Music Performance - Piano/Organ

If you would like to prepare for a professional career or graduate study in piano or organ, consider the piano and organ performance majors at Stetson University, where you'll be offered solid foundations in keyboard technique, music, performance.

What makes the program distinctive?

The School of Music has 65 pianos available to students and faculty, including a Steinway Concert Grand (a gift from Katherine K. Davis) and a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand (a gift from Beatrice Tinsley) on the Elizabeth Hall stage. The school has three French-double harpsichords and one single manual instrument, along with two clavichords.

The organs on campus come from the Beckerath workshop of Hamburg, Germany, and include the magnificent 54-rank instrument that is housed in Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall.

Academics and Research

Independent research

Every student prepares a junior and senior recital with the guidance of their major professor.

Facilities and opportunities

Piano students perform regularly in state, regional and national competitions. Stetson's School of Music provides opportunities for solo and chamber performances as well as through the annual Concerto Competition. 

Piano and organ performance students participate in weekly lessons and master classes taught by professors, participate in Stetson School of Music ensembles and attend weekly recitals.

Preparation for graduate study

The rigor of the academic coursework and the high expectations of performance faculty prepare Stetson students for the best graduate schools. The amount of performance experience gained completing the undergraduate performance degree equips students with the confidence and technical ability to successfully audition for reputable graduate schools. The depth and breadth of the academic course work in music theory, music history and pedagogy fully prepares the student for entrance-level exams required for graduate work in all music-related areas.

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished faculty

Our faculty members are performing and recording artists with national and international acclaim. Faculty members and their specialties are:

• Amy Crane, M.M., Ithaca College; piano performance
• Boyd M. Jones, D.M.A., Yale University; organ and harpsichord performance
• Michael L. Rickman, D.M.A., University of North Texas; piano performance, coordinator of keyboard studies

Grant-funded research

Stetson University awards grants for research and creative activity to both students and faculty. 

Undergraduate awards and honors

The School of Music grants several awards for undergraduates including the Presser Scholarship, membership opportunities in Pi Kappa Lambda and special scholarships based on achievement and performance during the undergraduate career.

Beyond the Classroom

Internships

The School of Music offers three courses in career skills that help connect students with the professional world. In these courses, students participate in an ongoing, personal dialogue with professional musicians, learn auditioning skills, gather information on entrepreneurial skills, agents, unions and business practices in the music profession, and gain practical experience through internships. Students use summer break to participate in internships and as participants in summer music programs, including Aspen, Interlochen, Blue Lake, Tanglewood and Brevard.

After Stetson

Diverse careers

Our students are well prepared for entrance into the graduate piano and organ programs at the best schools of music and conservatories in the country. Our students regularly enter careers in performance, chamber music/collaboration/coaching, and in teaching at all levels, including elementary, secondary and university positions of significance. Our piano graduates perform internationally, coach in opera houses around the world and serve on college or university faculties.