The Piano Division offers top-quality training and mentorship with nurturing faculty
Kent State is an all-Steinway school. Offering programs in composition, education, performance and more.
Faculty
| Donna Lee, Coordinator of the Piano Division |
| Andrew “Drew" Le, Coordinator of Collaborative Piano |
Private Lessons and Studio Classes
Weekly lessons provide students with an in-depth study of repertoire, technique and pedagogy with a master artist-teacher.
Studio classes are held weekly.
- These classes give students the opportunity to perform for each other and receive valuable feedback.
- Masterclasses are sometimes presented by guest artists during this time.
- Special topics of interest to pianists and other special events are also held during this time.
Performance Opportunities
- Piano undergraduate and graduate majors perform in both solo and collaborative recitals, either their own and/or working with other musicians on their recital.
- Ensembles: Many large ensembles, including the bands, choir and orchestra, require pianists on most concerts.
- Off-campus opportunities include area churches and performances on regional music series.
Special Features of the Piano Division
The Piano Division offers many unique opportunities to students enrolled in the program and the greater Northeast Ohio community.
Masterclasses
Students often play for prominent guest artists in masterclasses. Distinguished clinicians have recently included Andreas Haefliger, Eduardus Halim, Juilian Martin, Elisabeth and Eugene Pridonoff, among many others.
Kent Keyboard Series
A staple of the classical music scene in Northeast Ohio, the five-concert Kent Keyboard Series brings many of the country’s pre-eminent performers and pedagogues to Kent State University. These artists perform in Ludwig Recital Hall and also regularly hold masterclasses for our students. Recent guests include Eduardus Halim, Logan Skelton, Elisabeth and Eugene Pridonoff, Thomas Schumacher and many other since its inception in 2001.
Teaching Institute Program
A pedagogy initiative, this unique opportunity offers the chance for undergraduate and graduate piano majors to gain experience working with pre-college students from across the region in a private lesson environment. Kent State's piano faculty provide insight and guidance.
Degrees and Programs Offered
Majors
| B.A. Music Major | B.M. in Composition |
| B.M. Music Education | B.M. in Performance |
| M.M. in Performance | M.M. in Performance: Collaborative Piano |
Minors
| Music Minor | Jazz Studies Minor |
| World Music Minor | Arts Entrepreneurship Minor |
Question or Want More Information?
Contact
Glauser School Admissions
musicadmissions@kent.edu | 330-672-2172
Admission Requirements
- Complete an application for admission to Kent State University.
- Complete an audition for admission to the Glauser School of Music.
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students:
All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a
- Minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version),
- Minimum 75 MELAB score,
- Minimum 6.0 IELTS score,
- Minimum 48 PTE score or
- Minimum 100 DET score; or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program.
For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.
Undergraduate Requirements
Concentration in: Performance
- A Prelude and Fugue or Three-part Invention (Sinfonia) by Bach.
- A Sonata movement by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven (excluding Beethoven, Op. 49).
- A composition characteristic of the Romantic or Contemporary Period.
- A composition of the candidate’s choice (optional). All of the above must be memorized.
- Demonstration of sight reading proficiency and familiarity with technical skills (scales, etc.)
Concentration in: Music Education
- A Two-Part or Three-Part Invention, or a Prelude and Fugue by Bach.
- A Sonata movement by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven.
- A Romantic or Contemporary Composition.
- At least one of the above must be memorized.
- Demonstration of sight reading proficiency and familiarity with technical skills (scales, etc.).
Bachelor of Arts in Music or Music Minor
- Two pieces in contrasting styles from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary style periods.
- At least one of the above must be memorized.
- Demonstration of sight reading proficiency and familiarity with technical skills (scales, etc.)
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission.
- 3.0 GPA out of a 4.0 scale for unconditional admission.
- Official transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of career goals
- Resumé
- Audition
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 74 MELAB score
- Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 50 PTE score
- Minimum 100 Duolingo test score
Graduate Requirements
Solo Piano
- Four works representing at least three different style periods, including a complete Classical Sonata.
- All selections composed prior to 1950 should be memorized.
- Sight-reading may be included.
Collaborative Piano
- Two memorized solo works of contrasting style (sonata movement(s) acceptable).
- Two contrasting movements from two different major instrumental sonatas. Examples include Beethoven Violin or Cello Sonatas, any Sonata by Brahms, major works from the impressionistic era, any Sonata by Bartok, Hindemith, Poulenc, Prokofiev or Shostakovich.
- One song by composers such as Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wolf, Liszt, Faure, Debussy, Duparc or Rachmaninoff. (Singer may be provided by the school, if available).
- One aria by composers such as Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Berlioz, or another major operatic composer. (Singer may be provided by the school, if available).
- Scales and all major and minor keys (4 octaves).
- Two sight-reading examples, one of which may include part-writing.
To confirm that your audition repertoire is acceptable, please contact Dr. Donna Lee, Coordinator of Piano, at dlee3@kent.edu or 330-672-9241.
