The Keyboard Studies faculty at San Jos State University is composed of internationally renowned performing artists. As instructors, they nurture and inspire future performing artists, music educators, and scholars at the highest professional level. At SJSU, a substantial amount of individual instructional attention as well as ample performing opportunities allow students to experience unlimited growth as musicians.<br><br>All keyboard majors at San Jos State University receive applied lessons, taught one-on-one by our faculty. Chamber music, accompanying, orchestral, and jazz classes are also offered to prepare our pianists for versatile performing careers. In addition, piano majors take courses in pedagogy, piano literature, and piano technique. Special courses are offered each year such as Beethoven Sonatas and their Performance Practice in which the instruction focuses on the original intentions of the composer, and The complete piano works of Maurice Ravel considered from a historical and cultural perspective.<br><br>Piano students at SJSU regularly come in contact with world-class artists who are invited by the School of Music and Dance to teach master-classes and perform for the students. In recent years, the roster has included legendary pianists Anton Kuerti, Charles Rosen, Menahem Pressler, John Perry, Ruth Slencynzska, Mack McCray, and Hans Boepple.<br><br>The BM-Bachelor of Music in Music Education, offered by the School of Music and Dance, is approved as subject matter preparation for a single subject credential by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Individuals who do not wish to complete one of the degree programs, or individuals seeking a single subject credential in subject areas not listed, must pass all portions of the appropriate Commission-approved subject matter examination(s).<br><br>Students receive 60-minute weekly lessons every semester in their area of specialty and must participate in the major ensemble of their respective applied area as a co-requisite. In the final semester of applied study, a solo recital is required.