From world-class experiences to the world stage

USCA piano studies students have it all

USCA’s relatively new yet growing piano studies program inspires students to chase their dreams and builds confidence – in the classroom, on the concert stage and beyond. 

“I started playing the piano when I was 4 years old, and it has been a major part of my life ever since. Being able to express myself through music has become the core of my existence,” said Hailey Goodwin, a piano studies major. 

“I was a very quiet child growing up, but being on stage is where I felt smart, confident and at home.”  

Goodwin grew up in Brentwood, California, but discovered her niche with her musical family at USCA. 

“Piano studies at USCA are engaging, in-depth and practical, focusing on the development of skills for future performing, collaborating, graduate school and teaching. Piano studies students receive one-on-one mentoring and unique performance opportunities such as masterclasses, guest lectures, and recitals,” said Dr. Megan Hall, director of piano studies. 

After these foundational experiences and equipped with a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in piano studies, USCA alumni can go after their musical dreams. They may become performers, composers, educators, song writers, musical directors or event planners – just to name a few career options. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job opportunities for music majors will continue growing. The industry can be lucrative as well, earning $31 billion in revenue 2022, according to MIDiA Research. 

“I anticipate steady growth for this program, as we continue to attract talented, dedicated students who thrive in our small community,” Hall said. 

That growth may be attributed to several factors. 

USCA Piano Studies 

The USCA Bachelor of Music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers three specific tracks: instrumental, piano or vocal studies. Since its inception in 2019, the USCA piano studies program has attracted budding pianists.  

“I chose to go to USCA to continue my college education after taking years away to work professionally as a piano tuner and teacher,” said Goodwin. 

“I always wanted to finish my degree, and I was seeking a university with a warm community and close-knit learning experience with faculty. Aiken felt like home.” 

Like Goodwin, some students choose to attend USCA because of the affordable tuition, which has not increased in the last eight years. Several scholarships are also offered. Thanks to the generosity of donors who have established financial support programs, approximately 33 percent of all students graduate from USCA with no debt. 

“Our piano studies program is one of the most exceptional at USCA, and its growth is made possible by donors and partners who believe in the transformative power of the arts,” said Daniel P. Elwell, Sr., vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs. 

“Their investment ensures our students have the instruction, instruments and opportunities they need to excel and thrive as emerging artists.” 

Several students in the piano studies program are on scholarship. Hall schedules auditions for those interested in available scholarships. 

Goodwin is one of those scholarship recipients. The university awarded her the Cleon Mauldin Piano Scholarship. 

“I am paying for my tuition myself at USCA, so receiving this award meant the world to me,” she said. “USCA has been an amazing institution to attend. It has been affordable, and the faculty works closely with students to make their attendance mean something.”  

With only 15 students per music class and a 4-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get a lot of personalized attention. Students learn from highly skilled, practicing musicians with national and international performing experience.  

“Having the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr. Megan Hall has taught me so much as a pianist and a professional in this field,” said Goodwin, Class of ’26. 

“She has challenged me artistically and intellectually, helping round myself as a pianist. Under her guidance, I feel the determination to accomplish my bachelor’s degree, and I have confidently prepared an audition for master's programs I plan to apply for all over the country.” 

Some students choose to participate in a study abroad program that takes them to Orvieto, Italy, Aiken’s sister city. Degree-seeking students concentrating in piano studies can also pursue a teacher certification in either K-12 choral music or K-12 instrumental music. 

Others decide to start their pursuit of being a professional pianist at USCA because of the dynamic experiences the university offers. 

Winter Nocturne 

Since 2009, Ben Cox, a local music lover who has invested thousands into the USCA music program, has endowed the Winter Nocturne program. During this annual concert, Cox works with the USCA music department to bring renowned pianists for a one-night performance for the community. But before the concert, each Winter Nocturne artist conducts a master class with USCA piano studies students. 

“The inspiring Winter Nocturne series connects our students to international performing artists of the highest caliber,” Hall said. 

“These learning experiences are invaluable for our students and inspire them to achieve.”   

This year’s Winter Nocturne featured Terrence Wilson, an accomplished pianist who has performed in major cities throughout the country and around the world. Wilson has played concerti with ensembles in Switzerland, Malaysia, Scotland and Brazil. He has performed in famous venues, including the Louvre in Paris, Lincoln Center in New York City, and the Library of Congress, among others.  

Wilson received several awards and prizes, including the SONY ES Award for Musical Excellence, an Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Juilliard Petschek Award and was nominated for a Grammy. 

Originally from the Bronx, he graduated from The Juilliard School and is now a member of the faculty at Bard College Conservatory of Music. 

All-Steinway School 

As the new concentration in piano studies kicked off in 2019, USCA became an All-Steinway School. At the time, USCA was the only public institution to earn the distinction, which is given to institutions who equip their concert stages, recital halls and practice rooms with Steinway & Sons pianos. The university celebrated the honor with the arrival of a grand piano for the Etherredge Center main stage, which is used by visiting artists, like Wilson, local orchestras and symphonies and USCA piano studies students. 

“The All-Steinway campaign has been an incredibly enriching resource for our students as well. Having access to top-of-the-line instruments benefits our students on a daily basis and prepares them for career and continuing education experiences,” Hall said. 

Talent Showcase 

In addition to access to accomplished guest lecturers and performers, students have frequent opportunities to showcase their talents, too, as Hall arranges for students to perform on campus and in neighboring venues. 

As part of the curriculum, piano studies majors give two solo recitals as milestones in various points of their degree. These recitals challenge students to learn, interpret, memorize, and convey meaning; they are also free and open to the public. This semester, student recitals take place at 3 p.m. March 27 in the Etherredge Center, and 2 p.m. March 28 at Turner's Keyboards in Augusta. 

These performances not only share the talents of USCA students with local audiences, but they also give them professional development and real-world experiences that equip them for their chosen careers. 

“My dream job is to teach at a collegiate level, but I'll be happy anywhere I go with my piano,” Goodwin said. “I love to teach piano. It has always been and will always be my passion in life.  

“My piano teachers made an impact in my life that I'll always be thankful for, and I strive to be like them each day.” 

Go Back More News