Piano Master Class with celebrated pianist John McCarthy

The 2024 Hoff-Barthelson Master Class Series continues with celebrated pianist John McCarthy on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:15 pm. This series of classes features coaching sessions from globally acclaimed musicians and educators.

The class will be held at the School, located at 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, and is open to the public to observe free of charge. However, reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.hbms.org, e-mailing hb@hbms.org, or calling 914-723-1169.

About the Hoff-Barthelson Music School Master Class Series
Master class coaching by guest artists has been a cornerstone of Hoff-Barthelson’s curriculum since the School’s founding in 1944. This distinguished tradition continues this season with a roster of world-class musicians and educators including Daniel Phillips, violin; composers Reiko Füting and Alyssa Weinberg; Hai-Ye Ni, cello; John McCarthy, piano; and Alexa Still, flute.

Master classes provide a transformative experience for both students and audiences. Following meticulous preparation, students showcase their talents, receiving invaluable feedback and guidance from master teachers. This interaction challenges students to approach their pieces in new and critical ways, resulting in inspiring and enlightening performances. Yet the impact extends beyond those on stage—all attendees can learn by observing the creative process firsthand. As iconic performers coach the next generation, the audience gains insight into musical artistry and interpretation. Even developing musicians are granted a rare glimpse into the mastery of world-class artists.

“We are honored to welcome John McCarthy to HBMS for this special piano master class,” said HBMS Executive Director Gabriella Sanna. “His talent and experience will serve as an inspiration for our students as they continue to strive for excellence in their musical pursuits.”

About John McCarthy
John McCarthy has served on the faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for over fifty years. He has also taught at UC Berkeley, Lone Mountain College, the Pacific Music Festival at Stanford University, and the International Institute for Young Musicians at the University of Kansas.

During his tenure as director of the Preparatory Division at the Conservatory, McCarthy brought his program to a place of international prominence and was a member of the Education Committee of the San Francisco Symphony. Upon retirement from administration in 2011, he was bestowed the title of “Director Emeritus” by the Conservatory.

In 2006, he was one of three teachers of classical music to receive a Distinguished Teacher Award from the Department of Education and the White House Committee on Presidential Scholars in the Arts. This honor was received again in 2013 for his “substantial contributions to the development of the nation’s young people.”

As a performer, McCarthy has premiered works by David Del Tredici, Gerard Grisey, and Frederic Rzewski. He has performed with the San Francisco Symphony in Davies Symphony Hall and at the Ojai Festival with the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players. He and his wife, Annamarie, have performed numerous recitals as a piano duo, notably at Stanford University and the Bracebridge Concerts at Yosemite National Park. His principal teachers include Martin Canin, Robert Helps, Bernhard Abramowitsch, and Katja Andy.

About Hoff-Barthelson Music School
Hoff-Barthelson Music School has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its unsurpassed leadership in education, performance, and community service. With a faculty drawn from the region’s most talented teachers and performers, Hoff-Barthelson has long been one of Westchester County’s most cherished cultural resources. At Hoff-Barthelson, students find a warm, friendly music school dedicated to the highest standards of education, performance, and community service. Students of all ages, aptitudes, and levels of interest enjoy a supportive, joyful learning environment; a focus on the whole person; exceptional teaching; and a multifaceted curriculum.