ASOTA Piano Festival X 2026-2027
September 2026 – April 2027
The University of Mobile Alabama School of the Arts proudly presents Piano Festival X, celebrating ten years of extraordinary piano artistry, education, and performance. Hosted by the University of Mobile—an All-Steinway School—this season brings together internationally recognized guest artists, distinguished educators, accomplished faculty, and talented student performers for a year of inspiring musical experiences.
Whether you’re a pianist, educator, student, or music enthusiast, Piano Festival X offers opportunities to learn, perform, and experience exceptional artistry through concerts, masterclasses, workshops, competitions, and special events.
Festival At A Glance
Hosted by the University of Mobile, an All-Steinway School, on our beautiful South Alabama campus.
• Celebrating 10 years of Piano Festival
• Guest artist recitals featuring internationally acclaimed pianists
• Educational masterclasses and pedagogy workshops
• Faculty and student performances throughout the season
• Piano Ensemble concerts and collaborative performances
• Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition XII
• Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted
Presented by the University of Mobile Alabama School of the Arts.
Festival Schedule
Explore all 13 events of Piano Festival X, featuring guest artists, faculty workshops, student performances, and more.
September 2 | Piano Pedagogy Workshop: "Quality Over Quantity"
Discover practical strategies for making every practice session more intentional and effective. Dr. Yuliya Brown, Director of Piano and Vocal Studies at Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy, shares proven pedagogical approaches for students, teachers, and lifelong pianists alike.
October 1 | Celebrating 10 Years as an All-Steinway School
Join us for a special anniversary concert commemorating a decade of excellence in piano performance, education, and artistry at the University of Mobile. Faculty, students, and special guests come together to celebrate this milestone.
October 21 | Steinway Artist Masterclass with Dr. Natsuki Fukasawa
Internationally acclaimed Steinway Artist Dr. Natsuki Fukasawa brings her global performance experience to the University of Mobile for an inspiring afternoon of coaching, artistry, and musical interpretation.
November 5 | Piano Ensemble Presents "A Tribute to Barbara Laurendine"
Celebrate the remarkable legacy of Mrs. Barbara Laurendine as the University of Mobile Piano Ensemble honors her lasting impact on generations of pianists and music educators through an evening of meaningful performances.
December 1 | Faculty Recital: "Une Soirée de Musique Française"
Journey through the elegance and color of French piano repertoire with Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva and pianist Greg Wiggins in this captivating faculty recital.
December 2 | Guest Artist Masterclass with Gregory Sioles
Renowned pianist and educator Gregory Sioles shares decades of performance and teaching experience while working with University of Mobile piano students in an engaging public masterclass.
January 20 | Piano Workshop: "The Commercial Pianist"
From church music and studio work to touring and collaborative performance, discover the skills and versatility required of today’s commercial pianist with UM faculty member Greg Wiggins.
February 1 | Guest Artist Masterclass with Dr. Ning Lu & Dr. Jie Lu
Experience an afternoon of exceptional teaching as internationally recognized pianists Dr. Ning Lu and Dr. Jie Lu coach University of Mobile piano students in technique, interpretation, and performance.
February 2 | Guest Artist Recital with Dr. Ning Lu & Dr. Jie Lu
Enjoy an evening of virtuosic piano performance as guest artists Dr. Ning Lu and Dr. Jie Lu present a recital featuring expressive artistry and masterful musicianship.
February 13 | Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition XII
Talented young pianists from across the Gulf Coast region compete in the twelfth annual Steinway Society Music Competition, showcasing the next generation of outstanding performers.
March 2 | Piano Majors in Concert: "Concerto Everything"
University of Mobile piano majors present an exciting evening of concerto repertoire alongside instrumentalists and vocalists from the Alabama School of the Arts in one of the festival’s signature student performances.
March 17 | Guest Artist Masterclass with Dr. Marian Lee
Professor and Chair of Music at St. Ambrose University, Dr. Marian Lee offers artistic insight and performance coaching as she works with University of Mobile piano students in this public masterclass.
April 8 | Piano Ensemble Presents "Popular Piano Potpourri"
Conclude Piano Festival X with an entertaining concert featuring the University of Mobile Piano Ensemble performing creative arrangements of beloved popular favorites and audience-pleasing classics.
Questions about the Festival?
Contact Dr. Onalbayeva
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