Cathy Callis

Faculty, Aaron Copland School of Music
Queens College C.U.N.Y.

Cathy Callis is an award-winning pianist, teacher, coach and consultant. A combination of both extensive teaching and performing experience make for a special and individualized approach to musical instruction. Dr. Callis creates enjoyable and enthusiastic sessions while attending to special needs of each student. She works well with students of all ages, beginner to professional. In demand as a teacher and performer, she teaches piano students on Long Island, New York City, and Columbus, Ohio. Concurrently, she serves on the music faculty of Queens College, offers master classes and performance enhancement workshops, and is a performance consultant for individuals and organizations.

STUDENT COMMENTS:

"Dr. Callis’ knowledge of musical styles, and her understanding of the physiological functions of hand and body while playing, were essential to me in preparation for my first solo performance in over 38 years. She is capable of assisting any pianist, at any level, with goal achievement."
Benjamin F. Wiant, B.Mus, M. Mus, RPT, Columbus, Ohio

"Dr. Callis has an amazing ability for breaking down even the most difficult of pieces into logical and easily manageable patterns. She facilitates the transition from a toiling practice to enjoyable playing sessions."
Danny Funt, age 16, Long Island, New York

"I returned to classical piano at age 40 after having quite in high school in fear of the annual recital. Under her tutelage I re-gained my skills and moved to a new level to gain an understanding of the classical, romantic and twentieth century music I played. She helped me learn to solve and interpret technical and musical problems and to work through my performance anxiety."
Linda Donnelly
Adult piano student, Spring Green, Wisconsin

"I owe my musical life to Cathy Callis. Due to a severe case of tendonitis, I was a pianist on the verge of never playing again. Cathy adeptly diagnosed the technical areas in my playing which were causing my tendonitis. Equally important, she helped me replace years of faulty habits with proper technic. I now play pain free."
Dr. Jack J. Wisneivsky.
B. Mus. Ed., Phd. Psychology, Columbus, Ohio

EDUCATION AND TEACHING:

Cathy Callis holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Eastman School of Music, and is a recipient of Eastman School’s Performer’s Certificate in Piano. Dr. Callis’ piano studies include extensive work with two students of Artur Schnabel, Maria Curcio Diamand in London, England, and Frank Glazer at the Eastman School; contemporary techniques with David Burge, and collaborative piano with Brooks Smith. Master class participation includes work with Vladimir Ashkenazy. Piano pedagogy studies include work with Robert Pace at Columbia University’s Teachers’ College. Additional training include movement studies with an Alexander Technique focus.

Piano students of Dr. Callis range from professional and aspiring musicians to amateurs whose lives are enriched by their musical experience. Specializations include tension reduction while playing, enhancing facility at the keyboard, retraining muscles, working through injuries. . Expertise includes coaching professionals and amateurs in performance and audition skills, projection of the musical line, and stylistic considerations of traditional classical music repertoire, plus a thorough knowledge of contemporary techniques required for Twentieth Century repertoire (inside the piano, prepared piano, new notation, etc.).

She is an adjudicator for the National Guild of Piano Teachers, a member of the National Music Teachers Association, and by invitation joined Delta Kappa Gamma International, a society for outstanding educators.

PERFORMANCE:

A versatile artist, Cathy Callis performs in the United States and abroad, most recently premiering several works in Vienna Austria. She is a grand prize winner of the International Recording Competition sponsored by the American College of Musicians. In addition to performances as a soloist with orchestra, recitalist, and collaborative musician, she has had an extensive career as an orchestral pianist including appointments with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Columbus Symphony and the Chautauqua Symphony.

She was selected as one of three artists to begin the highly successful music component of the Artist-in-Education program for the Ohio Arts Council. Bringing a wealth of experience as an artist in residence, her programs range from traditional settings (K-12) to those designed for gifted and special population groups, corporations, and community groups. She remains active in both the Ohio Arts Council and in New York based programs.

A recent performance at Steinway Hall, New York City, was highly acclaimed for both her musical performance and for her commentary on the traditional listening experience and musical perception. A pianist with a flair for performance, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle wrote Cathy Callis "turns technique into musical gold."