President Laurie A. Carter | Official website
President Laurie A. Carter | Official website
Lawrence University senior Benjamin Keating has been named the winner of the Wisconsin Division of the National Music Teachers Association’s Young Artist Piano Performance Competition. Keating, who studies under Catherine Kautsky, the George and Marjorie Olsen Chandler Professor of Music, will now advance to the regional level of this national competition. The Young Artist Competition is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“The competition is really stiff,” Keating commented. “It’s a great way to both meet other pianists and get feedback from professionals and teachers.”
Keating hails from Urbana, Illinois, and is pursuing studies in conducting and piano performance with a focus on collaborative piano at Lawrence's Conservatory of Music. This marks his second victory at the state level in this competition series. As a result, he will represent Wisconsin in the East Central Division.
For his performance, Keating selected three pieces: Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3; Carl Nielsen’s Chaconne, Op. 32; and George Walker’s Piano Sonata No. 2. He intends to use these pieces for applications to programs following his graduation from Lawrence.
“He’s an extraordinary musician in every possible way,” said Kautsky, chair of the Keyboard Department in the Conservatory. “He’s got a wonderful musical mind.”
Keating chose Lawrence University after experiencing a trial lesson with Kautsky and was attracted by its collaborative environment and student-led opportunities within the Conservatory.
“In a lot of places, if you’re a piano major, you’re just playing piano," Keating explained. "But at Lawrence it’s so much more than that. You get to collaborate. You get to take what classes you want."
In addition to his piano studies, Keating participates in the Conservatory’s Opera Theatre program and sings with the Lawrence University Concert Choir. He plans to pursue further education through a graduate program where he can continue developing as both a pianist and conductor.
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