KEYBOARD DEPARTMENT

The Keyboard Department of the UP College of Music takes pride in its pool of gifted and accomplished pianists among its faculty and students. During its years of existence, it has produced pianists and pedagogues that the country can be proud of. These include Angelina Reyes, Jose Ma. Contreras, Raul Sunico, Albert Tiu, the last 3 having won prizes at international competitions. The pianist-pedagogues par excellence include Rosario Lopez-Garcia, Lucia Francisco, Serafin Magracia, Benedicta Macaisa, Jose Balingit, Perla Suaco, Aida Sanz Gonzales, Asuncion Laureola, Regalado Jose, Avelina Manalo and others.

The main objective of the Keyboard Department is to develop, to the fullest, students of superior musical talent and offer them the highest type of professional training in order that at graduation, they will be fully prepared to enter the professional field of music as solo
performers or as teachers in any institution at the college or university level.

The Keyboard Department continues to pursue its vision of producing world-class pianists by strengthening its curriculum to draw the best from its students. Noted pianist-pedagogues hold annual workshops-masterclasses for the benefit of faculty and students.

Stringent policies regarding entrance auditions and grade requirements are enforced to maintain the highest standards of performance among its piano majors. The faculty members are themselves excellent performers and artists who are dedicated and competent teachers. Keyboard department chairmen in the past include Nita Abrogar-Quinto, Regalado Jose, and Imelda Ongsiako. Carolyn Kleiner Cheng is the current chairman.

The Keyboard curriculum covers the various styles and period in keyboard repertoire from all over the world.

The curricula are principally intended to contribute, in a more dynamic and concentrated
manner, to the development of a rich cultural life in the country, the preservation and intelligent enhancement of the Filipino cultural heritage, and the discovery of music in a larger and more universal context in contemporary life. They also provide for a thorough training for future performers and/or teachers. The major concentration courses are given on a one on one basis while the academic courses are given in small classes.


THE FACULTY:

Carolyn Cheng, Chair
Nita Quinto
Ena Aldecoa
Carmencita Arambulo
Pia Balasico
Jovianney Cruz
Augusto Espino
Mita Fernandez
Geraldine Gonzales
Regalado Jose
Emmanuel Laureola
Luci Magalit
Gemma Malicdem
Charisse Baldoria
Salarza, Armando