Area Studies: Piano
The Piano Area in the Duke Music Department offers engaging instruction and a wide range of performance opportunities. Each semester, the Piano Area hosts three informal recitals giving students of all levels the opportunity to present works they are studying as well as hearing repertoire performed by their peers. The Piano Area also presents major annual performances by students and faculty that are open to the public. In the past, these have included:
- an evening of faculty/staff duos;
- participation in the International Scarlathon (honoring the 250th anniversary of Domenico Scarlatti’s death); and
- a recital of the complete Debussy preludes, featuring 21 different student pianists as well as keyboard faculty members.
Advanced students may choose to compete in the Duke Symphony Concerto Competition for the chance to perform with orchestra. Duke also plays host to world-class artists and pedagogues, many who work with students through the Master Class Series. Recent piano Master Class teachers include artists like:
Leon Fleisher (2007 Kennedy Center Award recipient)
Barry Harris (free lance, jazz piano)
Phyllis East (SUNY-Fredonia)
Ray Kilburn (Ball State University)
Jean-Claude Pennetier (Paris Piano Trio)
The thriving Chamber Music Ensembles also allow qualified students to explore opportunities with peers in that medium.
Whether you are a beginner looking for class piano or an advanced young artist, the Piano Area of the Music Department has rewarding and challenging opportunities for you.
Auditions are held at the start of every semester.
Faculty
Susan R Greenberg, Staff Associate (class piano)
Jane Hawkins, Professor of the Practice of Music (piano)
David Heid, Lecturer (piano) and Accompanist
Pei-Fen Liu, Lecturer (piano)
Randall M Love, Associate Professor of the Practice of Music (piano), Director of Performance
Edmund J Paolantonio, Lecturer (jazz piano)
Robert Parkins, Professor of the Practice of Music (harpischord and organ) and University Organist
Elizabeth Tomlin, Accompanist