Gifted musicians everywhere dream of teaching at Juilliard's School of Music. It is one of the most prestigious institutions in the nation, having a reputation for producing the elite performers of our day.
For concert artist and Cedarville University music professor John Mortensen, DMA, teaching a masterclass at Juilliard affirms his expertise and the quality of music education that takes place at Cedarville University.
Mortenson’s ability to improvise entire concerts attracts invitations from world-renowned music institutions, including Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music, the Schulich School of Music in Montréal, Canada, and Julliard. At each of these esteemed institutions, Mortensen teaches masterclasses on historical improvisation.
By sharing his expertise at top-tier educational institutions, Mortensen continues to raise the bar in music education in America and, specifically, at Cedarville University. He’s also taught students at universities in Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, Canada and Italy.
During his most recent instruction at Julliard in late February, Mortensen led an improvised performance with students. He also described the entire history and theory of historical improvisation in 90 minutes.
"Although Dr. Mortensen is internationally acclaimed for his accomplished performance, publications, and pedagogy, he prioritizes every one of his students, guiding them skillfully and carefully through everything from piano technique and musicality to the prevention of and care for performance-related injuries," said Dr. Sandra Yang, professor of music history at Cedarville University. "Students consistently improve, thrive, and emerge as accomplished young pianists under this tutelage."
As Yang noted, Cedarville students benefit from Mortensen’s expertise and teaching ability.
"Cedarville has always supported ongoing faculty professional development," said Mortensen. "By traveling and teaching on international concert stages, I have experienced crucial growth as an artist and music educator.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.