Department of Piano
The Department of Piano offers comprehensive professional training to talented musicians, along with the exceptional opportunity to study at one of the nation’s foremost public research universities. Performance opportunities are plentiful and strongly encouraged, along with many possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Pianists receive thorough preparation for careers as soloists, chamber musicians, accompanists and teachers through individual instruction, ensemble coaching, chamber music studies, and a rigorous course of piano literature and musicianship classes, including access to performance practice, fortepiano, and harpsichord instruction. Fellow students are smart, focused, and supportive, creating a rich environment for artistic growth and creative thought.
Faculty
Members of the piano faculty are distinguished musicians and devoted teachers who expertly guide and encourage students to achieve their greatest potential. As active practitioners of their craft and celebrated pedagogues, they offer weekly private lessons and seminars to all their students.
Matthew Bengtson
David Breitman
Amy I-Lin Cheng
John Ellis
Arthur Greene
Christopher Harding
Aya Higuchi Hagelthorn
Elena Lacheva
Ana María Otamendi
Logan Skelton
Degrees & Classes
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Musical Arts
Graduate
Master of Music
- MM in Chamber Music: Piano
- MM in Collaborative Piano
- MM in Early Keyboard Instruments
- MM in Fortepiano Performance
- MM in Piano Pedagogy & Performance
- MM in Piano Performance
Specialist in Music
Doctor of Musical Arts
Opportunities for Non-music Majors
Programs & Resources
Michigan Recording Project
The Michigan Recording Project’s objective is to establish an archive containing professionally recorded performances by students, faculty, and guest artists, showcasing worthy but often overlooked repertoire that has not graced the stages of the SMTD in the previous decades.
Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program
The Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) provides both teacher-training for the University of Michigan students enrolled in the Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance degree, and piano lessons to pre-college age students from the community.
U-M Gershwin Initiative
SMTD holds a long-term partnership with the Gershwin family on an initiative that brings the music of George and Ira Gershwin to students, scholars, performers and audiences across campus and worldwide.
Piano Literature Corner
The Piano Literature Corner is a curated collection of materials intended both for SMTD use and as public educational outreach. It includes information and playlists that may be of interest to both students and teachers, and to amateurs and professionals alike.
Performance Opportunities
From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Whether your focus is on early, classical, or contemporary music, whether your passion is for jazz, electronic, or world music, there is an ensemble—or in many cases, multiple ensembles—to suit your interests, including specific opportunities for percussion, piano, and organ & carillon. For students in theatre & drama, musical theatre, dance, and opera, opportunities abound in both professionally produced and student-run presentations.
Recitals
Across all disciplines, students perform and study with their peers in studio classes and perform for the public in solo student recitals and studio recitals.
Collaborative Piano
Collaborative Piano students work with vocalists and instrumentalists throughout SMTD.
Chamber Music
The thriving chamber music scene at SMTD offers students nearly limitless options to perform, innovate, and collaborate in small, self-driven, and diverse ensembles.
Large Ensembles
SMTD ensembles offer numerous concerts each season, performing notable works in the traditional canon as well as abundant newly commissioned works.
Our Stories
Alumni Notes
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Most applications for Fall 2025 are due by December 1, 2024 - check for exact dates on the appropriate admissions page below.
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