FACULTY KUDOS: Dr. Steve Katz receives Steinway award

New York-based Steinway & Sons and Amro Music of Memphis earlier this month named Southwest Professor Emeritus of Music Dr. Steve Katz as a 2018 Steinway Top Teacher. This award recognizes the best piano teachers nationally.

Dr. Katz received the award during one of his master classes in the Amro Music Auditorium where his colleagues shared quotations from many of his piano students. One pupil wrote, “As a senior citizen, I find Steve very supportive.  It is great fun to keep growing and learning new things.” Another succinctly declared, “Steve Katz rejuvenates my brain.”

Katz graciously credited his students for his success. “When you learn, I learn. When you grow, I grow. Thank you for helping me become a better teacher, a better musician, and a better person.”

Amro Music Piano Department Coordinator Ben Fonville presented Katz with the prestigious award.  He says Katz is one of the most respected piano teachers in the nation.  “In addition to his work simply teaching piano, Dr. Katz makes time to personally participate in the piano selection experience for his students, to ensure they have a quality instrument. He also involves them in his own charitable work, raising money for many good causes.”

Katz is a Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude graduate of Tulane University. He holds doctoral degrees in Education and Piano Performance. Dr. Katz also taught at Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He currently teaches piano in his home studio in east Memphis where he specializes in teaching students 14 years old and older.