Pianist.My piano journey truly began at age 12 when I performed “Claire de Lune” by Claude Debussy at a recital. This performance was the first time I felt a deep, personal connection with the music I played. In that moment, “Claire de Lune” was no longer a piece written by a dead man more than a century ago, but it was my piece and a personal offering of artistic expression to my audience and to God. From that moment on, I have loved studying, interpreting, and performing the classical piano repertoire of composers like Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, and Debussy, and I have dedicated my life to fostering this passion and pursuing excellence as a pianist.
In 2019, I earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Liberty University and was awarded the LU Senior Pianist of the Year Award. In 2021, I received a Master of Arts degree in Music Education with a cognate in Piano Performance at Liberty University, and I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature at James Madison University. During my studies, I have had the immense privilege of studying with professors like Lisa Kinzer, Tad Hardin, Douglas Weeks, Paul Rumrill, and Paulo Steinberg, who have offered their invaluable musical expertise and invested in my growth as a pianist. |
Liberty University Symphony Orchestra, Featured Soloist (Spring 2019)
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Individualized Instruction, College Group Piano Course
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Educator.I am a music teacher because I have a passion for serving others and for nurturing musical development and excellence in my students. For as long as I can remember, music has always been a source of emotional expression, inspiration, and beauty in my life, and I desire to share the gift of music with others. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from having musical experiences and that the personal growth students gain from learning an instrument can serve them for the rest of their lives.
I discovered my love for teaching while pursuing my undergraduate degree at Liberty University, where I had the privilege of working as a music theory and aural skills tutor. I decided to pursue this love for teaching even further by earning a master’s degree in music education. As a graduate student assistant at Liberty University, I taught several group piano classes each semester and led weekly tutoring sessions, and I also had the opportunity to co-teach an upper-level music theory course. I currently work as an adjunct professor at Liberty University, where I teach group piano classes and applied piano lessons. In my teaching, I aim to give all students a well-rounded music education and to equip them with skills that will enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. Most importantly, I want to connect with students and create a challenging yet encouraging musical environment for everyone. |
Collaborator.I love playing with other musicians, and I believe that collaborative music offers a unique opportunity for individual expression and for a communal experience of music. Each collaborative performance is a new conversation, where individual musicians can express themselves and showcase their creativity. In this expressive musical conversation, the performers listen to each other and adjust their artistic ideas to create a unified musical moment. During my studies, I have thoroughly enjoyed growing in my collaborative skills, and I look forward to creating a life and career that is centered around making music with others.
I have had the opportunity to perform in a variety of collaborative settings, from chamber to contemporary worship ensembles. As a graduate student assistant at Liberty University, I accompanied two choirs per semester for rehearsals and performances, and the repertoire included contemporary worship, gospel, and classical styles. I also have over six years of experience in vocal and instrument collaborative piano, working with students in studio and performance settings. |
Christopher Hibbard, Clarinet
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