YPAS piano majors receive daily instruction and practice time through a intensive but flexible curriculum modeled after undergraduate piano major curriculum, while inclusive of diverse styles and genres of music. Pianists perform frequently on our Yamaha conservatory grand pianos as well as a Hubbard French double harpsichord and Zuckermann Flemish single harpsichord. YPAS piano students have numerous opportunities to collaborate with solo instrumentalists, singers, orchestra, vocal ensembles, band, as well as performing with dancers and in musical theater productions. Deep immersion into piano repertoire (with an emphasis on performance practice and musicological issues), harpsichord instruction, and frequent diverse performance opportunities make a wholly unique performance program that complements and expands the boundaries of private instrumental lessons. Throughout the four year curriculum, pianists are exposed to a variety of masterclasses, workshops, and performances with professors from regional universities and guests artists alike.

YPAS piano majors go on to a wide variety of undergraduate majors and careers because they are often able to pursue and excel in multiple academic, musical, and extra-curricular areas. YPAS piano alumni have pursued advanced training at such prestigious institutions as the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, New York University, Berklee College of Music in Boston, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. YPAS pianists have also won competitive spots in summer programs at the Boston University, Tanglewood Institute, Interlochen Arts Camp, and Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts.