CIM’s esteemed Piano Department is committed to nurturing each student, helping the student to grow and learn technically and artistically in an environment of camaraderie. In addition to lessons and master classes, the department offers keyboard literature, piano pedagogy, piano four-hands and duo repertoire, chamber music, collaborative performance with singers and other instrumentalists and harpsichord training. The programs are designed to develop skilled performers familiar with the vast piano repertoire, performance practices and interpretive traditions; and integrate the great traditions of the past with the demands of the music profession in the 21st century.

An All-Steinway School with over 100 Steinways, CIM provides a limited number of Student Apartment Pianos for at-home practice use.

Alumni Success

Meet Daniil Trifonov

Daniil Trifonov

Many musicians aspire to long-term career goals like being featured in The New York Times, signing with a major record label and performing at Carnegie Hall. By age 22, international piano sensation Daniil Trifonov had achieved all three. Trifonov earned his performance certificate at CIM in 2014, studying with Sergei Babayan. He is a winner of the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition and made his triumphant return to Carnegie Hall in his solo recital debut in February 2013. He is currently a sought-after soloist with the world's major orchestras. 

Competitions

Our students and graduates have won top prizes in the world's most prestigious competitions, including:

  • Queen Elizabeth
  • Tchaikovsky
  • Rubinstein
  • Chopin
  • Avery Fischer Prize
  • Young Concert Artists

Additional Learning

Frequent Performing Experience

Opportunities to perform include:

  • concerto performances
  • solo recitals
  • chamber recitals
  • studio classes

Learn from Industry Professionals

Students also benefit from participating in Master classes. Recent guest artist presenters include:

  • Leon Fleisher
  • Emanuel Ax
  • Richard Goode
  • Gilbert Kalish
  • Murray Perahia