February Program
February 9, 2024 – Andrew Focks
Masterclass
Speaker Biography:
An award-winning pianist, Dr. Andrew Focks has performed as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician in venues throughout the United States, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Germany, England, and China. He has made successful solo debuts in concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall, and been broadcasted on television and radio. Within the United States he has appeared in dozens of cities including Boston, New York, Cleveland, Houston, Tampa, and Chicago.
A devoted teacher and mentor, Dr. Focks’ students have performed in such venues at the Capitol Fourth Celebration on PBS television, The Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl, the White House, Carnegie Hall, Severance Hall, as the Classical Artist for the BBC Night of the Proms European tour, and many more. His students have included Grammy award winners, national and international competition prizewinners, as well as piano teachers across all levels. Published by Piano Magazine, he is the past president of the Ohio Music Teachers Association, and regularly adjudicates piano competitions and presents masterclasses and lectures including at noted keyboard conventions and conferences around the world.
Dr. Focks received early music training from Patty Clark, followed by several years at the New England Conservatory (Preparatory Division). He earned a Bachelors in piano performance from Florida State University, a Masters in piano performance from Rice University, and a Doctorate in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he immediately became a member of their faculty. For years he has been mentored by the great Brazilian pianist and pedagogue, Arnaldo Cohen. Additional mentors have included Jon Kimura Parker, Ya-Fei Chuang, Robert Levin, Read Gainsford, and Daniel Shapiro. His education was supplemented by numerous festivals and academies, including seven summers at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.
Additionally, Andrew Focks is a licensed commercial-rated pilot and flight instructor, and since joining the Michigan music scene last summer has served as pianist for Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, and the Grand Rapids Symphony.