Excellence at Every Key
Whether you are a virtuoso preparing for a concerto performance or a beginner touching a keyboard for the first time, the Lehigh University Music Department offers the resources and expertise to help you grow. We believe the piano is a foundational tool for musical understanding, and we take pride in supporting students at every stage of their development.
Striking the Right Note: Our Instruments
Lehigh provides a diverse collection of instruments to support student practice and performance. From our practice rooms to the world-class stages of the Zoellner Arts Center, students have access to pianos maintained to professional standards. Our flagship performance instrument is a Steinway Spirio Concert Grand. This cutting-edge piano combines legendary Steinway craftsmanship with high-resolution recording and playback technology, providing a unique tool for performance analysis and modern collaborative projects. In addition to our Steinway offerings, our department maintains a fleet of Yamaha pianos. Known for their reliability and bright, clear tone, these instruments are found throughout our practice and rehearsal spaces, ensuring a high-quality experience for every student. We believe that having access to quality instruments is vital to developing a refined technique and a sensitive ear.
Paths for Every Level
Our curriculum is designed to be accessible to the entire Lehigh community, regardless of your prior musical background.
For Beginners: Group Learning
If you have always wanted to learn piano, our Class Piano for Beginners (MUS 068) provides a practical and supportive entry point. Classes are held in our keyboard lab, a functional space designed for group instruction.
- Accessible Instruction: These classes focus on the basics: notation, rhythm, and fundamental scales.
- A Supportive Environment: The lab setting allows you to learn alongside your peers while using headphones for individual practice time during class.
- No Experience Necessary: This track is specifically designed for students with less than a year of prior instruction.
For Intermediate and Advanced Pianists
For students with more experience, Private Piano Study (MUS 071) offers one-on-one mentorship with our artist-faculty. These lessons are tailored to your specific goals, whether you are preparing a sophisticated solo program or refining your technical facility.
For All Music Majors
The Piano Proficiency Exam is a core requirement for all music majors. We provide two distinct pathways to help you prepare for this milestone:
- Foundational Prep: Majors who are new to the keyboard may enroll in Class Piano for Beginners (MUS 068) to build the necessary technical and reading foundations.
- Personalized Prep: Students may also use Private Piano Study (MUS 071) to work directly with a teacher on the specific requirements of the proficiency exam, including sight-reading, harmonization, and transposition.
Performance Opportunities
Pianists are vital members of the Lehigh musical community. Beyond solo performances, you can find our students collaborating in:
- The Chamber Music Collegium (MUS 048)
- The Lehigh University Philharmonic (MUS 061)
- Jazz Orchestra and Small Jazz Ensembles (MUS 027 & 049)
Start Your Musical Journey
There is a seat for you at the piano, whether you are pursuing a major or simply looking for a creative outlet.
- Interested in beginner classes? Look for MUS 068 in the course catalog.
- Looking for private lessons? Look for MUS 071 in the course catalog
Questions? Contact Academic Coordinator Alyssa Horne.