The music major in piano performance is one of the most popular areas of study at music schools around the country. It gives students the skills to succeed in a variety of professional job opportunities in music, and it develops skills that are highly desirable in other fields as well. Students with performance degrees may aspire to teach piano privately or in groups in a variety of settings. Many also develop careers as collaborative pianists and perform in ensembles. Those who pursue advanced graduate degrees may ultimately obtain a college teaching position. Additionally, piano majors can be attractive candidates for medical schools and other professional school programs.
The University of Alabama offers a wider range of degrees for pianists than any other school in the state, and we strive to offer a dynamic program that challenges yet meets the needs of all students whether studying as an undergraduate, masters, or doctoral student. Our undergraduates additionally benefit from UA maintaining all of the resources necessary to sustain a thriving graduate program.
Undergraduate degrees include:
Bachelor of Music – for students who wish to focus on piano performance
Bachelor of Music Education – for students who wish to be certified to teach in public schools
Bachelor of Arts – a liberal arts degree for students who wish to focus on academic study in music and non-music courses while also including performance in their curriculum
Bachelor of Music Therapy – for students who wish to be certified to work as musicians/therapists in hospitals or other such settings
Graduate degrees include:
Master of Music – for students who have completed undergraduate study and wish to pursue advanced study in piano performance
Doctor of Musical Arts – for students who have completed the masters degree and wish to pursue the most advanced level of study in piano performance
All piano students have many opportunities to hear a great deal of professional performances from faculty and guest artists. Many visitors to campus also teach special master classes for UA students. Guest artists/teachers have included Robert Roux, Barbara Nissman, Stephen Hough, Emanuel Ax, Andre Watts, Christopher O’Riley, Jerome Rose, John Perry, Natalie Hinderas, Nelita True, and others. Through our endowed fund we are fortunate to have world-famous musicians with us for a week or more.
Beyond our regularly scheduled audition dates, piano faculty members are available to meet with prospective students, to hear them play informally, and to explain UA programs in more detail. Students and parents are invited and encouraged to be our guest on campus.
Spring 2013 Audition Dates:
Saturday, January 12 (Graduate audition date ONLY)
Monday, February 18 (Undergraduate and Graduate)
Saturday, March 2 (Undergraduate and Graduate; Last audition date for priority scholarship consideration)
Please contact Dr. Kevin Chance at ktchance@music.ua.edu regarding any questions about the piano audition process.
Please complete an audition request form prior to the audition date.
For undergraduate audition info, click here.
For graduate audition information, click here.
We are pleased to announce the inaugural University of Alabama Piano Scholarship Competition, which is open to both prospective undergraduate and graduate students. The competition will be held concurrently with the University of Alabama Organ Scholarship Competition at the 2013 University of Alabama Church Music Conference, January 24-26, 2013.
Please open one of the following links for a detailed application:
Keyboard Faculty
- Kevin T. Chance, Instructor of Piano, Assistant Coordinator of Piano
- Noel J. Engebretson, Professor of Piano
- Faythe Freese, Professor of Organ – Organ Department Homepage; Keyboard Area Coordinator
- Tanya Gille, Professor of Piano
- Pamela Gordon, Instructor of Class Piano
- Amanda Penick, Professor of Piano
- Pamela Penick, Instructor of Class Piano
