The sounds of an international piano competition filled Loyola University's Roussel Performance Hall as Samford University senior Ian Markley sat with friends in the back row, listening intently and debating the merits of each performance.
The competition was just one part of Markley's experience at the New Orleans Piano Institute, a selective summer program that brings together talented young pianists for a week of lessons, masterclasses and performances with distinguished faculty from across the country. Markley earned his spot in the program by submitting an application and performance video, joining a cohort of advanced pianists dedicated to refining their craft.
What began as a summer opportunity quickly became a transformative experience for the piano performance major, who returned with new insights into performance, practice and artistic excellence.
Looking back, one of Markley's favorite memories came from those hours spent listening to elite pianists compete on the international stage while attending institute events.
"If I had to pick one highlight, it would be sitting with friends ranking all of the performances and performers," he said.
That competition also provided one of the most impactful moments of the entire institute. During the final round, Markley listened as the eventual winner performed Franz Liszt's Sonata in B Minor, a performance that left a lasting impression.
"I have never been able to listen to a piece with that much focus and clarity and understanding before," he said. "It showcased what a performance can do if you master every part of musicianship."
Throughout the program, Markley worked closely with distinguished professors from across the nation, including Kevin Chance, associate professor of piano at The University of Alabama School of Music, whose instruction reshaped the way he thinks about piano technique and musical expression.
"One of the most impactful lessons I had was with Dr. Chance," Markley said. "We focused a lot on connection in melodies and how to play those melodies completely clearly and smoothly without the use of the pedal, as it should be used only barely and not as a crutch."
While the institute offered plenty of inspiration, it also challenged him to evaluate his own growth. Observing masterclasses and hearing other advanced pianists perform revealed new opportunities for improvement.
"The most challenging part of this institute was watching other masterclasses and realizing how much more improvement and growth that I am able to make in both my playing and my listening for all of the small details," he said.
Being surrounded by talented pianists from across the country proved equally valuable. Beyond lessons and performances, Markley found motivation in conversations with fellow musicians who shared his passion and dedication.
"The ability to interact with other pianists at this level was very refreshing and motivating," he said. "I was able to see where I fit compared to others, and we were just able to have very insightful conversations about music and piano that I do not often get to have with other people my age."
Among the many lessons he brought home from New Orleans, one simple piece of advice stands out. A faculty member encouraged him to begin journaling his practice sessions each day, a habit he hopes will help him approach his music with greater purpose and consistency.
"Journaling my practice progress every single day will provide me with a much clearer strategy of how to approach my music on a day-to-day basis," he said.
The impact of the institute is already apparent in his playing. Markley believes the experience helped him solve challenges in his current repertoire while also giving him tools he can apply across a wide range of music.
"I feel as if my playing has taken a massive step up," he said. "I was able to discover solutions to all of the problems I was struggling with in my current music, but I was also able to connect answers for some of those problems into other music I am working on. It overall made my music more connected."
When asked to describe the New Orleans Piano Institute in just three words, Markley didn't hesitate: motivating, refreshing and challenging.
Those words capture a summer defined by artistic growth, meaningful friendships, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel as a musician. As he returns to campus, Markley brings with him new strategies, fresh perspectives and renewed inspiration.
And perhaps most importantly, he carries the memory of sitting in the back of a recital hall, listening to a masterful performance of Liszt and discovering a new benchmark for what is possible at the piano.
