Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies

Mercer University is an All-Steinway School through the generosity of Mercer’s chancellor emeritus, Dr. R. Kirby Godsey. With the establishment of the Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies, the Townsend School of Music exclusively features Steinway & Sons pianos for all teaching, rehearsals, and performances. The gift, which recognizes Joan Godsey’s many contributions to Mercer, and in particular her love of and commitment to music, enabled the School of Music to join the nation’s other premier music programs as an All-Steinway School. The gift provided for 37 new pianos and created an endowed fund to support the care and upkeep of all the pianos.

The Joan Stockstill Godsey Center for Keyboard Studies hosts an annual Concert Series that features leading international performing keyboard artists. The Godsey Center joins the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, the Townsend-McAfee Institute for Graduate Church Music Studies, and the Jo Phelps Fabian Center for Musical Excellence as signature programs of the Mercer University School of Music.

Joan Stockstill Godsey Concert Series

Unless otherwise noted, all performances are free and will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Neva Langley Fickling Hall at the McCorkle Music Building on Mercer’s Macon campus.

BeautyFull Collaboration: Celebrating 25th Anniversary of the McCorkle Music Building

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Kyung-A Yoo, piano
Nick Bai, piano
Chenny Gan, piano

Kyung-A Yoo’s BeautyFull series opens the 6th season celebrating 25 years of the McCorkle Music Building with an evening of dazzling music for two pianos, featuring brilliant, uplifting, festive, and fun works by Poulenc, Saint-Saëns, Mozart, and Milhaud. From sparkling virtuosity to playful charm and joyful energy, this special anniversary concert promises an unforgettable celebration of friendship, artistry, and the excitement of music for two pianos.

BeautyFull Reconnection: Crossing Paths, Then and Now

Tuesday, February 23, 2027

Kyung-A Yoo, piano
Samantha Mishima Friedman, mezzo-soprano

This program brings together mezzo-soprano Samantha Friedman and pianist Kyung-A Yoo in celebration of their friendship and the 25th anniversary of the McCorkle Music Building. Reconnecting after first meeting years ago, the two artists now join as faculty members of the Townsend School of Music in a program of masterpieces for mezzo-soprano and piano. Spanning themes from a woman’s journey through life and love to reflections on longing, memory, and the American experience, the recital offers an evening of expressive and deeply human storytelling through music.

COLLECTIVELY: All About Collaborative Piano

Tuesday, March 16, 2027

Kyung-A Yoo, producer

This program features talented students from the Townsend School of Music and showcases the diverse repertoire they explore throughout their studies at TSM. Guided and supported by dedicated faculty members and staff, these young artists bring passion, artistry, and energy to the stage. Join us for a wonderful evening of inspiring performances and vibrant music-making.