Keyboard Studies

Young woman sits at the piano

The Townsend School of Music is committed to developing musicians with the highest level of musicianship and artistry. Within the keyboard area, students experience a multitude of opportunities in both solo and collaborative experience at the undergraduate and graduate level. The School embraces the ideal of student-faculty engagement by structuring small classes which reinforce personal interaction. Classes focusing on keyboard skills, pedagogy, literature, sight-reading and ear training are part of the core curriculum in the keyboard area. Students receive private instruction from an esteemed artist faculty and have the opportunity to gain extensive performing experience through regular music school recitals, studio classes, chamber concerts, and degree recitals.

Many keyboard majors continue their studies by entering some of the top graduate programs in the country. A significant number of our graduates have successful careers as church musicians, collaborative artists, and pedagogues at all levels including the university setting.

The Mercer keyboard department is committed to a holistic and healthy approach to pedagogy. Of paramount importance is the development of well-rounded students who are prepared for success in the professional field of music. Chamber music holds an important position in the Townsend School of Music, and opportunities for collaborative performance are abundant.

Degrees Offered

  • Bachelor of Music in Performance
  • Bachelor of Music Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music
  • Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field
  • Master of Music (Performance, Collaborative Piano, Church Music and Choral Conducting)

Keyboard Faculty

  • Dr. Ian Altman, Associate Professor of Piano
  • Dr. Timothy McReynolds, Associate Professor of Collaborative Piano, Helen Wall Rich Associate Professor of Collaborative Piano
  • Dr. Jack Mitchener, Chair of Keyboard Studies, Director of Townsend-McAfee Institute of Church Music, Professor of Organ
  • Dr. Kyung-A Yoo, Associate Professor of Collaborative Piano, G. Leslie Fabian Chair of Music

Collaborative Staff

  • Gail Pollock, Accompanist, Class Piano
  • Cynthia Smith, Accompanist

For more information, please contact faculty members for your area of interest.