Piano

The PSU School of Music & Theater's Piano program equips pianists with the skills and tools they will need to succeed as professional musicians. Located in Portland, one of the country’s most eclectic cities with a thriving arts community, the piano curriculum at PSU includes various degree options and courses that focus on solo and collaborative piano playing. Recitals and master classes of the PSU Steinway Piano Series provide additional opportunities for students to work with world-class guest artists. You will take individual lessons with your instructors and play in chamber music groups and large ensembles. Faculty will support you in navigating your education, preparing you for everything from intensive practice schedules to marketing your senior piano recital.

Piano Degrees

Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Arts/Science

Graduate Performance

Collaborative Piano

For pianists seeking careers in music, solo work isn’t the only gig in town. A master’s degree in PSU School of Music’s collaborative piano program will embolden you to expand your talents and turn your ambitious dreams into a sustainable career.

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World-Class Instruments

PSU’s Piano program is among a select group of U.S. colleges that have the distinction of being an All-Steinway School. You’ll play on high-quality pianos, as well as attend or perform in the school’s All-Steinway Piano Series events.

Collaborative Environment

Although the focus of your education at PSU will be solo work, PSU has also recently added collaborative piano classes to the curriculum. This will give you the chance to work with other musicians, developing talents that will allow for versatility during your career.

Prepare For Your Career

Your junior and senior piano recitals are rewarding on many levels. You’ll gain skills such as how to mentally prepare for performance, time management for preparation, and even how to market your piano recital within the community. Faculty will enjoy watching you flourish, as one of their main motivations for being here is watching young musicians mature and grow as artists.

Unique Community Experience

Be inspired by your fellow Piano majors who share your drive, talent, and motivation to succeed. PSU School of Music has a vibrant and flourishing community of musicians. In the Piano program, you’ll manage your new workload with a group of terrific peers by your side.

Chuck Dillard - Associate Professors of Collaborative Piano

Chuck Dillard is a multi-faceted pianist, conductor, and educator who performs regularly with international artists as well as PSU students. His specific focuses include updating the musical canon through a queer lens and providing students the skills needed to be successful professionals in the arts.

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Master pianist Melvin Chen gives instruction to a piano student durign a master class.

Steinway Piano Series

The PSU Steinway Piano Series brings internationally recognized performers and educators to Portland for a weekend of public recitals and master classes each year.

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