Piano Division

Who are we?

The piano division at Stellenbosch University boasts a proud history of excellence, reflected in our alumni who occupy key positions nationally and internationally. Piano training unlocks versatile skills that are relevant to all aspects of musicianship. While our division often produces top performance students, our versatile training also equips students across all specialisation areas. Students can receive training in Western Art Music and Jazz. A particular new niche has emerged in response to the need for diversification expressed by many classically trained students to extend their performance abilities in Jazz simultaneously.

Piano students enjoy training in solo performance, accompaniment and chamber music, in addition to solo Jazz and ensemble options. We offer comprehensive repertoire studies and teaching methodology classes to complement this.

At Stellenbosch University, students may take piano as a first or second instrument. You may also choose to pursue Classical piano with Jazz piano as a second instrument, or vice versa. Students are supported in tailoring their studies to their intended career path or interests, benefiting from well-rounded, comprehensive training that will serve them in a future career. First instrument piano will feature throughout your studies, regardless of your chosen specialisation (Performance, Music Education, Musicology, Music Technology or Composition). Should you specialise in Performance, we offer Solo, Accompaniment or Chamber Music options (with permutations of each in the syllabus), in addition to Jazz (solo and ensemble).

Few institutions can offer the level of local and international exposure available at the Department. The division presents the Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium, while the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival provides students with additional networking opportunities on a national and international scale, often leading to valuable career paths. Students also enjoy access to more than 40 concerts produced annually as part of the Endler Concert Series, in addition to recitals by their peers.

Piano can be a solitary instrument, and the division is proud of the sense of camaraderie fostered among its students, encouraging peer learning and positive interaction, while staff focus on developing each student’s individual potential.