Are you interested in continuing your studies in piano but not sure what path to take? Samford’s Division of Music provides multiple ways to pursue your passion with degree options in piano performance, pedagogy, music education in vocal or instrumental, pre-med, composition, music in a liberal arts context, and music and worship.
Students study with experienced and diverse faculty, perform individually as well as with chamber and large ensembles, and gain exposure to international concert artists. Instruction occurs through individual private training, master classes, seminars, workshops, teaching practicums, and observations. Additionally, Samford students can take piano lessons as part of a minor in music or as a secondary area to other concentrations.
What Will I Study?
Career Preparation
We prepare our students for graduate study and/or for careers in performing, teaching, and church ministry.
In addition to numerous performance opportunities, students work with local churches and/or teach pre-college students at the Academy of the Arts or in private studios. There are opportunities to attend conferences, perform with a cross section of ensembles, and travel and participate in a variety of organizations including the MTNA, AMEA and AMTA.
Studying music at Samford was a life-changing experience. Having close access to personable, highly acclaimed faculty enabled me to grow into a strong and confident musician. The Division of Music provided me not only with solid performance-based skills, but also with more than adequate academic training in music history, theory, literature, technology, etc. As a result of my time spent there, I have been able to continue my dreams of studying at the graduate level, and working professionally as a teacher.--Katherine Lynn Vest '15, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, Samford
Doctoral Candidate, University of Colorado-Boulder
Performance Opportunities & Venues
At Samford, we value student performance opportunities and help students promote themselves as performers and teachers.
Student Ensembles
Piano students perform in a variety of ensembles including the Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choirs, Opera, Musical Theatre, Chamber Ensembles, and campus worship teams. Many of these groups travel nationally and abroad.
Competitions
Students are prepared to compete in local, regional, and national piano competitions and festivals. Additionally, students, including incoming freshmen piano majors, are encouraged to participate in Samford’s annual Fletcher and Neil Morris Piano Competition as well as in the annual concerto competition.
Guest Artist and Masterclasses
Samford invites concert artists to interact with students, providing essential networking experience with industry professionals. Over the years, Samford has hosted some of the world’s best artists including Leon Fleisher, Jon Nakamatsu, Vadym Kholodenko, Jeremy Denk, Robert Plano, Gabriela Montero, and Marina Lomazov.
Performance Venues
Piano students have access to a variety of instruments and performance locations on campus. Students enjoy applied lessons in large studios equipped with two grand pianos. Additionally, Brock Recital Hall, Bolding Studio, Reid Chapel, and the Wright Center for Performing Arts all have concert grands and are renowned for their aesthetics and superior acoustics. In 2024, the Division of Music received a new Steinway Spirio, housed in Brock Recital Hall. Students also have access to practice and perform on an Italian modeled two-manual harpsichord as well as Nord stage pianos.
Summer Piano Institute
Dates and Times
- July 28 – 31, 2025
- 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day
- Gala Recital: July 31 at 4 p.m.
The upcoming four-day Summer Piano Institute offers the following:
- Private lessons with Samford University Piano Professors
- Performance Classes
- Recitals
- Academic Classes
- Guided Practice Sessions
- Collaborative Opportunities (including piano ensembles and vocal and instrumental accompanying)
About the Institute
This four-day institute invites talented pianists to experience an intensive and enriching piano program. The comprehensive experience includes private lessons and a variety of educational classes with Samford University professors, master classes and collaborative projects. At the close of the institute, students will be featured in a gala recital with a solo piece and/or a collaborative piece.
Students should bring prepared repertoire for lessons and the recital. Students are encouraged to bring additional repertoire for study. Daily practice and collaborative rehearsals will support musical growth. Details regarding the schedule will be emailed to each student prior to the first day of the Institute.
Requirements for Participation
Students who have completed grades 9–12 (including 2025 high school graduates) are eligible to attend. Students who have completed grades 7–8 will be considered as space is available. Students should be playing at least at the level of a Bach Invention or a Clementi Sonatina.
Registration and Cost
Registration opens April 1, 2025. The cost is $500, which includes daily lunch and snacks. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration.
Sponsored by Samford University Division of Music and the World Piano Teachers Association USA-Alabama.
Keyboard Faculty
At Samford, you will study with a variety of full-time faculty along with guest artists and visiting professors.
Cindy St. Clair, , DMA, NCTM
Brent Reeves, DMA
Connie Rhea, MM, NCTM
Fred Teardo, DMA
Jodean Tingle, MM NCTM
Charles Kennedy, DMA
