Local Edmonton piano teacher Dr. Jacques C. Després has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame, a prestigious designation recognizing the work of North America’s most committed and passionate piano educators. 

Dr. Després has had a multi-decade career as an international concert and recording artist, clinician, lecturer, and a passionate teacher. Since joining the University of Alberta Music Department in 2000, he has been responsible for supporting and significantly advancing the musical development of countless young pianists. His influence and legacy are reflected in numerous students actively teaching and performing both here and abroad. He continues to be an active performer, instructor and leading voice in the Edmonton music community. 

Piano Centre has served Edmonton’s musical community since 1985 and has represented Steinway and Sons since 2007. Their relationship with Dr. Després began with University of Alberta’s selection and purchase of new Steinway instruments for the music department beginning in 2009. “We have gotten to know Jacques well over many years and greatly admire the passion, expertise and excellence he brings to teaching to our community,” said Alex Lorieau, Vice-President of Piano Centre. “His body of work, and the contribution he has made to the development of so many musicians are eminently worthy of celebration. We are delighted that Steinway provided this ideal opportunity to honour him.”.

This fall, 67 teachers from the United States and Canada were inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame with special events hosted at the historic Steinway factory in New York City. Teachers were selected for this award for their outstanding instruction and leadership in acoustic piano education and their commitment to teaching in their community for over a decade. Each teacher inducted into the Hall of Fame is part of the Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner Program (STEP) and was nominated by a Steinway & Sons showroom in the teacher’s home region. The teachers’ names are now displayed on a commemorative display wall inside the iconic factory. 

“Music education has been a cornerstone of our historic company since the late 1800s, and today is no different,” said Gavin English, President of Steinway & Sons Americas. “We are very proud to work with the talented music educators inducted this fall into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame. These teachers foster passion, creativity, and discipline in the next generation of piano artists. Their work deserves the highest praise.”

The Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner Program (STEP) is designed for piano instructors and affiliated studio partners to enhance their relationship with Steinway & Sons and to further support their piano instruction. By becoming a Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner, teachers receive several benefits and unique opportunities including access to workshops, concerts, masterclasses, and various special events as well as the opportunity for the prestigious designation of being inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame.

About Steinway & Sons
Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and value. Because of a dedication to continuous improvement, today’s Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.