University of Alberta music professor Jacques Després has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame in New York. Considered one of North America’s most prestigious awards for music educators, the honour recognizes Després’ long history of preparing piano students for successful careers as performers, musical directors and teachers.
Després has performed as a soloist with many orchestras, and as a recitalist chamber musician and collaborative artist. He has also served as musical director of the Summer Serenades concert series at the University of Stony Brook’s Staller Center in New York. Having joined the U of A’s Department of Music in 2000, he is still an active performer, instructor and leading voice in Edmonton’s music community.
As we see in this video spotlight, Després has a reputation for nurturing his students’ interest in a broad and eclectic repertoire, often rooted in their own cultural backgrounds.