The department of Music at Murray State University has been a member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1936 and has a long and outstanding tradition of excellence. Graduates with degrees in music from Murray State serve as leading musicians in such roles as opera singers, popular recording artists, professional symphony musicians, jazz educators, songwriters, recording engineers, television writers, public school music teachers, university music department chairs, instrument technicians, church musicians, and college music teachers. Within this academic framework our department provides a comprehensive music education for the aspiring professional teacher, performer and composer. Our outstanding faculty, facilities and resources are why this department is held in such high regard as the musical center of the region. Murray State University offers a wide variety of academic and performance opportunities for aspiring pianists, and prides itself at being able to do so at a very affordable tuition. Students may seek undergraduate degrees in the following areas: performance, education (Bachelor of Music), emphasis in music (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science), and Keyboard Studies (BA/BS). The Keyboard Studies major is a singular program that requires study in piano, organ, harpsichord, and music synthesis. Our keyboard faculty has extensive performance experience in the United States and abroad, both as soloists and collaborators, as well as vast teaching experience in the applied lesson, in the classroom, and in master classes across the country. Students who study piano at Murray State are held to high standards of hard work and musicianship, but within a very nurturing and supportive environment of enthusiastic and like-minded peers. With over 100 concerts each academic year, the solo and collaborative performance opportunities for our undergraduates are endless. Additionally, student chapters of Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Association for Music Educators are active in the Music Department.