Louis Nagel - Concert Pianist

Louis Nagel is Professor Emeritus of Piano and Piano Literature at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He has coupled that responsibility with his lifelong appearances as a concert pianist and lecturer about music. Students have said “he is my favorite professor”, “he really goes above and beyond for his students”, “caring”, and “an exciting and intelligent performer”.

Reviews have cited “a smashing performance of the Liszt Sonata”, “compelling Pictures at an Exhibition” of Mussorgsky, and “a pedagog, performer, and scholar all synthesized” after a program of four of the six Partitas of J.S.Bach.

Winner of the Harold Waugh Award for Excellence in Teaching at the School of Music Theatre and Dance, Dr. Nagel has shared his teaching and performing skills with audiences throughout the United States and abroad. Performances have taken him to Canada, Israel, Taiwan, the then Soviet Union, Italy, Australia, Hungary, and Poland among many international venues.

In the United States, he has been a frequent and popular presenter at national music conferences and local and regional music organizations. He is equally comfortable (and happy) on the concert stage or a senior citizen’s retirement home or study group, and illustrates a variety of repertoire covering the common practice period.

Retired from the university since 2015, he maintains an active interest and devotion to teaching from his home, from his favorite venue at the Kerrytown Concert House, and over zoom. He welcomes inquires about lessons. A graduate with three degrees from Juilliard, he is a Steinway Artist.

"What makes a great teacher? One that looks inside the student to see individual skills and talent. Then builds on these gifts to empower the student to create their unique voice. This is a rare skill and insight that may not be pedigogical."