Academic and Performance Areas

Piano Area

About the Program

The piano area at the Michigan State University College of Music supports a curriculum that fosters individualized attention to develop the full potential of each student, ensuring optimal preparation for the professional world and job success. All piano students receive private lessons with faculty members no matter which degree track they choose - music education, pedagogy, therapy or performance.

• Classes are conducted through private lessons, master classes, and keyboard literature classes. Piano pedagogy programs are also offered, in which pianists teach and observe children's classes in the College of Music's Community Music School.

• All students are required to take piano performance classes, which provide regular performance opportunities, and are coached and critiqued by the entire piano faculty (modeled similar to a master class).

• Undergraduate students are required to take an accompanying class, which serves as an ensemble, giving students the experience of working as collaborative artists.

• Students can double major, meaning they can major in a related or unrelated field while pursuing their Piano degrees.

• An honors program is available to students in the MSU Honors College.

• Piano students have participated in the last four Van Cliburn Competitions.

• Number of Piano Majors: 70-80.