Puget Sound's accomplished keyboard faculty have extensive experience performing in worldwide venues and festivals, and are winners of prestigious international competitions. Keyboard students work with outstanding musicians devoted to teaching and enjoy performing on our Steinway concert grands, harpsichords, a fortepiano, and magnificent tracker organ built by alumnus Paul Fritts '72. Through studio lessons, master classes in solo piano and accompaniment, and chamber music ensembles, keyboard majors gain the skills and confidence to become complete musicians.
Puget Sound keyboard students have been selected to perform in the Leeds International Piano Competition and the Gina Bachauer Competition, and have won prizes at the Beethoven Foundation Competition in Indiana and the New Orleans International Competition. Recent accomplishments by Puget Sound keyboard players include faculty appointments at San Francisco Conservatory and Baldwin Wallace College (Ohio), and entry to graduate studies and teaching fellowships at the New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, University of Oregon, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes College of Music. Graduates have also pursued careers as church organists, accompanists, and public school teachers.
Keyboard Faculty
- Ronaldo Rolim, assistant professor of piano
- Wyatt Smith, affiliate artist organ & harpsichord
- Jessica Hall, collaborative pianist
- Isabella Jie, pianist
- David Joyner, affiliate artist, jazz piano
- Xiaohui Yang, affiliate artist, piano
- Jinshil Yi, collaborative pianist
Annual Keyboard Weekend (Nov. 13-15, 2026)
This event is held every fall at the Puget Sound campus and features concerts performed by Puget Sound students and faculty, plus activities devoted to the community. During the weekend, visiting students can have a taste of the Puget Sound experience: attending concerts and special events, getting to know the keyboard program at Puget Sound, having mini-lessons with faculty, and getting acquainted with the facilities at the School of Music and the university at large. Attendance is particularly encouraged for pre-college students, their families and teachers.
2026 Keyboard Weekend Schedule and Registration
Performing Opportunities for Piano Students
- Solo Performance
- Accompaniment
- Chamber Ensembles
- Concerto Competition
- Master Classes
- Wind Ensemble
- Orchestra
- Jazz Band
- Opera One Acts (accompanying)
- Musicals/Operas performed on campus (accompanying)
Jacobsen/Keyboard Professional Artist Series
These concerts throughout the year feature our esteemed educators in action, with the spotlight focused on Puget Sound music faculty, renowned guest artists, and inspiring themed concerts! The Jacobsen Series was established in 1984 in honor of Leonard Jacobsen, former chair of Puget Sound’s piano department. pugetsound.edu/jacobsen
