University of Michigan Department of Piano

Love the joyous graduation vibe!

Time flies… guess I will be staying for another 4 years. Its great to be a 〽️ichigan Wolverine!! 💙🌟👩🏻‍🎓 #classof2026 #goblue

Congratulations Daehyeon Jung (‘27 MM in Piano Performance) for winning the 3rd prize at the IV Teresa Carreno International Master Piano Competition! He was also awarded the best Carreno work and best IberoAmerican work Interpretation.

Exciting news! Daehyeon Jung ('27 MM in Piano Performance) was awarded the 3rd prize and two special prizes(Best Carreño work Prize and Best Ibero-American work interpretation) from The Fourth Teresa Carreño International Master Piano Competition, held during May 18-23 in Miami, Florida! The competition included solo, chamber music, and concerto rounds. Congratulations, Daehyeon!!!

Check out the facebook announcement: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cp7dtgcRg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
More about this competition: https://www.masterpianocompetition.com

We are excited to hear from Dr. Emily Lōa-Swain (Emily Lai) ('11 DMA in Collaborative Piano) about her work as rehearsal pianist, assistant conductor, choral conductor, and French diction coach for the Regina Opera Company since 2024. Currently in its 56th season, the Brooklyn (NY) based opera company is under the direction of its music director Scott Jackson Wiley. Bravo, Emily!
To learn more about the Regina Opera Company: https://www.reginaopera.org/index.htm

We are so thrilled to learn that our piano alumna Dr. Tzu-Yin Huang ('17 DMA in Piano Performance, '15 MM in Piano Performance and Chamber Music) has garnered multiple awards and distinctions at the 6th Gershwin International Piano Competition, held in Hungarian House, American Foudation for Hungarian Literature and Education in NYC on May 17, 2026.
Bravo, Tzu-Yin!!!

🥇 First Prize in Concert Artist category
🏆 Best Interpretation work by contemporary composer:A. Scriabin Poano Sonata No.4, Op.30
🏆 Best Interpretation work by George Gershwin: “Somebody loves me”, “Someone to watch over me”, “That certain feeling”, “Swanee”
🏆 Best Interpretation work by Classical Composer: C.P.E Bach Rondo in C Minor, Wq59/4

Congratulations to Jiyeon Lee ('26 MM in Piano Performance and Chamber Music, '28 Artist Diploma) on winning 3rd prize in the in the Hellam International Young Artists’ Piano Competition held in Springfield, Missouri on May 22-23!

🎉🎊Piano Department could not be prouder of John Solari ('26 DMA in Piano Performance, MM in Chamber Music) for receiving one of the five Earl V. Moore Awards for outstanding achievement in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, presented annually at the graduation. Bravo, John, and congratulations!

Congratulations, Class 2026!

01 May 2026 - SMTD Commencement Ceremony - University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance The SMTD Commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at Hill Auditorium. The event will be livestreamed.

The piano department celebrated our two hard working, last year GSIs during our final piano forum. Congratulations John Solari and Raphael Chou, on receiving the awards and for your deep commitment to teaching and collaboration. Your contributions strengthen and build the community for those around you!

John Solari ('26, DMA in Piano Performance): GSI Award for Excellence in Class Piano: “In recognition of exceptional dedication, teaching excellence, and meaningful contributions to student success in the Class Piano Program.”

Raphael Chou ('26, Specialist Degree in Collaborative Piano): GSI Award for Excellence in Collaborative Piano: “In recognition of exceptional dedication, coaching and playing excellence, and meaningful contributions to the SMTD.”

PC: Richard Shao