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Music Performance

KEYBOARD

There are tremendous opportunities for keyboard players with a command of their instruments and the ability to perform in a broad range of contemporary styles. Developments in music technology have given the keyboardist new creative tools. Department Head Gary Gratz and the keyboard faculty have created a curriculum that develops students' fundamental ability as players and helps them take advantage of these new tools.
KEY CLASSES

Applied Theory and Music Interpretation
These classes focus on creating arrangements on the keyboard while developing individual performance, ensemble playing, and accompaniment abilities.

Technique
Technique classes use exercises to increase facility and develop an efficient, non-harmful approach to playing.

Contemporary Music Literature
A wide variety of contemporary music styles are explored in a live performance setting with a rhythm section, including rock, funk, pop, blues, reggae, and country.

Sight Reading & Repertoire
A life-long professional career begins with well-developed reading skills. McNally Smith keyboard instructors are able to help their students understand the importance of this and help them develop the necessary sight-reading skills they will need in the studio and on the road.

MIDI Systems
A music production minor is of particular interest to the keyboard major. The ability to harness contemporary music production software is a major advantage for the trained keyboardist.

 

Commonly Searched Phrases: Keyboard Schools | Music Schools | Performing Arts School

CAREERS

  • Composer for Film/Video
  • Jingle/Commercial Theme/Sonic ID Composer
  • Musical Director/Workshop Leader
  • Private Instructor
  • Producer
  • Recording Artist
  • Touring Musician
    Linda Chacholiades
    Linda Chacholiades studied at the University of Georgia, Mozarteum Conservatory, Salzburg, Austria, and holds a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Cleveland Institute of Music.
  • Linda Chacholiades
    • Lori Dokken
    Lori Dokken has played and appealed to the patrons of every major and minor music venue in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
  • Lori Dokken
    • Gary Gratz
    Chair, Music Studies; Department Head, Keyboards
    Gary has been a professional musician for 30 years, working throughout the industry as a performer, composer, and electronic musician.
  • Gary Gratz
    • Sarah Hohenstein Burk
  • Sarah Hohenstein Burk
    • Liz Kuivinen
    Liz began her career as a professional musician in New York City, performing with artists Patti LaBelle, Loretta Devine (star of the hit Broadway musical Dreamgirls), Maurice Hines, Andy Warhol, John Sex, Pete Morgan’s Big Band, Sandra Caldwell, L.E. Howell, and Tina C
  • Liz Kuivinen
    • Kristin Sponcia
  • Kristin Sponcia
    • Mary Cay Stone
  • Mary Cay Stone
    • Sean Turner
    Sean began his professional music career performing as a vocal soloist with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera.
  • Sean Turner
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