Undergraduate Studies for Pianists

Piano Performance

For students who want to emphasize Piano Performance at the undergraduate level, the Department of Music offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Science in Music degrees.These are flexible degree programs that allow the piano student to focus on developing a high level of artistic performing abilities and combine a basic music major with elective courses that meet his or her individual needs. Radford University graduates with B.A. and B.S. degrees in Music are regularly admitted to the very best professional graduate programs, complete professional masters and doctoral degrees, and are successful in distinguished professional careers.   Pianists will find many opportunities to perform at RU, including on Departmental Recitals, Degree Recitals, Studio Performance Classes, and Master Classes and with chamber groups, the Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

Accompanying/Collaborative Piano

Piano students may also emphasize Accompanying/Collaborative Piano within the Bachelor of Arts in Music or the Bachelor of Science in Music. These programs provide valuable experience for those pianists interested in the collaborative uses of the piano and prepare students for future professional accompanying opportunities and graduate study in the collaborative arts.

Piano students interested in focusing on Accompanying/Collaborative Piano have many opportunities to perform with a variety of ensembles, including the Choral Ensembles, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, Instrumental Chamber Groups, and Piano Ensembles.  Additional performance opportunities include Departmental Recitals, Undergraduate Recitals, Voice and Instrumental Studio Accompanying, Studio Performance Classes and Master Classes.

Other undergraduate degree options for piano students are the B.M. Music Education, B.M. Music Therapy and the B.M. Music Business.

Graduate Studies for Pianists

Graduate piano students may also emphasize Piano Performance or Accompanying/Collaborative Piano within the Master of Arts in Music degree. Graduate Assistantships in Accompanying and in Class Piano Teaching are available to qualified students.

Performing and Teaching Facilities

The University’s primary performance space is the Ken Bondurant Auditorium in Preston Hall, which seats 1,500 and houses two Steinway concert grand pianos along with a 55-rank Möller organ. The more intimate Norwood Room in the Bondurant Center for the Arts also houses a Steinway grand piano and hosts additional concerts and recitals.  The new Covington Performing Arts Center, scheduled to open in 2008, will house a state of the art, 350- seat Concert-Recital Hall. Piano teaching studios are equipped with Steinway grand pianos, as are many of the classrooms and practice rooms.  The Department of Music also owns a Martin harpsichord and a Neŭpert fortepiano which are available for study and performance.

Visiting RU

Prospective piano students are encouraged to visit the Department of Music. During their visit, students may: 

• Meet the Piano Faculty
• Take a “sample” piano lesson
• Attend lessons, classes, ensemble rehearsals and concerts
• Tour the RU Campus

To schedule a visit, or for more information on Piano Studies at the Department of Music, call (540)-831-5177 or contact one of the faculty members listed below:

Keyboard Faculty

David B. Phillips, D.M.A., Piano, Composition (dphillip@radford.edu)
Nitza Kats, M.F.A., Piano (nkats@radford.edu)
Lucy Mauro, D.M.A., Piano, Director of Accompanying (lmmauro@radford.edu)
Marilyn Meador, Ph.D., Organ (mmeador@radford.edu)
Wayne Gallops, Ph.D., Jazz Piano (rgallops@radford.edu)