Keith Ward

Director, School of Music

Phone: 253.879.3700
E-mail

A native of New Jersey, Dr. Ward earned his bachelor of music degree from West Chester University, master of music in piano pedagogy from Northwestern University, and a doctor of music in piano performance, also from Northwestern.  His teachers include Arthur Tollefson, Robert Weirich, Richard Veleta, and Robert Pennington.  As a performer he has specialized in music of the early twentieth century and American piano music from the nineteenth century, appearing in concerts on many campuses and radio.  In essays, reviews, critical editions, and presentations, his publications and scholarship have focused on the music of Arnold Schoenberg and Charles Ives, American piano music of the 18th and 19th centuries, and on musical responses to the AIDS pandemic.  He also has presented many clinics and workshops on piano teaching, piano repertoire, instructional technology, and piano pedagogy.  In the area of academic administration, management, and leadership, he has been active as a writer, reviewer, panelist, and workshop facilitator.  "I came to Puget Sound because of its success in wedding pre-professional programs in music with the breadth of a liberal arts education, and because of its commitment to undergraduate education," says Ward. "The School of Music boasts an impressive faculty of national stature. As mentors, model teachers, and caring individuals, my colleagues in the School of Music encourage students to achieve at the highest levels. There is a positive, supportive air about this school. I cannot think of a better place to be."