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Piano and Keyboard Program

The Keyboard Program Curriculum

Pepperdine’s Piano Program fosters a close-knit, supportive community of pianists pursuing majors, minors, or private instruction. Students perform weekly in studio classes, participate in two studio recitals each semester in Raitt Recital Hall, and have the opportunity to prepare concerti with second piano accompaniment. Selected winners of the annual Concerto Competition may also perform as soloists with the Pepperdine Orchestra.  Students may also elect to study organ in addition to their core curriculum.

Students have regular access to two beautiful Steinway Model B pianos for studio classes and to two Steinway Model D concert grands in Raitt Recital Hall. This venue also offers professional recording capabilities, ideal for competition or graduate school applications. Frequent guest artists from leading institutions provide masterclasses that further enrich our students’ training.

Studio class topics include performance preparation, keyboard literature, collaborative performance, pedagogy, and practical strategies for navigating the professional freelance landscape—including church music, choral accompanying, and establishing a private teaching studio. The program’s intimate environment provides students with individualized mentorship and substantial performance experience, preparing them for competitive graduate programs and building a strong, well-rounded résumé.

Collaborative and Chamber Music Opportunities

Piano students gain extensive collaborative experience working with vocal, musical theater, and instrumental students, while working with various faculty. Through these partnerships and one-on-one collaborative assignments, they develop strong ensemble and accompanying skills.  In addition, piano students are frequently asked to perform with groups such as the Pepperdine Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Opera Orchestra, Musical Theater pit bands, and at special campus and community events—often playing keyboard, celesta, or piano parts in these larger ensembles.

Performances are held in Smothers Theatre, Stauffer Chapel, Payson Library, and a variety of off-campus venues. Through the popular small ensemble experiences- chamber music and Pickford Ensemble, pianists explore masterworks such as piano trios, quartets, and quintets, along with contemporary and newly commissioned works.  These small ensemble experiences conclude the semester with a variety of performances, masterclasses, and allows pianists to work with a constantly rotating group of Pepperdine music faculty.

Venues, Practice, and Performance Spaces

  • Raitt Recital Hall: Equipped with two Steinway Model D concert grands and video recording capabilities.
  • Practice Rooms: Available throughout the music department, equipped with upright and grand pianos (Steinway, Yamaha, Boston).
  • Performance Spaces: Recital and concert opportunities at Smothers Theatre, Stauffer Chapel, the Weisman Museum of Art, Lindhurst Theater, and off-campus venues.
  • Organ Study: Students who elect organ study have access to Stauffer Chapel, where Pepperdine houses its three-manual Rodgers organ.

Alumni Success

Recent alumni have pursued graduate studies, won regional and state competitions (including MTNA and CAPMT), and secured freelance work in major cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Some have performed in prestigious venues such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall through virtual and in-person competitions.

Faculty

Dr. Barry Tan, DMA – Assistant Professor of Piano, Theory, and Chamber Music
barry.tan@pepperdine.edu | 310.506.4891

Dr. Kyung Lee, DMA – Piano and Group Keyboard Faculty

Dr. Haesung Park, DMA – Piano and Organ Faculty

Application & Audition Information

  • Auditions are held each fall and spring (e.g., November and January).
  • Generous, merit-based scholarships—including music awards approaching full tuition—are available and highly competitive.
  • Auditions include:

    • Prepared solo repertoire
    • Sight-reading
    • Short interview. See more audition details here.

All prospective students must first apply for admission to Pepperdine University. Click here to begin the university application process.

To be considered for acceptance into the Music Program, all prospective students—regardless of emphasis—must audition on their primary instrument or voice. Click here to begin the music application process.

We welcome all inquiries from prospective students or current Pepperdine students interested in continuing piano studies through our major, minor, or private instruction programs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—we look forward to hearing from you!

If you have any questions about the audition or application process, please contact the Fine Arts Recruitment Office at 310.506.4111 or via email at fineartsrecruit@peppedine.edu.