any of our two-degree programs: Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Performance, or Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education. Additionally, some students choose to minor in music, while the most ambitious students may double major in a non-musical degree. Students are taught by our exceptional piano faculty, all of whom are active performers as well as teachers.

Program Details

Many of our students successfully compete in local, state, and national competitions and have opportunities for frequent recital performances, both on and off campus. Our students are regularly accepted into notable schools of music for graduate studies.

Certified as an All-Steinway School

The university celebrates our relationship with the American piano manufacturer with our annual Steinway Spectacular, featuring faculty, students, and guest artists.

Program Activities

Students participate in:

• Weekly lessons
• Studio classes
• Piano symposia
• On- and off-campus performances and events
• Chamber music
• Our annual concerto competition Pianists also have the opportunity to perform in our studio recital each semester.

Masterclasses and Guest Artists

We offer regular masterclasses, conversations, and interviews with guest artists. Recent internationally acclaimed pianists include:

• Jean Yves Thibaudet
• Jeremy Denk
• Alessio Bax
• Yakov Kasman
• Simone Dinnerstein
• Christopher O'Riley
• Markus Groh
• Ian Hobson

Real-World Skills

We teach real-world skills such as:

• Marketing
• Setting up a teaching studio
• Pedagogy (the art and craft of teaching)
• Accompanying
• Conducting
• Chart-reading
• An introduction to organ with hands-on experience

Partnerships and Presentations

Our student-led chapter regularly presents at the annual convention, and we have a long-standing partnership with the local music teachers association.

Faculty

• Robert Henry: Coordinator of Piano Studies and Associate Professor of Music
• Julie Coucheron: Part-Time Assistant Professor of Music
• Tyrone Jackson: Senior Lecturer of Jazz Studies and Jazz Piano
• Huu Mai: Artist in Residence in Piano and Part-Time Instructor of Piano