Caroline Hong, area coordinator
We prepare students to be first-class musicians and first-class pianists.
We strive for students to acquire a broad understanding of piano repertoire and the ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertory with technical proficiency and musical refinement. Our students acquire:
- knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation
- the ability to read at sight with fluency, demonstrating both general musicianship and a level of skill relevant to professional standards
- growth in artistry, technical skills, collaborative competence and knowledge of repertory through regular ensemble experiences
- the ability to use technologies current to their area of specialization
Supported by classes in theory, ear training and music history, the keyboard area focuses on developing musicianship and piano skills. We focus on not only technique but also the development of a varied repertoire from all musical periods culminating in a public performance (i.e. degree recital). Our program strongly emphasizes collaborative skills, for nothing develops listening and musical flexibility better. Duo piano, accompanying (both vocal and instrumental) and chamber music ensembles of all sizes are an important part of our piano curriculum, as are classes in sight-reading, piano pedagogy, piano literature and digital keyboard technology.
Our piano faculty members maintain active national and international careers as recording soloists and collaborators. Our weekly piano studio and master classes are augmented by visits from guests such as Emanuel Ax, John Browning, Andre LePlante, Nancy Weems, Arthur Greene and other well-known artist/pedagogues. Finally, the piano area has a diverse and international graduate and undergraduate population. Doctoral students serve as informal mentors to our undergraduates in a supportive and collegial atmosphere.
Annual collaborations with local piano education professional organizations correspond wtih the School of Music's mission of musical and professional outreach. Central Ohio boasts one of the strongest piano teaching communities in the country. The Central East District of the Ohio Music Teachers Association (MTNA affiliate), National Piano Guild and Federation of Music Teachers are strongly represented by more than 300 private instructors. The School of Music partners with these organizations, offering our students the opportunity to interact with teachers in the private sector and to participate in activities that involve young piano students.
Columbus, Ohio is an arts city which allows for virtually every kind of musical and artistic experience. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Opera Columbus, BalletMet and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra as well as numerous professional theatre companies and art galleries enable our students to have extensive artistic experiences at discounted student prices.
Want to learn more?
Future undergraduate and graduate students, explore our degree programs, application and audition details and more, in the navigation menu.
High school students, learn about outreach programs, admissions visit days, request an appointment with our admissions coordinator, and more at Undergraduate Admissions.
Questions?
- Future undergraduate students — contact Tanya Sparks, admissions coordinator, at sparks.348@osu.edu.
- Future graduate students — contact Graduate Studies at mus-grad@osu.edu.
Information for music majors seeking to test out of Class Piano levels can be found at Placement Tests for Keyboard Skills.