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From a young age, Dr. Eric Zuber knew that performing and teaching piano would be a central part of his life. Now, this award-winning performer and dedicated teacher will join the faculty of the Michigan State University College of Music with an appointment as assistant professor beginning in August of this year.

“I began playing at four years old, and I can’t remember a time that I thought music and the piano would not be a big part of my life,” Zuber said. “I also knew from a young age that I wanted a life balanced between performing and teaching. I’m thrilled that I will have the opportunity to do just that at MSU. It really is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for me.”

As a performer, Zuber made his orchestral debut at the age of twelve with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Highlights since then include notable accomplishments in some of the world's most prestigious international piano competitions. In a remarkable feat, Zuber earned major prizes at Arthur Rubinstein, Cleveland, Seoul, Sydney, Dublin, Hastings, Honens, and the Piano-e-Competition, all in the short span of just a few years. During that time, he was named a Laureate of the American Pianists Association Classical Fellowship Awards and a Gold Medalist in both the Hilton Head and Bösendorfer international piano competitions. For these and other achievements, the Juilliard School awarded him the Arthur Rubinstein Prize. 

“We are extremely excited to welcome Eric Zuber to the piano faculty,” said Professor of Piano and Chair of the Piano Area Deborah Moriarty. “Eric is an amazing pianist and a wonderful teacher. We look forward to many years working with him.”

Zuber’s impressive list of solo appearances includes performances at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, Merkin Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Severance Hall, and for the International Keyboard Institute and Festival in New York City. His performances with major orchestras in the United States and abroad include Cleveland, Israel, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Phoenix, Sydney, RTE National, and the Royal Philharmonic. 

With degrees from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Juilliard School, Zuber has learned from excellent teachers and programs, and he is excited to bring those experiences to MSU.

“There is no greater joy than helping a student overcome a challenge that they thought might be insurmountable and seeing the look of relief, understanding, and gratitude in their eyes,” Zuber said. “I know how indebted I feel to my own teachers for having given me the keys to unlocking the great secrets of the piano repertoire, both from a technical and artistic perspective.”

Zuber’s teaching experience includes positions at the University of Kansas, Bucknell University, Ball State, the University of Memphis, the Peabody Institute, and at the Bowdoin International Music Festival. He has also joined the faculty for a number of festivals.

After fulfilling his own dream with this new position, he can focus on helping the dreams of MSU piano students come true as well. In fact, he feels it is his “sacred responsibility” to pass on to the next generation what he has learned.

“Michigan State University has one of the leading piano programs in the world, and I am truly honored and excited to join the amazing faculty,” Zuber said. “I look forward to the opportunity that I will have to interact and perform with these wonderful musicians, as well as to help guide the next generation of musical talent in pursuit of their dreams.”