September 18-19, 2026
Brodbeck Concert Hall, Center for the Arts
The UW-Platteville Piano Festival is a biennial celebration of piano performance and learning, offering a unique opportunity for young pianists, UW-Platteville piano students, local teachers, and community members to come together through music. Held in Brodbeck Concert Hall, home to two Steinway Model D concert grand pianos, this two-day event features public piano lessons, a guest artist recital, an interactive Q&A session with our guest artist, and the opportunity to perform in a participant recital.
All lessons are open for public observation, allowing students and teachers alike to gain insight into teaching approaches and performance interpretation. This warm and supportive event is designed to inspire musicians of all ages who have studied piano for at least five years, fostering artistic growth in a professional yet friendly environment. Whether performing, observing, or simply listening, attendees will enjoy a rich musical experience filled with encouragement, curiosity, and connection.
Festival Highlights
Guest Artist Recital | Friday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.
Experience an exciting evening of piano music with Dr. Tanya Gabrielian, featuring works by Bartók, Brahms, de Falla, and Franck/Cortot—a program filled with rhythmic energy, lyricism, drama, and virtuosity.
Public Piano Lessons | Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19
Open to the public, these lessons offer students, teachers, and observers the opportunity to experience Dr. Gabrielian’s teaching and gain new perspectives on repertoire, interpretation, technique, and performance.
Artist Talk Q&A | Saturday, Sept. 19 at 3 p.m.
This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Gabrielian’s perspective, teaching, techniques, and the themes behind their performances. The session is informal and encourages open dialogue between the artist and the audience. Use this form to submit questions and comments in advance.
Participant Recital | Saturday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.
Featuring performances by festival participants, this recital gives young pianists the opportunity to perform in Brodbeck Concert Hall on our Steinway Model D concert grand pianos and share their music with the community.
Public Piano Lessons and Participant Recital
Elementary, middle, and high school students, including homeschool pianists, as well as piano teachers and community pianists are invited to participate. Participation is encouraged for pianists who are prepared to perform a solo piano work, preferably from the WSMA Class A Solo & Ensemble repertoire list or at a similar level. Pianists of any age with at least five years of piano study are also welcome to participate.
The $50 registration fee includes a private lesson with guest artist Dr. Tanya Gabrielian and the opportunity to perform in the Participant Recital. The recital offers participants the experience of performing in a large concert hall on our beautiful Steinway Model D concert grand pianos in a professional concert setting.
We are thrilled to welcome guest artist Dr. Tanya Gabrielian, internationally celebrated concert pianist, recording artist, and distinguished educator.
What to Expect
- Individual lesson (approximately 50 minutes, depending on repertoire length) — lessons are open to the public
- Participation in the Participant Recital
- Opportunities to observe other participants’ lessons
- Admission to the Guest Artist Recital
- Artist Talk Q&A — participants are encouraged to submit questions and comments in advance using the provided form.
Fees
Pre-college participants: $50
The registration fee includes an individual lesson with Dr. Gabrielian (up to 50 minutes, depending on repertoire length) and participation in the Participant Recital. The Guest Artist Recital, public lessons, and Artist Talk Q&A are free and open to the public.
UW-Platteville music majors and minors: free with student ID
UW-Platteville students majoring or minoring in music receive complimentary admission to all festival activities.
Arrival information
All events take place at UW-Platteville Brodbeck Concert Hall, Center for the Arts.
- Driving directions
- Parking Lot Map (Park in Lot 1; free on weekends)
Previous guest artists
These distinguished artists have brought diverse perspectives and rich musical experiences to our festival, inspiring students, parents, and the local community through performances, masterclasses, interactive Q&A sessions, and collaborative events.
- Professor Gregory Chaverdian – Concordia University, Montréal, Canada (along with his student, Angela Yixuan Miao the Grand Prize winner of the 2023 OMNI International Music Competition)
- Dr. Sergio Ruiz – University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Dr. Javier Pinell, violinist – Sam Houston State University, Texas (in collaboration with Dr. Ruiz)