Keyboard

The Keyboard program at the University of Washington is the school’s oldest area of instruction, with a history extending all the way to the UW’s earliest days. Piano instruction has been offered since 1862, just one year after the territorial university first opened, and by 1891, students were offered the opportunity to take pipe organ lessons as well.

Degree Programs

Today, the Keyboard Program at the University of Washington includes degree programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels in both piano and organ performance.

Expert Faculty

Faculty in the program are concert performers and respected pedagogues of international acclaim. In addition to their own instruction, they annually host performances and master classes by established and rising concert pianists and educators from the United States and abroad.

Organ Studies

Degree studies in organ performance prepare students for careers as academics, church organists and concert performers. Students in the program have ample access to the school's excellent Hollingsworth-Bagdi practice organ and the University's Littlefield Organ, housed in the Walker-Ames Room of Kane Hall. Partnerships with local churches and cathedrals at Seattle's St. Mark's and St. James Cathedrals provide additional venues for practice and performance.

Piano Studies

Students in the UW's piano program develop their individual talents and strengths under the guidance of highly respected Northwest educators and concert performers. Students in the program also expand their musical horizons and performance versatility through accompanying and collaborating with students in all programs across the School of Music. 

Non-Major Piano Lessons

Students who are not majoring in music but who are interested in taking private piano lessons with faculty or with a TA are welcome to audition! Lessons are offered on a space-available basis in faculty and TA studios and occur weekly over the course of the academic year.  

Individual or Group Lessons with a Piano TA are available on a quarterly basis. Visit the Secondary Piano Page for audition and course information. Lesson fees apply.

Non-major lessons auditions with faculty occur in September, January, and February each year for admission into a faculty piano studio beginning Fall term. More audition information can be found on the Audition Dates page. If admitted to lessons, students will be given a faculty code to register for MUSICP 301. In addition to tuition, course fees apply to non-major lessons. Please see the UW Time Table for details.

Student Support

In addition to student support distributed by the University of Washington’s financial aid office, the School of Music distributes more than a half million dollars annually in merit- and need-based student support. Graduate teaching assistantships are highly competitive and are  granted in all areas of study.  

HOW TO APPLY

For more information, contact SoMadmit@uw.edu