School of Music, Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan
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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.


Amy I-Lin Cheng

Assistant Professor of Music
Collaborative Piano, Piano Chamber Music Coordinator

Martin Katz

G. Koldofsky Distinguished University Professor; Earl V. Moore Collegiate Professor in Music; Artur Schnabel Collegiate Professor in Piano
Collaborative Piano

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

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

Collaborative Piano

Collaborative Piano students work with vocalists and instrumentalists throughout SMTD.

Chamber Music

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

Large Ensembles

SMTD ensembles offer numerous concerts each season, performing notable works in the traditional canon as well as abundant newly commissioned works.

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Most applications for 2022-2023 are due by December 1 - check for exact dates on the appropriate admissions page below.

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