Department of Music celebrates All-Steinway milestone

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Department of Music in Augusta University’s Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences celebrated two major events: the third annual MusiCon celebration and the official recognition of AU as an All-Steinway School.

The day opened with MusiCon hosted on the portico of the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, where community members, students, faculty, staff and music lovers gathered to enjoy an impressive lineup of performances from the department’s ensembles. The AU Orchestra, University Singers, Opera Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble filled the air with sound and spirit, showcasing the creativity and camaraderie that define Augusta University’s vibrant musical community.

That evening, the celebration continued with the All-Steinway Celebration and dedication of a new 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano, held inside Maxwell Theatre at 7 p.m. The moment marked the culmination of more than 15 years of dedication, fundraising and partnership with Lisa Turner-Maddox of Turner’s Keyboards, officially placing Augusta University among an elite group of All-Steinway Schools nationwide − institutions committed to providing students and faculty with the finest instruments possible.

Angela Morgan, DM, chair of the Department of Music, called the achievement historic.

“The Department of Music has worked since 2012 to reach the designation of an All-Steinway School, which requires that the institution have a minimum of 90% Steinway pianos in their inventory,” Morgan said. “With this designation, Augusta University’s Department of Music has joined other top music programs in the U.S. to show that we provide the best possible instruments for our students and faculty.”

The department now houses 41 Steinway pianos, from concert grands to studio uprights. The process began with the purchase of a Steinway concert grand in 2012, funded by a creative “buy a key” campaign that raised more than $50,000. Over the years, new purchases have been made through donations, administrative support and campuswide fundraising efforts. Thanks to the support of Turner-Maddox and the team at Turner’s Keyboards, the department has been able to not only bring these pianos into the program but also keep them in top shape.

The highlight of the journey came this summer, when Martin David Jones, DMA, and Rosalyn Floyd, DMA, traveled to New York to select the new concert grand.

“We visited both Steinway Hall in Manhattan and the Steinway factory in Queens,” Jones said. “After a tour of how a Steinway is made, a process that takes about nine months, we were brought into a room with five 9-foot Steinways. Dr. Floyd and I played them, listening carefully to each other, and we both agreed that ‘No. 4’ was our clear favorite.”

The chosen piano, delivered in August, now serves as the centerpiece of the Maxwell Theatre’s performances, enriching student recitals, faculty performances and community concerts alike.

Becoming an All-Steinway School elevates the department’s reputation both regionally and nationally.

“Now that we are a Steinway School, we are seen as a different music department both in the state of Georgia and nationally,” Jones said. “It gives our students wonderful instruments to use, and it strengthens our ability to recruit.”

While the Steinway designation is a capstone achievement, it also opens the door to future ambitions. For students, the impact is immediate. Every practice room, classroom and performance space is now equipped with Steinway instruments, ensuring that Augusta University musicians are trained on the very best.

Morgan noted that this distinction aligns Augusta University with prestigious peers.

“Most smaller departments of music that are similar in size to ours do not have pianos of this quality for student and faculty use,” she said. “This is a significant privilege and honor. Our current students have the privilege of being able to practice and learn on the best pianos in the world. This designation shows that the music program at AU is committed to excellence and student success.”