Recitals held throughout the year by the school of music offer a change from the norm, giving music students the chance to hear their professors perform.
The recitals often act as inspiration for the dozens of students who attend.
“You get to see the professors in a professional environment and you see their passion for music,” said Lisa Folau, a junior in piano performance. “It’s very motivating because that’s what I want to do — convey messages through music. (The professors) are amazing, but I don’t expect anything less.”
Many students like Folau come to the recitals to reinforce what they learn in the classroom, said Ning Lu, a piano professor who performed last week.
Ning Lu and his wife Jie Lu, who is also a piano professor at the U, have played together in faculty recitals in the past.
“It’s important to perform in order to teach well,” Jie Lu said. “All the pieces you perform you will teach later on, and students obviously want to see (their professors) perform. With constant concerts the students are motivated to want to practice.”
The next recital will be held Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and will feature U piano professors Susan Duehlmeier and Bonnie Gritton performing holiday favorites.
The recitals are free and open to the public. For more information about the performance, call 801-581-6762.