School of Music to host informal talk for high school pianists

An informal virtual Sorel Fellows meet-up, an opportunity for all high school pianists to discuss “all things piano” with School of Music faculty, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, at noon.

Students will have the opportunity to meet other young pianists in a casual Zoom session, discuss piano-related topics and hear from and learn from Fredonia piano faculty members Assistant Professor Eliran Avni and Professor and Coordinator of the Piano area, Fr. Sean Duggan.

“It will be a fun, casual conversation about piano,” Dr. Avni said.

“We held a similar session in the fall and it was fun to meet so many young pianists from across the U.S., and even some international participants. We enjoyed getting to know one another and talking 'all things piano' for a little while. Especially now, when everyone and everything can feel so distant and separate, this is a chance to come together and share our common love for the piano,” Avni explained.

How to memorize a score, how to choose repertoire and how to prepare for a performance will be among topics to be discussed by School of Music faculty, Avni added.

“It's not just about developing as pianists, but building a vibrant community. We were excited that so many of our participants from the fall wanted to meet up again, so we decided to open it up so more students can benefit from it," Avni said. 

The inaugural meet-up was inspired by the School of Music’s annual Claudette Sorel Piano Competition and Piano Fellows Program, which attracts young pianists from throughout the United States and several foreign countries and is held during the fall semester.

Registration is required to attend the free Zoom session. Register online.