• Faculty
• Classes

Jeffrey Lavner, Co-Chair

Ory Shihor, Co-Chair

Piano instruction in the School of Performing Arts is offered at all levels, in a variety of forms. Private lessons are available for all ages from the young child to adults. A keyboard readiness class, Piano Prep, is offered through the Early Childhood Department for children ages 5 to 7 years.  Jazz piano instruction is available, as well as jazz ensembles. A placement audition is required for all piano instruction.

• Lavner, Jeffrey (Co-chair, Piano Department, Piano; Keyboard Skills for Non-Majors, Workshop Co-Coordinator)
• Shihor, Ory (Co-chair, Piano Department; Conservatory Piano, Keyboard Literature, Keyboard Skills)
• Cook, Stephen (Piano)
• De Jong-Pombo, Teresa (Piano)
• Dokshitsky, Rina (Piano)
• Garten, Roberta (Staff Accompanist)
• Glicklich, Carmina (Piano; Workshop Co-Coordinator)
• Han, Grace (Piano)
• Huang, Dr. Grace (Piano)
• Izumi, Mari (Piano; Fundamental Concepts I, Music and Movement, Piano Prep)
• Kang, Jee Sung (Piano)
• Kim, Miji (Piano)
• Kleinsasser, Ann (Piano)
• Kwon, Heewon (Piano)
• Perry, Mina (Piano)
• Sawada, Kathy (Piano; Elementary Theory, Fundamental Concepts II, Introduction to Music Theory)

All faculty listed here teach private piano lessons.

Performance is an integral part of the piano program at all levels. Studio classes, monthly departmental workshops, and school-wide recitals are some of the on-going performance opportunities available to students. In addition, advanced-level piano students are encouraged to participate in the Chamber Music Institute and in the high school Honors Seminar. Departmental exams are held annually to assess the accomplishments and progress of students.

Prospective students should contact the CSPA Office to complete an inquiry form. Placement requires an audition, and is dependent on teacher availability and studio space; enrollment is not guaranteed due to these limits on the number of students that we can accommodate. The School recommends that all students be evaluated for basic musical skills for potential placement in the Music Theory curriculum as well. Students enrolled in piano study of any kind must have access to a piano (with a minimum of 66 keys) for daily practice.

See Early Childhood Department

The Piano Prep class provides introductory work in the development of motor and ear-training skills, hand/eye coordination, a sense of keyboard geography, finger dexterity, and concentration.

Duration: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes, as determined by the instructor
The Colburn School offers individual “traditional” piano instruction, using classical music as its basis. These lessons provide students with the skills required to learn increasingly more difficult and demanding repertoire. Acceptance for study is not guaranteed, and is based upon a placement audition, teacher availability and studio space.

Duration: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes, as determined by the instructor
Private and semi-private instruction is offered for students who wish to pursue studies in jazz piano, theory, harmony and improvisational techniques. Please refer to the Jazz Program page for more information.

Duration: 3 hours

Frequency: Meets 8 times per year (Fall and Spring semesters total)
Audition and Teacher Recommendation: Required
The Honors Seminar in Piano is designed to provide serious pianists in grades 9 through 12 with special enrichment opportunities to enhance their private studies and college/ conservatory readiness. The monthly three-hour seminars emphasize functional skills and performing experiences to broaden knowledge of solo and ensemble piano literature and history. Master classes with guest artist-teachers are an integral part of the program. Enrollment is in the Fall semester, for the full year; concurrent enrollment in Music Theory and participation in the Chamber Music Institute are encouraged. A complete record of the student’s participation in the program is available as support for the student’s college/conservatory application.