Cann Explores Career Preparation with Music Students

Pianist Michelle Cann presented a special artist talk on preparing for the profession for Shenandoah Conservatory students on Monday, Jan. 31, in Armstrong Concert Hall. Cann discussed her career; her innovative educational and community engagement initiatives; and her advocacy of classical works by Black and female composers. She also answered students’ questions about navigating a career in classical music today. The discussion was moderated by Assistant Professor of Piano Alexander Bernstein ’16, D.M., and followed her World of the Piano performance the day before.

“A compelling, sparkling virtuoso” (Boston Music Intelligencer), Cann made her orchestral debut at age 14 and has since performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. She is also the recipient of the prestigious 2022 Sphinx Organization Medal of Excellence.