The University of Nevada, Reno School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts welcomed young pianists, music educators, families and community members to campus Oct. 17 for Reno Piano Day, a daylong celebration of piano performance, education and musical collaboration.

Organized by Cicilia Yudha, assistant professor of piano, the event brought together students from across Nevada and beyond for masterclasses, workshops and performances led by university faculty and guest artists. Participants represented 10 high schools, including Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, ACE High School, TMCC High School and Davidson Academy, as well as 11 piano studios across Nevada.

A delegation of 19 students from Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, accompanied by Jason Corpuz, director of piano studies, arrived Friday, Oct. 16, for a campus visit. They attended a public masterclass and took part in a question-and-answer session with internationally acclaimed pianist Jon Nakamatsu, gaining insight into his experiences as a professional concert pianist.

Saturday's activities featured masterclasses led by Yudha and Hyeyeon Park, professor of piano, along with presentations and workshops exploring a variety of musical traditions and approaches. Faculty members Aren Long and Adam Benjamin, along with professor emeritus Jim Winn, contributed sessions on collaborative performance, jazz improvisation, and harpsichord and historical performance practices. Corpuz presented a session focused on music education.

"Teaching piano is about more than technique. It's about helping students see the many ways a pianist can contribute to the world: as performer, collaborator, educator, improviser, historian and community builder," Yudha said. "Reno Piano Day was designed to celebrate our craft, our community, and everything the piano can mean across a lifetime."

The afternoon culminated in a student recital at Hall Recital Hall, featuring solo and ensemble performances of works by composers including Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Bartók, Barber and Ginastera. University students joined visiting young musicians in performances highlighting the breadth of talent represented throughout the event.

"We are pleased to have welcomed so many different students and participants to our campus for Piano Day," said Reed Chamberlin, director of the School of Music. "This type of program helps to fulfill the mission of the University, College and the School of Music by serving musicians in our state and region. We are grateful for all who attended."

The event also attracted piano teachers, families and music enthusiasts from throughout Northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region. Participants included students at various stages of musical development, from middle school musicians to advanced high school pianists.

For some families, the experience provided access to educational and performance opportunities that can be difficult to find in their home communities. The event offered young musicians the opportunity to engage with university faculty, learn from their peers and explore different dimensions of piano study and performance.

The weekend's activities extended beyond campus. Approximately 30 participants attended a performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 by Nakamatsu and the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday evening.

Reno Piano Day highlighted the School of Music's commitment to educational outreach, community engagement and the development of young musicians. By bringing together students, teachers and professional artists, the event strengthened connections between the University and the musical communities it serves throughout Nevada and the surrounding region.

Learn more about the School of Music.