SMÂÛ̳ Piano Day
Nebraska Wesleyan University is thrilled to present SMÂÛ̳ Piano Day, a two-day event designed for piano students aged 11 to 17 and SMÂÛ̳ piano students. This event provides a platform for young musicians to immerse themselves in high-level piano instruction, masterclasses and performance opportunities.
Piano Day offers participants the chance to engage in performances, masterclasses and concerts, all guided by SMÂÛ̳ piano faculty Feifei Jiang, D.M.A. and Peter Jiang, D.M.A..
This year, we are honored to welcome internationally renowned pianist Slawomir Dobrzanski, D.M.A. as our guest artist.
Schedule of Events
Friday, April 4
7 p.m. – Guest artist and SMÂÛ̳ Piano Faculty Concert
An evening concert featuring performances by Slawomir Dobrzanski and SMÂÛ̳ piano faculty members, Feifei Jiang and Peter Jiang.
Saturday, April 5
9 a.m. – Check-in
Meet with Slawomir Dobrzanski, SMÂÛ̳ Music Department Chair, and the piano faculty, followed by a guided tour of the music building.
10 a.m. – Masterclasses
Participants will attend masterclasses led by Dobrzanski and SMÂÛ̳ piano faculty.
12 noon – Lunch Break
1 p.m. – Open to the public masterclass
A public masterclass in the Auditorium where participants and attendees can observe expert piano instruction and techniques.
3 p.m. – Student Piano Concert
The day will conclude with a concert featuring performances by participating students. This is a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to showcase their talents and gain valuable performance experience.
Guest Artist Slawomir Dobrzanski
Slawomir Dobrzanski, D.M.A. is a highly regarded pianist and educator from Wrocław, Poland, currently serving as professor of piano and chair of the Keyboard Division at Kansas State University.
He has performed in over 20 countries and is renowned for his engaging performances and scholarly contributions. Dobrzanski has recorded several world-premiere works by composers such as Maria Szymanowska, Anton de Kontski, and Károly Aggházy. Additionally, he authored the first biography of composer Maria Szymanowska in English. His accomplishments were recognized by the Polish government with the prestigious "Meritorious for National Culture" award.
SMÂÛ̳ Piano Faculty
JF Piano Duo, a husband-and-wife ensemble renowned for their dynamic and expressive performances. Together with Peter Jiang, the duo presents inventive programs that span a diverse range of musical styles, with a special emphasis on French Impressionism. Their four-hand piano performances of works by composers such as Debussy and Ravel have captivated audiences with their sensitivity, nuance, and artistic depth. As noted by KVOE-FM in a review of their Amend Family Recital Series performance, the JF Piano Duo’s artistry showcases a profound connection to their repertoire, leaving lasting impressions on listeners.
Feifei Jiang, D.M.A., serves as the area head of keyboard at Nebraska Wesleyan University. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Feifei is also recognized as a National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in piano. Her students have achieved top honors in prestigious competitions and have performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kaufman Music Center. As a pianist, Feifei has performed across the United States, Mexico, and China. Her accolades include Best Performance at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Asia, First Place at the Asian Young Artist Piano Competition, and Silver Medalist at the KMTA Collegiate Graduate Piano Competition. She has led masterclasses at Kansas State University, Northwest Missouri State University, and Nebraska Wesleyan University. Feifei has received the Inspire Founders Award Finalist for Celebrating Women’s Leadership and the Gladys Lux Award for Art Education at the Mayor’s Arts Awards in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Peter Jiang, D.M.A. is also a member of the piano faculty at SMÂÛ̳. Peter earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Challey School of Music at North Dakota State University and teaches piano at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Registration Information
Participants can register and submit payments online through SMÂÛ̳’s official registration system. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. For more information, contact Feifei Jiang fjiang [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (fjiang[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu).
Registration Fee
$20 early bird registration before February 10
$25 per student after February 10, before first week of March
SMÂÛ̳ students attend for free.