Music Degrees Online

Piano Study and Performance

Piano Lessons
Lessons are available for any Lewis and Clark student regardless of previous musical experience. For those who have not studied piano before there are two levels of piano class; beginning and advanced. For those students with previous piano experience, private lessons with our piano faculty are available. Currently there are thirteen 45-minute lessons offered per semester, though many of our faculty teach ten one hour lessons instead of the 45-minute format. Individuals wanting to take private lessons must contact Orla McDonagh, Director of the Piano Program, to schedule an audition and/or interview. They will then be placed with one of the piano faculty and will schedule lessons individually with that faculty member.

Piano Faculty
Orla McDonagh, Director (503-768-7459)
Carol H Biel
George Skipworth
Stephanie Thompson
Elizabeth Harcombe
Randy Porter, Jazz

Piano Major and Piano Minor
Individuals wanting to concentrate in piano for part of their degree area may do so as either a music major or minor. Requirements for these concentrations are available in the Lewis and Clark Catalog. Individual faculty may have performance requirements particular to their studio such as studio classes, sophomore/junior recitals, community performances etc. Students wishing to major/minor with a concentration in piano should speak with their individual teacher first, and then with their advisor.

Performance Opportunities
Students may perform several times throughout the course of the year at Lewis and Clark. At the end of each semester, every student taking piano lessons plays in the Piano Program Recital , individual faculty may hold studio classes and for the students preparing for recitals, there is the opportunity of community performances is local nursing homes and retirement centers prior to their recital at the College. Master classes from visiting guest artists are also available depending on the students level and experience. Lunchtime recitals also provide students with the opportunity of trying out a single piece, before attempting a complete recital.

Performance is one of five music major concentration options at Lewis & Clark College. Students concentrating in Performance will present a senior recital on their major instrument which will fulfill the MUS 490 senior project requirement in the Music Department. Repertoire requirements for the senior recital vary by instrument and field (western art music, jazz etc.) and are supervized by the students major instrumental teacher. Each senior recital is typically an evening performance.

In preparing for the senior recital, each Performance major is expected to perform a sophomore or junior recital on campus (one may be performed per year if desired). The purpose of the earlier recital is to allow each student the opportunity of learning the process associated with putting on a major performance, to experience the endurance and concentration necessary to perform at an excellent level before the senior recital. Each student must also pass a Degree Recital Review (DRR) which must be scheduled with their senior project committee no later than three weeks before their recital date.

Numerous other solo performance opportunities are available for performance practice. On campus, students may present informal lunchtime recitals in Seitz Lounge, may perform in the Open Performance Class, may participate in masterclasses with visiting artists and have the opportunity of performing in a studio class with their major teacher. Off-campus opportunities include playing at a number of hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities in the local area.