Piano, B.M.

Program overview

Westminster’s piano program fosters the development of students who perform on a high level as soloists, as artist-teachers and as collaborators with other performing artists.

Are you a high-school student interested in piano? Enroll in our Solo Pianist Week this summer!

Admission options

First-year - How to Apply

Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

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Transfer - How to Apply

No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

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Continuing Education - How to Apply

Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to begin or complete your college degree, prepare for an advanced degree or grow your knowledge for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.

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Program highlights

Expand your knowledge and expertise with master classes, recitals and performance experiences.

Opportunities:

Master Classes - Gain new perspectives and artistic growth through participation in master classes with leading artists
Westminster Community Orchestra - Piano students have the opportunity to audition to perform with the Westminster Community Orchestra
Culminating recitals - All Piano majors present a half-recital in their junior year and a full recital in their senior year
Performing Experience - As a member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir, students perform with major orchestras and conductors, an unparalleled opportunity to experience performing at the highest professional level

Audition Requirements

Male student in crimson blazer plays a masterful melody on a polished grand piano

Program requirements

Our program will develop your technique and knowledge of piano literature and style. Students also gain valuable performing experience in weekly studio and performance classes.

All pianists study voice, first in a class setting, and then privately to help build significant skills outside of your own area of musical expertise, including vocal skills for choir, which might lead to careers in conducting or collaborative piano.

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Alumni stories

Read the stories of our current students and alumni to discover how they use their piano degree to engage and inspire others and how it has helped them in their quest to be a deeper musician.

Olivia Dunleavy

Music Education, B.M. and Piano, B.M.

Olivia Dunleavy

Music Education, B.M. and Piano, B.M.

Become a professional pianist

Westminster piano graduates find success in careers as soloists and collaborative artists in the United States and abroad. They also work as church musicians or music educators. They also are enrolled in graduate study.

Common careers:

Solo performer
Accompanist
Collaborative artist
Private teacher
Church music director

Trees blossom near Centennial Lake in spring

The piano program at Westminster remains one of the most essential sources of my musicianship and professionalism to this day. If it were not for the rigorous exploration into musicality, detail-oriented approach to repertoire, and high standards of the faculty members, I would not be anything near the pianist, musician or person I am today."

John Franek

Class of 2018