It fosters the development of students who perform on a high level as soloists, as artist-teachers and as collaborators with other performing artists. A strong foundation of technique and knowledge of piano literature and style are essential to all the foregoing. The department also provides instructors for undergraduate students who need keyboard skills in order to function effectively throughout their professional careers. Semester juries, a recital in either the sophomore or junior year and a senior recital are required. Seniors give a full or half recital, as determined by the instructor and the department following the jury examination at the end of the junior year.
Instruction is in the form of piano classes.
Placement in the classes by level is determined at the beginning of each semester. Instruction entails study and performance of piano literature from the Baroque through the 20th Century as well as development of proficiency in areas of functional keyboard skills. Students who have not passed the test within four semesters are required to continue keyboard study until they have done so. If a fifth or subsequent semester of keyboard study is required, an additional fee is charged. If the proficiency test is passed in fewer than four semesters, further keyboard minor study is not required.